Akira Tozawa

Biography

Akira Tozawa, born on July 22, 1985, is a Japanese professional wrestler currently signed to WWE. Known for his explosive style and charismatic performances, Tozawahas carved out a niche for himself in the highly competitive landscape of professional wrestling.

Career History

Tozawa began his professional wrestling career in 2005 with Dragon Gate, a promotion based in Japan. He honed his craft there and became a recognizable name within the promotion. In 2010, Tozawa ventured to the United States and competed in various independent wrestling promotions, including Pro WrestlingGuerrilla (PWG), where he built a cult following due to his energetic performances and unique wrestling style.

In 2016, Tozawa was signed by WWE and became a part of the Cruiserweight Classic, a tournament to showcase the world’s best cruiserweight wrestlers. After impressing in the tournament, Tozawabecame a mainstay on WWE’s cruiserweight-focused show, 205 Live.

Throughout his WWE tenure, Tozawa has been involved in various storylines, including being part of Titus Worldwide, a faction led by Titus O’Neil, and a recurring character in the comedic 24/7 Championship segments.

Biggest Matches and Rivalries

One of Tozawa’s most significant rivalries in WWE was against Neville for the
Cruiserweight Championship. Their match at the Great Balls of Fire pay-per-view in
2017 was a high point in Tozawa’s WWE career. In Dragon Gate, his feud with Shingo Takagi was a notable part of his career, showcasing Tozawa’s ability to engage in high-octane and compelling matches.

Titles Won

Over the course of his career, Tozawa has won several championships. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
1. Open the Twin Gate Championship in Dragon Gate (2 times, with BxB Hulk and Shingo Takagi)
2. Open the Triangle Gate Championship in Dragon Gate (4 times, with various partners)
3. WWE Cruiserweight Championship
4. WWE 24/7 Championship (Multiple times)

Finishing Move

Tozawa’s finishing move, the Senton Bomb, showcases his high-flying style. It’s a move where Tozawa leaps off the top rope and lands back-first on his opponent, embodying his dynamic in-ring approach.

Attire and Entrance Music

Akira Tozawa usually sports trunks and boots in the ring, often with a Japanese motif to honor his roots. His WWE entrance theme, “Straw Hat,” is a blend of traditional Japanese music and modern beats that matches his energy and charismatic character.

Family Life

While Tozawa keeps his private life largely out of the public eye, it is known that he has a family back in Japan. Despite the distance and rigorous WWE schedule, he often travels back to Japan to spend time with them.

Sponsorships

Like other WWE wrestlers, Akira Tozawa has been featured in WWE’s video games, including the WWE 2K series, through their partnership with 2K Sports. His likeness has also been used for WWE action figures in collaboration with Mattel.

Conclusion

From his beginnings in Dragon Gate to his current role in WWE, Akira Tozawa has remained a captivating performer. His high-energy style, combined with his charisma, has led to a successful career in the competitive world of professional wrestling. Regardless of where he’s performing, Tozawa brings a unique flavor to his matches that set him apart.