A Japanese-American wrestler and sportscaster who competed in WWE and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, known for his high-flying moves and charismatic commentary .
Shoichi Funaki, also known as Funaki Shichi, is a renowned Japanese professional wrestling manager, color commentator, and former professional wrestler, best recognized for his stint in the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E), where he held the coveted Cruiserweight Championship and Hardcore Championship titles.
Funaki's journey in professional wrestling began in 1993, as a shoot style wrestler in Yoshiaki Fujiwara's Pro Wrestling Fujiwara Gumi promotion. He later transitioned to Battlarts, the successor promotion, before finding his true calling in the lucha libre style with The Great Sasuke's Michinoku Pro Wrestling promotion.
In Michinoku Pro Wrestling, Funaki formed the influential stable, Kai En Tai, alongside Taka Michinoku, Dick Togo, Mens Teioh, and Shiryu. This faction would later play a significant role in his WWF/E career.
In March 1998, Funaki, along with Teioh and Togo, joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Initially, Kai En Tai feuded with Taka Michinoku, eventually teaming up with him after a brief rivalry. The stable's antics often provided comedic relief, with Funaki's signature "INDEED" response to Michinoku's promos becoming a fan favorite.
Funaki's impressive in-ring performances earned him two notable championships: the Cruiserweight Championship and the Hardcore Championship. His accomplishments solidified his position as a revered figure in the world of professional wrestling.
After leaving the WWE in 2010, Funaki continued to work as a commentator, providing Japanese-language play-by-play commentary for WWE events. He remains an integral part of the professional wrestling community, inspiring future generations of wrestlers.
Shoichi Funaki's remarkable career, spanning over two decades, has left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. His unique blend of athleticism, charisma, and humor has endeared him to fans worldwide, cementing his status as a true legend in the sport.
52 Years Old
A Japanese professional wrestler and trainer, known for his high-flying moves and innovative techniques, influencing a generation of wrestlers.
55 Years Old
A Japanese professional wrestler known for his high-flying moves and intense matches, particularly in the Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) promotion. He's a pioneer of the Japanese wrestling style in the US.
59 Years Old
A professional wrestler whose life and career were marred by a tragic and infamous double murder-suicide, leaving a lasting impact on the wrestling industry. Known for his intense in-ring performances and dark personal life.
58 Years Old
A charismatic wrestler who blended high-flying moves with cunning tactics, entertaining audiences with his unpredictable matches and memorable feuds.
68 Years Old
A renowned luchador, trainer, and actor, known for his high-flying moves and charismatic performances in the ring, entertaining audiences worldwide. He's a beloved figure in Mexican professional wrestling.
65 Years Old
A pioneering wrestler known for his technical grappling skills and intense matches, earning him a loyal following among fans of hardcore wrestling.
55 Years Old
A legendary wrestler known for his charismatic performances, iconic matches, and record-breaking championships in WWE and AEW. He's a six-time world champion and a pioneer of the industry.
58 Years Old
A renowned wrestler and wrestling manager, known for his in-ring performances and charismatic persona in WWE. He's a four-time world champion and a 2022 WWE Hall of Fame inductee.
