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{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler}}
{{pwstatbox|
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2017}}
name=Masahiro Chono
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|names=Masa Chono
|image=Masa Chono.jpg|thumb|170px |name=Masahiro Chono
|names=Kamikaze Chono<ref name="wrestlingdata.com">{{cite web|url=http://wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=353|title=Masahiro Chono|publisher=wrestlingdata.net|access-date=2016-09-25}}</ref><br/>'''Masahiro Chono'''<ref name="wrestlingdata.com"/><br />Masa Chono<ref name="wrestlingdata.com"/><br/>Tokyo Chono<ref name="wrestlingdata.com"/>
|height=6'1"
|image=Masahiro Chono 3.jpg
|weight=237 lbs.
|caption=Chono in November 2010
|birthdate=], ]
|height=6 ft 1 in<ref name=oww>{{Cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/masahiro-chono/|title=Masahiro Chono OWW profile|website=OnlineWorldofWrestling|date=May 22, 2023 }}</ref>
|hometown=]
|weight=238 lb<ref name=oww/>
|trainer=], ]
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1963|9|17}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chono.jp/blog/?page_id=518|title=プロフィール - MASAHIRO CHONO OFFICIAL SITE|access-date=March 9, 2019}}</ref>
|debut=] ]
|birth_place=], U.S.
|}}
|family=
|billed= ] (WCW)<br/> ] (NJPW)
|trainer=]<br />]<br />]<br />]<ref name="cagematch.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=961&gimmick=Masahiro+Chono |title=Masahiro Chono " Wrestlers Database " CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database |publisher=Cagematch.net |access-date=2013-10-03}}</ref>
|debut=October 5, 1984
|death_date=
|retired= ]
}}
{{Nihongo|'''Masahiro Chono'''|蝶野正洋|Chōno Masahiro|born September 17, 1963}} is a Japanese-American retired ] and ] best known for his 26-year stint with ] (NJPW). As the leader of ], ] and ], he was the promotion's top heel for much of his career, beginning in 1994 when he adopted a ] inspired gimmick.


Aside from his work in NJPW, Chono has also made appearances for ] (WCW), as a member of the ], as well as occasional appearances in ] (AJPW), ] and ]. Chono holds the record for most wins of the ] at 5, which has earned him the nicknames '''"Mr. August"''' and '''"Mr. G1"'''. Overall, he is a two-time world champion, with one reign as ] and ] each. He is also a seven-time ].
'''Masahiro Chono''' (born ], ] in ]) is a ] ].


== Professional wrestling career ==
==Career==
'''Masahiro Chono''' debuted in ] against ] at an event in ], ]. He soon came to the ] and wrestled in the ] and ] areas.


=== New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1984–2010) ===
]


==== Early years (1984–1989) ====
He primarily wrestles for ] (NJPW), but he has also made appearances for the now defunct ] as a member of the ]. Chono, called "Mister Black Jack" when he first started as a ], is one of the top heels in Japan wrestling history. Originally a clean cut face during his NWA title reign, he turned heel beginning in 1995. His team with ] was called "Team Wolf" and it was the core for the formation of the stables ] in NJPW when the nWo was huge in WCW, and its successor stable, '''Team 2000''' which eventually was restructured again.
Chōno debuted in 1984 against ] at a ] (NJPW) event in ], Japan.<ref name=top100>John Molinaro, ''The Top 100 Pro Wrestlers of All Time'', (Winding Stair Press: 2002), page 198.</ref> In 1987, he defeated ] to win the ]. After winning the tournament, he went on an excursion that started in Europe, wrestling for ]'s ].


After a while in ], Chono went on an excursion to ], starting in the ] for ] in Kansas City, which by then broke away from the ] to form the World Wrestling Alliance.<ref name=top100/> He would also later wrestle in the Canadian Maritimes for ] and in ], where he, Hashimoto, and Mutoh formed ].
In a match against WCW's ], Chono supposedly "shot the match" (actually hurting the opponent) and dislocated his shoulder. Given Goldberg's temperment and abuse of other wrestlers, it would stand to reason his actions and personality would conflict with NJPW employees seeing as how Japanese pro-wrestling puts more emphasis on the match instead of the ].


