::Naofumi Yamamoto::
::Bio::
Real Name: Naofumi Yamamoto
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 225 lbs
Date Of Birth: August 1, 1977
Birthplace: Gifu, Japan
Debut: 10/12/2002
Promotion Currently Wrestles For: NJPW
Signature Moves:
Texas Cloverleaf Hold
Wakigatame (reverse armbreaker, see pic 2)
Backdrop Suplex (see p3)
Body Scissors + Heel Hook
Fishermans Suplex Hold
Forearm Smash
Dropkick
Titles Won:
None
Tournaments Won:
None
Notable Facts:
Competed in both wrestling and boxing events during his days at Kokushikan University, doing well in competition.
Signed with NJPW in March 2002, training very hard in the dojo.
Trained for a month at the Inoki Dojo in Los Angeles, learning many skills and gaining experience to use against fellow wrestlers.
Picked up his first win on the DREAM*WIN 12/23/2002 Korakuen Hall end of year show, beating fellow young lion Ryusuke Taguchi.
Started getting into a role, and storylines in July 2004 when he joined up with Shinsuke Nakamura in his Noke Kekki-gun, which means New Uprising Army.
After months of inconsistency of form and losing from Fall 2004-March 2005, Yamamoto finally started gaining success and consistent form in his results in late April 2005. Since then moved up from facing fellow young lions, to veteran wrestlers. Generally the next step from facing a young wrestler's peers.
Progressed even more and grew as a pro-wrestler in the 2nd half of 2005, getting wins, building rivlaries, and consistent form. An intense and heart-filled performance on 12/25/2005 at Korakuen Hall vs. dojo class peer Shinsuke Nakamura, capping off his turn-around year.
Developed a scrappy rivalry with ZERO-ONE MAX young prospect Ryouji Sai when New Japan and Z1 MAX began feuding in October 2005, beginning at the 10/8/2005 Tokyo Dome show.
In the first tour of 2006, Yamamoto continued his growth and climb as a wrestler, fighting higher up the card in bigger matches, and in main events.
One of New Japan's many great athletic background skilled prospects, and will definitely be a valuable part of New Japan's future and heavyweight division.
Stand Out Bouts:
Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Toru Yano (NJPW 12/23/02)
Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Ryusuke Taguchi (NJPW 3/19/04)
Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Yujiro (NJPW 12/12/04)
::Pictures::
Naofumi Yamamoto
Naofumi Yamamoto 2
Naofumi Yamamoto 3
Naofumi Yamamoto 4
