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Simply known as “The Wrestler”, Katsuyori Shibata is one of the most believably legit badasses anywhere in pro wrestling. The former MMA fighter is back in NJPW after many years away and with him has brought a simple, yet unique style to the company.
With black trunks, black kneepads and black kick pads, Shibata is straightforward with no nonsense and comes to the ring simply to fight.
Shibata has an aura of danger around him and with that presence his matches are usually a spectacle of realism, violence and physicality.
Since returning to NJPW in August of 2012, Shibata has won over the NJPW crowd and has had a steady rise since then with blistering performances in the last two G1 Climax tournaments. He was even considered an outside favorite to win it all this year.
Rumors have swirled that there is tension between Shibata and established roster members such as Tanahashi and Nakamura due to Shibata’s decision to leave NJPW to pursue MMA just as all those guys were breaking into the company. Tanahashi had harsh words for Shibata in his book questioning Shibata’s commitment and also his emphasis on Japanese “Strong Style”, something that Tanahashi doesn’t believe in. They met for the first time in this years G1 and tension could be felt before the opening bell.
Shibata picked up the biggest win of his career there and Tanahashi won the return match at Destruction this past September, even offering his hand to Shibata afterwards symbolizing that he had indeed earned his respect and was seen by Tanahashi as a valuable member of the NJPW roster.
Shibata has had other notable matches since returning against Tomohiro Ishii. A series of matches that are some of the most physical and realistic you will ever see. Shibata and Ishii both wrestle in fifth gear and don’t exactly hold back when it comes to laying strikes. The head butts in these matches are enough to make any grown man wince.
Shibata has also tangled with former school mate Hirooki Goto in another series of blistering affairs and have also teamed up for a large portion of the year after battling it out at Wrestle Kingdom last January.
Shibata also picked up a huge win over Shinsuke Nakamura on the opening day of the G1 Climax and challenged him for the Intercontinental championship at Power Struggle - another stepping stone in Shibata winning approval from the elite in NJPW.
Right now Shibata looks to be in with a chance of winning his first gold in NJPW as the fans are more than ready for Shibata to push through and join Tanahashi, Okada and Nakamura in the top tier of NJPW.
Some will say Shibata might never break through due to backstage politics, however I think the Tanahashi hand shake had more meaning than just a storyline embrace between two gladiators.
What to look out for?
As mentioned above, Shibata’s main appeal is his realism and his believable ring style. Watch out for his ferociously stiff strikes which have an MMA influence.
His corner dropkick is devastating and is usually filmed in such a way that makes it look like he is committing a murder. He has used the Octopus Hold this year (AJ Lee’s Black Widow... I bet thats the first time AJ and Shibata have ever been compared!).
Shibata's finish consists of a modified Go To Sleep followed up with a PK (Penalty Kick) to the chest or face. If you like Japanese “Strong Style” and brutal, believable physicality, Shibata is someone you need to watch.
Katsuyori Shibata vs Hirooki Goto – Dominion 2013
Head butts. Just watch and listen. This match sums up Shibata’s style perfectly as he takes on one of his top rivals Hirooki Goto. It can be seen here.
Katsuyori Shibata vs Shinsuke Nakamura G1 Climax Block A Match
This match is from the opening day of the tournament. This was a hugely anticipated meeting with high expectations as Nakamura and Shibata have two styles that mesh perfectly. Considered a dream match, this one delivered and Shibata scores a major upset over tournament favorite Nakamura. It can be seen here.
Katsuyori Shibata vs Hiroshi Tanahashi – Destruction 2014
After Shibata’s win in the G1, Tanahashi wanted his win back. With tension still in the air after comments made in Tanahashi’s book and Shibata’s response. This match had all the makings of a classic with a big fight atmosphere. After the match the handshake is hugely significant as Tanahashi accepts Shibata as his equal in NJPW. It can be viewed here.
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