Chono returned to NJPW part-time in July 1988. He came back to the United States in October 1988 and teamed with ] in ] (CCW), by then renamed the Continental Wrestling Federation (CWF), and won that company's tag titles as the Japanese Connection.
==In Wrestling==
===Styles used===
*Catch-as-Catch-Can
*British Style Grappling
*Judo Locks


In April 1989, he took part in the ] tournament, held at New Japan's very first show at the ]; he lost to eventual winner of the tournament and new champion ] in the quarterfinals. During this time, he would return to the United States and have a brief run in ].
===Finishing / Signature Moves ===
*]
*]
*Butterfly Lock: a front face full nelson applied to the opponent when he is in the mat
*Rolling Butterfly Lock: A standing variation of the butterfly lock. Chono locks on the shoulder/neck lock and rolls either forward or backward.


==== Rise to superstardom (1989–1994) ====
===Managers===
Upon Chono's return to New Japan in October 1989, he reinvented himself. On October 15, 1989 during a match against ] where he was victorious, he debuted his signature move, the STF. On February 10, 1990, he wrestled in the main-event of NJPW's second ] show, teaming with ] against ] and ], on April 27 he won the ] with Mutoh, and on December 26 he defeated his mentor, wrestling legend ], when Thesz came out of retirement for one last match.<ref name=top100/> The next year, Chono solidified his main-event status with an amazing performance in the first ] tournament, winning the tournament in a thirty-minute final over Mutoh.<ref name=top100/>
*]
*]


He won the tournament again in 1992, winning the ] in the process. Since then, he has won the tournament on three more occasions. On September 23, 1992, Chono suffered a serious neck injury from a botched sitdown tombstone piledriver while defending the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against ].<ref name=top100/> On January 4, 1993, he lost the NWA World title to IWGP Heavyweight champion ] in a Title vs. Title match. Around 1993, he participated in his third G1 Climax tournament, losing to ] in the semi-finals. In January 1994, he received a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Shinya Hashimoto, though he would ultimately lose the match. In August 1994, he won his third G1 Climax tournament, defeating ] in the finals.
==Championships/Accomplishments==

*1-Time ] World Heavyweight Champion
==== nWo Japan and Team 2000 (1994–2004) ====
*1-Time ] IWGP Heavyweight Champion
A short time after winning his third G1 Climax, Chono underwent a change in attitude. Originally a clean-cut fan favorite during his NWA World title reign, he turned heel, angered that Power Warrior received a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship before him, as he won the tournament. He also changed his image and adopted a ] ], complete with sunglasses, menacing mannerisms and black coats and tights.
*5-Time NJPW IWGP Tag Team Champion (with ] once, Mutoh as Great Muta once and ] three times)
Chono's partnering with ] and ] as "Team Wolf" provided a foundation to NJPW's ]. Establishing himself as leader of its Japanese sister stable, Chono joined the American nWo in December 1996 as it was gaining momentum in ] (WCW). He would also join its successor, Team 2000, which would eventually restructure again. In a match against WCW's ], Chono supposedly "]" the match (actually employing legitimate combat) and dislocated his shoulder.
*1-Time NWA Central States Television Champion

*1-Time WWA Heavyweight Champion
Upon returning to Japan, Chono rejoined NJPW, where he achieved much success. He won the IWGP Tag Team Titles on six occasions and also won the very prestigious IWGP Heavyweight Title in 1998. In 2002, Chono won his fourth ] tournament and had a brief, memorable feud with WWE's ]. He also became a ] for NJPW around this time.<ref name=top100/> In 2003, Chono briefly joined Pro Wrestling NOAH for a handful of matches and was defeated by GHC Champion ] on 2 May of that year. On October 13, he lost to ].
*1-Time CWF Tag Team Champion (with ])

*1-Time Hawaiian Kamehameha Heritage Champion
==== Black New Japan and ChoTen (2004–2007) ====
<br>
In early 2004, Chono became the leader of the ] stable, which was the most dominating heel stable in NJPW until it was disbanded by ]. As a reaction to this, Chono lead an "Anti-Choshu Army" with Hiroyoshi Tenzan and ]. Chono won the ] tournament, thus having achieved a record-setting five G1 victories. His success in the G1 has given him the nickname Mr. August.
*Winner 1991 NJPW G1 Climax Tournament (with ])

