Real Name - Shiro Koshinaka
Birthdate - 9/4/58
6'1" 232 lbs. - Koto, Tokyo, Japan
Athletic Background - n/a
Professional Background - All Japan(`78-`85), Mexico(`85) New Japan(`85-`02), World Japan(`03-`04), Free(`03-)
Aliases - Samurai Shiro
Groups - Skinheads, Heisei Ishingun
Peak Years - `85-`95
Finisher(s) - - Samurai Driver `84
- Dragon Suplex
- Powerbomb
- Flying Hip Attack - Japanese Legroll
Favorites -
- Jumping Hip Attack
- German Suplex
- Tombstone
- Hip Attack
- Lariat
Ringwork Rating -
| Move Set | 7 | | Science | 4 | | Aerial | 3 | | Power | 6 | | Strikes | 6 |
Intangibles Rating -
| Entertainment | 7 | | Selling | 8 | | Bumping | 7 | | Carrying | 7 | | Heat | 8 | | Legacy | 4 |
Place in History - Shiro Koshinaka was one of the better workers in Japan in the 1980s and work did not start to really drop off until the late 90s and into the new millenium. He competed in both All Japan and in New Japan in the glory years, though he really only found success in the latter. A super worker, Koshinaka's feud with NJPW-UWF star Nobuhiko Takada were excellent matches that put him on the map as a player and New Japan spread that success very well. While the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title is often associated with the likes of Jushin Liger and Koji Kanemoto, he was the first champion and a key player in establishing the division. By the late 80s, his Heisei Ishingun stable was a big deal into the mid-90s as the top heel stable. Koshinaka was a cult hero and following HI's run, he became popular babyface veteran. Though his game started to slip and his run with Riki Choshu's World Japan largely killed his tenured standing, Shiro Koshinaka's dedication to wrestling and consistently good work throughout his lengthy career is a remarkable feat. |
|
|