Makoto Shiozaki (born July 21, 1980) is a Japanese professional wrestler best known for his work with Pro Wrestling NOAH, where he has held the GHC Heavyweight Championship and multiple GHC Tag Team Championships. He is recognized for his strong style wrestling, technical ability, and contributions to the promotion’s modern era.
Early life and background
- Birthplace: Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Japan.
- Education: Completed secondary education in Japan; pursued training in professional wrestling rather than collegiate athletics.
Professional wrestling career
Training and debut (2000–2004)
Shiozaki entered the Pro Wrestling NOAH dojo in 2000 under the mentorship of Mitsuharu Misawa, a co-founder of the promotion. After a period of intensive training, he made his in‑ring debut on July 24, 2004, at a NOAH event in Tokyo.
Rise within Pro Wrestling NOAH (2005–2015)
- GHC Tag Team Champion: Formed a successful tag team with Naomichi Marufuji, securing the GHC Tag Team Championship twice (2007 and 2009). Later partnered with Takashi Sugiura to win the titles again in 2013.
- GHC Heavyweight Champion: Captured his first GHC Heavyweight Championship on March 21, 2014, defeating Wrestle-1’s Masakatsu Funaki. He held the title for 311 days, defending against top competitors including Kenta and Minoru Suzuki before losing it to Takashi Sugiura on January 10, 2015.
- Injuries: Underwent shoulder surgery in early 2016, causing a hiatus of several months. Returned to active competition in late 2016.
International appearances (2012–2020)
Shiozaki competed in several overseas promotions, including:
- Ring of Honor (ROH) – United States: Participated in the 2012 and 2015 Global Wars events, facing opponents such as Adam Cole and Jay Briscoe.
- Wrestling New Classic (WNC) – Japan: Appeared in cross‑promotional matches in 2013.
- New Japan Pro‑Wrestling (NJPW) – Japan: Featured in the 2014 and 2016 NJPW/NOAH joint shows, notably in matches for the Intercontinental and Tag Team titles.
Later career and recent activity (2021–present)
After a brief departure from NOAH in 2020, Shiozaki returned to the promotion in early 2021. He reclaimed the GHC Heavyweight Championship on October 19, 2021, in a tournament final against Kaito Kiyomiya. As of 2024, he remains an active competitor, regularly appearing on NOAH’s televised events and participating in high‑profile matches.
Championships and accomplishments
- Pro Wrestling NOAH
- GHC Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
- GHC Tag Team Championship (5 times) – with Naomichi Marufuji (2), Takashi Sugiura (2), and Naomichi Marufuji (1)
- Global Tag League winner (2014) – with Naomichi Marufuji
- Global League winner (2018)
- Other recognitions
- Ranked No. 28 in the Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2015
- Received “Best Bout” honors from Tokyo Sports for his 2014 title defense against Kenta
Wrestling style and persona
Shiozaki employs a “strong style” approach, integrating strikes, suplexes, and high‑impact moves such as the Shiozaki Driver (a brainbuster variation). His in‑ring persona emphasizes resilience and a fighting spirit, often portrayed through storylines emphasizing perseverance after injury.
Personal life
Shiozaki maintains a private personal life. Public records indicate he is married and has expressed interests in music and motorcycle riding in various interviews.
Legacy
Makoto Shiozaki is regarded as a central figure in Pro Wrestling NOAH’s resurgence during the 2010s, contributing both as a top singles competitor and as a veteran mentor to younger talent. His multiple championship reigns and consistent performance have cemented his status among the promotion’s most prominent wrestlers.