*Winner 1992 NJPW G1 Climax Tournament (with ])
On October 30, 2005, Masahiro Chono and Tenzan defeated the team of ] and ] to win their fifth IWGP Tag Team Championship. The team went on to rename themselves ], a ] of the members' names. They were stripped of the titles in late 2006 after they split up, and refused to defend them together. Masahiro Chono formed a stable with ] in 2006 called Chono and Nakamura-gun, which began feuding with Tenzan's new group, ].
*Winner 1994 NJPW G1 Climax Tournament (with ])

*Winner 2002 NJPW G1 Climax Tournament (with Yoshihiro Takayama)
==== Legend (2007–2010) ====
*Winner 1987 NJPW Young Lions Cup (with Shinya Hashimoto)
]
*Winner 1990 NJPW Japan/China Friendship Tournament (with ])
Chono continued to wrestle full-time in 2007, but also began working as a promoter, with New Japan permitting him to set up cards in different areas of Japan. Following the ], it appears that Chono may be breaking away from his BLACK faction and formed the Legend stable, having sworn in wrestlers such as Riki Choshu, ], ], and ].
<br>

*] (PWI) ranked him # '''70''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003.
Outside wrestling, Chono began appearing on ]'s "]" as one of the attackers, usually giving ] a slap to the face.

In January 2010 it was reported that Chono would be leaving New Japan and becoming a freelancer, after spending most of his career with the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1359|title=Chono becomes a freelancer|date=January 21, 2010|access-date=2010-01-25|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref>

=== Later career (2010–2023) ===
In March 2010, Chono portrayed ] in two matches during a Samurai Festival after leaving New Japan. Chono wrestled AKIRA, who portrayed ], on both days, winning the first match and losing the second. On August 15, 2010, Chono returned to New Japan to serve as the special ring announcer for the G1 Climax final match between Hiroshi Tanahashi and ].<ref name=NJPW081510>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1973|title=(Results) New Japan, 8/15/10|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=August 15, 2010|access-date=2010-08-22}}</ref> On November 5 and 6, Chono appeared in a series of shows in ] for All Japan. On November 5, Chono and Mutoh defeated the ] (] and ]). The following day, Chono teamed with Mutoh and ] to defeat the Voodoo Murders (Dupree, ], and ]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=961&view=matches#matches |title=Masahiro Chono " Wrestlers Database " CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database |publisher=Cagematch.net |access-date=2013-10-03}}</ref> In December 2010, Chono began working for Antonio Inoki's ] as a booker.

On March 6, 2011, Chono entered ] for their 10th Anniversary Show, where he defeated Daichi Hashimoto in his debut match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/zero1/results/results11.php |title=Purolove.Com |publisher=Purolove.Com |access-date=2013-10-03}}</ref> On April 17, 2011, Chono wrestled for Osaka Pro, where he teamed with Kuuga and ] in a losing effort against ], Billyken Kid, and Tsubasa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/misc/osaka/results/results11.php |title=Purolove.Com |publisher=Purolove.Com |access-date=2013-10-03}}</ref> On August 14, 2011, Chono returned to Osaka Pro, teaming with TAJIRI and Zeus in a victory over JOKER (Kuuga, Orochi, and ]).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kreikenbohm |first1=Philip |title=Osaka Pro Osaka Hurricane 2011 |url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=67488 |website=Cagematch: The Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=9 June 2019}}</ref> On October 3, 2011, Chono returned to NJPW for a Team Wolf reunion match, teaming with Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Hiro Saito to defeat Osamu Nishimura, ], and Shinjiro Otani.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kreikenbohm |first1=Philip |title=NJPW Hiroyoshi Tenzan 20th Anniversary ~Hard Mogyu~ |url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=69814 |website=Cagematch: The Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=9 June 2019}}</ref>

In January 2013, Chono signed with ] (AJPW) as an advisor. On August 25, 2013, Chono teamed with ] and defeated ] and AJPW President Nobuo Shiraishi in an exhibition tag team match. Chono left AJPW in 2014.

