Shunji Kosugi
Shunji Kosugi (小杉俊二, Kosugi Shunji) (born February 17, 1960), is a retired Japanese professional wrestler, who was based in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
| Shunji Kosugi | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 17, 1960[1] Sado, Niigata, Japan[1] |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Shunji Kosugi |
| Billed height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in).[1] |
| Billed weight | 98 kg (216 lb)[1] |
| Trained by | Kotetsu Yamamoto Tatsumi Fujinami Yoshiaki Fujiwara Karl Gotch |
| Debut | January 11, 1981[1] |
| Retired | April 10, 1988[1] |
Career
Shunji Kosugi made his debut on January 11, 1981 against Norio Honaga. He was known for his technical prowess in the ring, influenced by Karl Gotch. He was the last man to defeat Satoru Sayama, before Sayama became Tiger Mask and also the very first opponent of the future Jyushin Thunder Liger, Keiichi Yamada. Kosugi's biggest accomplishment came in April 1985, when he defeated Yamada to win the very first Young Lion Cup.[1]
As time went on, Kosugi suffered a severe back injury, which forced him to retire on April 10, 1988. His last recorded match as an active wrestler occurred on March 18, teaming with Don Arakawa, losing to Hiro Saito and Norio Honaga.[1]
Retirement
After retiring from the ring, he returned to his hometown to run a liquor store, owned by his wife's family.
In September 2010, after over 22 years since his last match, Kosugi made a surprise return in a battle royal, held by Tatsumi Fujinami's Dradition promotion. Although he lost, he received a standing ovation by bodyslamming Kikutaro.[1]
Championships and accomplishments
- New Japan Pro Wrestling
- Service Award (1988)
References
- "Cagematch profile". Cagematch. Retrieved 2011-08-07.