Masahiro Chono

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Chono debuted professionally in 1984 against Keiji Mutoh at an NJPW event in Saitama, Japan. In 1987, he defeated Shinya Hashimoto to win the Young Lions Cup. After winning the tournament, he went on an excursion that started in Europe, wrestling for Otto Wanz's Catch Wrestling Association. He later went to North America, wrestling in Central States Wrestling, Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling, and Puerto Rico, where he, Hashimoto, and Mutoh formed The Three Musketeers. Upon his return to NJPW in October 1989, he debuted his signature move, the STF, on October 15, 1989. On December 26, 1990, he defeated his mentor, wrestling legend Lou Thesz, when Thesz came out of retirement for one last match. The next year, Chono solidified his main-event status with a performance in the first G1 Climax tournament, winning the tournament in a thirty-minute final over Mutoh. He won the tournament again in 1992, winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in the process. On September 23, 1992, Chono suffered a serious neck injury from a botched sitdown tombstone piledriver while defending the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Steve Austin. On January 4, 1993, he lost the NWA World title to IWGP Heavyweight champion The Great Muta in a Title vs. Title match. In August 1994, he won his third G1 Climax tournament, defeating Power Warrior in the finals. A short time after, he turned heel, angered that Power Warrior received a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship before him, and adopted a yakuza gimmick. Chono's partnering with Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Hiro Saito as "Team Wolf" provided a foundation to NJPW's nWo Japan. He joined the American nWo in December 1996. He won the IWGP Heavyweight Title in 1998. In 2002, Chono won his fourth G1 Climax tournament. In 2005, he won the G1 Climax tournament, achieving a record-setting five G1 victories. On October 30, 2005, Chono and Tenzan defeated the team of Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi to win their fifth IWGP Tag Team Championship. The team renamed themselves Cho-Ten. In January 2010 it was reported that Chono would be leaving New Japan and becoming a freelancer. On February 21, 2023, Chono was challenged to an impromptu match by Keiji Muto during Muto's retirement show at the Tokyo Dome, which Chono won. Chono announced his own retirement following the match.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights dimmed, casting long shadows across the canvas where two titans stood locked in a stare-down. The air was thick with anticipation, the crowd's roar a distant hum compared to the heavy breathing of Masahiro Chono. He adjusted his trunks, eyes narrowing as he visualized the path to victory. With a sudden burst of energy, he launched himself forward, not just attacking an opponent, but challenging history itself.

Reader's Guide

Chono debuted his signature move, the STF, on October 15, 1989. He won the G1 Climax tournament five times (1991, 1992, 1994, 2002, 2005), earning the nicknames "Mr. August" and "Mr. G1". He is a two-time world champion, with one reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion and NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion each. He is also a seven-time IWGP Tag Team Champion. Key feuds defined Chono's career, most notably his legendary rivalry with Keiji Mutoh. Another significant chapter involved his long-standing conflict with Shinya Hashimoto. Chono's impact on the Strong Style philosophy is profound. He demonstrated that strength and technical skill could coexist, inspiring a new generation of wrestlers to develop well-rounded arsenals. His multiple reigns as IWGP Heavyweight Champion solidified his status as a pillar of the company, ensuring his legacy remains intact.

Did You Know?

• Chono holds the record for most wins at the G1 Climax at 5, earning him the nicknames 'Mr. August' and 'Mr. G1'.
• He debuted his signature move, the STF, on October 15, 1989.
• On September 23, 1992, Chono suffered a serious neck injury from a botched sitdown tombstone piledriver while defending the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Steve Austin.
• Chono defeated his mentor, wrestling legend Lou Thesz, on December 26, 1990, when Thesz came out of retirement for one last match.
• On February 21, 2023, Chono won an impromptu match against Keiji Muto during Muto's retirement show at the Tokyo Dome, then announced his own retirement.