After returning to freelance, Chono wrestled once in eight years: a six man tag team match for Dotonbori Pro Wrestling on April 13, 2014. He teamed with ] and ] in a loss to ], ], and ]. Since 2014, Chono's appearances have been limited to non-active roles such as commentary, talk battles and special appearances. In a 2017 interview, Chono did not completely rule out the possibility of a return to the ring but believed it would be unlikely due to various injuries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=天才テリー伊藤対談「蝶野正洋」（3）実質的にプロレスは「引退」ですね |url=https://www.asagei.com/76775 |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=アサ芸プラス |language=ja}}</ref> In 2021, he revealed that he had been suffering from ] and underwent surgery for it, which was successful.<ref>{{Cite web |last=INC |first=SANKEI DIGITAL |date=2021-12-15 |title=蝶野正洋、入院していた 手術成功も「普通に歩ける様に成るには少し時間掛かりそう」 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20211215-RCYEW2LMWRFL5JJTAIKHIE4FUE/ |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=サンスポ |language=ja}}</ref>

In a 2022 interview, Chono discussed how Keiji Muto requested to have his retirement match with him but was unsure if he could compete.<ref>{{Cite web |title=蝶野正洋、武藤敬司の「夢は蝶野と引退試合」どうする？ 手術で全治9か月 状態を直撃 |url=https://encount.press/archives/311720/ |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=ENCOUNT |language=ja}}</ref> On February 21, 2023, Chono was challenged to an impromptu match by Muto during ] at the ], which Chono won.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023年02月21日 火 chocoZAP presents KEIJI MUTO GRAND FINAL PRO-WRESTLING "LAST" LOVE ～HOLD OUT～ |url=https://www.noah.co.jp/schedule/418/ |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=プロレスリング・ノア公式サイト {{!}} PRO-WRESTLING NOAH OFFICIAL SITE|date=February 21, 2023 }}</ref> Chono announced his own retirement following the match.

== Personal life ==
On December 28, 1991, Chono married Martina Carlsbad, whom he met while on an excursion in ] in 1987.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}} Together they have one son (born July 4, 2006) and one daughter (born August 2009).{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}

In late-June 1995, Chono's father died. His death forced Chono to miss an IWGP Tag Team title defense and take a hiatus, which forced him and Hiroyoshi Tenzan to vacate the title on July 7, 1995.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}

Since 1999, Chono has owned his own clothing brand, ''Aristrist'' (stylised in all caps), with his wife Martina. The name is a portmanteau of "Aristo" and "Tristano".<ref>{{Cite web |title=ARISTRIST COMPANY PAGE |url=http://aristrist.main.jp/aristrist.com/company.html |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=aristrist.main.jp}}</ref>

== Other media ==
Chono appears as a gang member in the 2017 video game '']'', alongside ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201709/21142264.html|title=『龍が如く 極2』武藤敬司・蝶野正洋・長州力・天龍源一郎・藤波辰爾 VS 桐生一馬・真島吾朗が実現!?【TGS2017】|date=September 21, 2017|access-date=September 21, 2017|magazine=]|language=ja}}</ref> Besides appearing in numerous TV shows, he was the voice actor in the Japanese dubbed version of '']'' for Jarko Grimwood,{{Citation needed|date=December 2022}} portrayed by fellow professional wrestler ].

== Championships and accomplishments ==
] in 1992]]
* ''']'''
** AGPW North American Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with ]
* ''']'''
** ] (])
** WWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name=F4W0226>{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0226-verne-gagne-wins-awa-title-his-birthday-230791 | title=Daily pro wrestling history (02/26): Verne Gagne wins AWA title on his birthday | date=February 26, 2017 | access-date=February 27, 2017 | first=Brian | last=Hoops | publisher=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online}}</ref>
* ''']'''
** ] (]) – with ]
* '''Hawai'i Championship Wrestling'''
** HCW Kamehameha Heritage World Heavyweight Championship<ref name="wrestlingdata.com"/> (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/other/2003-07.html|title=Independent Wrestling Results – July 2003|access-date=2008-07-05|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
* ''']'''
** ] (])
** ] (]) – with ] (2), ] (5)
** ] (])
** ] (], ], ], ], ])<ref name=G1Climax>{{cite book |author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will |title=Wrestling Title Histories | publisher=Archeus Communications |chapter = Japan: New Japan G-1 (Grade-1) Climax Tournament Champions| page = 375 |year= 2000 |isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
** ] (]) – with ]
** Super Grade Tag League (]) – with Hiroyoshi Tenzan<ref name=G1TagClimax>{{cite book |author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will |title=Wrestling Title Histories | publisher=Archeus Communications |chapter = Japan: New Japan G-1 (Grade-1) Climax Tag Tournament Champions| page = 374 |year= 2000 |isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
** Super Grade Tag League (]) – with Keiji Mutoh<ref name=G1TagClimax/>
** Teisen Hall Six-Man Tournament (2002) – with ] and ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/newjap/njtagtrn.htm|title=New Japan Pro-Wrestling tournaments|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803125751/http://100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/newjap/njtagtrn.htm|archive-date=August 3, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
** Japan/China Friendship Tournament (1990)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/newjap/njother.htm|title=New Japan Other Tournaments|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813023829/http://100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/newjap/njother.htm|archive-date=August 13, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** ] (])<ref name=YoungLionsCup>{{cite book |author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will |title=Wrestling Title Histories | publisher=Archeus Communications |chapter = Japan: New Japan Young Lions Cup Tournament Champions| page = 375|year= 2000 |isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
** Heavyweight MVP Award (2005)<ref name=NJPWAwards2005>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2005-awards.html|title=2005 New Japan Awards|access-date=2011-04-28|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref>
** Singles Best Bout (2002) <small>vs. ] on October 26</small><ref name=NJPWAwards2002>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2002-awards.html|title=2002 New Japan Awards|access-date=2011-04-28|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref>
** Singles Best Bout (2005) <small>vs. ] on August 14</small><ref name=NJPWAwards2005/>
** Tag Team Best Bout (2002) <small>with Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. ] and ] on June 5</small><ref name=NJPWAwards2002/>
** Tag Team Best Bout (2004) <small>with ] vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan and ] on October 24</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2004-awards.html|title=2004 New Japan Awards|access-date=2011-04-28|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref>
** NJPW New Year Tag Team Tournament (1990) – with ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=353|title=The World's Largest Wrestling Database|publisher=Wrestlingdata.com|access-date=2013-10-03}}</ref>
*''''']'''''
**Wrestler of the Year (1997)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-1997|title=Nikkan Sports Awards - 1997|website=wrestlingscout|date=February 10, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=December 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202120157/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-1997|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''']'''
** PWI ranked him No. 28 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the ] in 1997<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50097.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 – 1997|publisher=Wrestling Internet Archive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919163225/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50097.htm|archive-date=September 19, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** PWI ranked him No. 70 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003
*''']'''
** ] (1991, 2002)<ref name="puroresu.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresu.com/awards/2000s.html|title=The Great Hisa's Puroresu Dojo: Puroresu Awards: 2000s|publisher=Puroresu.com|access-date=2013-10-03}}</ref>
** ] (1992)<ref name="puroresu.com"/>
** ] (1990)- <small>with Keiji Mutoh</small><ref name="puroresu.com"/>
** Tag Team of the Year (1995)- <small>with Hiroyoshi Tenzan</small><ref name="puroresu.com"/>
** Tag Team of the Year (1996)- <small>with Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Hiro Saito</small><ref name="puroresu.com"/>
** ] (1997)<ref name="puroresu.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresu.com/awards/1990s.html|title=The Great Hisa's Puroresu Dojo: Puroresu Awards: 1990s|publisher=Puroresu.com|access-date=2013-10-03}}</ref>
* ''']'''
** ] (1995)
** ] (1996) – nWo
** ] (1996) <small>New World Order vs. World Championship Wrestling</small>
** ] (1992) <small>vs. ] at ]</small>
** ] (])

== References ==
{{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category}}
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* {{Twitter|name=Masahiro Chōno}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

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{{G1 Tag League}}
{{NWA World Heavyweight Championship}}
{{G1 Climax}}
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{{Sugiura-gun}}
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Latest revision as of 10:03, 28 November 2024

Japanese professional wrestler

Masahiro Chono
Chono in November 2010
Born (1963-09-17) September 17, 1963 (age 61)
Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Kamikaze Chono
Masahiro Chono
Masa Chono
Tokyo Chono
Billed height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Billed weight238 lb (108 kg)
Billed fromTokyo, Japan (WCW)
Mitaka, Tokyo (NJPW)
Trained byStu Hart
Lou Thesz
Antonio Inoki
Kotetsu Yamamoto
DebutOctober 5, 1984
RetiredFebruary 21, 2023

Masahiro Chono (蝶野正洋, Chōno Masahiro, born September 17, 1963) is a Japanese-American retired professional wrestler and actor best known for his 26-year stint with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). As the leader of nWo Japan, Team 2000 and Black New Japan, he was the promotion's top heel for much of his career, beginning in 1994 when he adopted a yakuza inspired gimmick.

Aside from his work in NJPW, Chono has also made appearances for World Championship Wrestling (WCW), as a member of the New World Order, as well as occasional appearances in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), Pro Wrestling Noah and Pro Wrestling Zero1. Chono holds the record for most wins of the G1 Climax at 5, which has earned him the nicknames "Mr. August" and "Mr. G1". Overall, 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.

Professional wrestling career

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1984–2010)

Early years (1984–1989)

Chōno debuted in 1984 against Keiji Mutoh at a New Japan Pro-Wrestling (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.

After a while in Europe, Chono went on an excursion to North America, starting in the United States for Central States Wrestling in Kansas City, which by then broke away from the National Wrestling Alliance to form the World Wrestling Alliance. He would also later wrestle in the Canadian Maritimes for Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling and in Puerto Rico, where he, Hashimoto, and Mutoh formed The Three Musketeers.

Chono returned to NJPW part-time in July 1988. He came back to the United States in October 1988 and teamed with Mike Davis in Continental Championship Wrestling (CCW), by then renamed the Continental Wrestling Federation (CWF), and won that company's tag titles as the Japanese Connection.

In April 1989, he took part in the IWGP Heavyweight Championship tournament, held at New Japan's very first show at the Tokyo Dome; he lost to eventual winner of the tournament and new champion Big Van Vader in the quarterfinals. During this time, he would return to the United States and have a brief run in Australia.

Rise to superstardom (1989–1994)

Upon Chono's return to New Japan in October 1989, he reinvented himself. On October 15, 1989 during a match against Matt Borne where he was victorious, he debuted his signature move, the STF. On February 10, 1990, he wrestled in the main-event of NJPW's second Tokyo Dome show, teaming with Shinya Hashimoto against Antonio Inoki and Seiji Sakaguchi, on April 27 he won the IWGP Tag Team Championship with Mutoh, and on December 26 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 an amazing 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. Since then, he has won the tournament on three more occasions. 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. Around 1993, he participated in his third G1 Climax tournament, losing to Hiroshi Hase in the semi-finals. In January 1994, he received a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Shinya Hashimoto, though he would ultimately lose the match. In August 1994, he won his third G1 Climax tournament, defeating Power Warrior in the finals.

nWo Japan and Team 2000 (1994–2004)

A short time after winning his third G1 Climax, Chono underwent a change in attitude. Originally a clean-cut fan favorite during his NWA World title reign, he turned heel, angered that Power Warrior received a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship before him, as he won the tournament. He also changed his image and adopted a yakuza gimmick, complete with sunglasses, menacing mannerisms and black coats and tights. Chono's partnering with Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Hiro Saito as "Team Wolf" provided a foundation to NJPW's nWo Japan. Establishing himself as leader of its Japanese sister stable, Chono joined the American nWo in December 1996 as it was gaining momentum in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He would also join its successor, Team 2000, which would eventually restructure again. In a match against WCW's Bill Goldberg, Chono supposedly "shot" the match (actually employing legitimate combat) and dislocated his shoulder.

Upon returning to Japan, Chono rejoined NJPW, where he achieved much success. He won the IWGP Tag Team Titles on six occasions and also won the very prestigious IWGP Heavyweight Title in 1998. In 2002, Chono won his fourth G1 Climax tournament and had a brief, memorable feud with WWE's Chyna. He also became a booker for NJPW around this time. In 2003, Chono briefly joined Pro Wrestling NOAH for a handful of matches and was defeated by GHC Champion Kenta Kobashi on 2 May of that year. On October 13, he lost to Hulk Hogan.

Black New Japan and ChoTen (2004–2007)

In early 2004, Chono became the leader of the Black New Japan stable, which was the most dominating heel stable in NJPW until it was disbanded by Riki Choshu. As a reaction to this, Chono lead an "Anti-Choshu Army" with Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Black Strong Machine. Chono won the 2005 G1 Climax tournament, thus having achieved a record-setting five G1 victories. His success in the G1 has given him the nickname Mr. August.

On October 30, 2005, Masahiro Chono and Tenzan defeated the team of Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi to win their fifth IWGP Tag Team Championship. The team went on to rename themselves Cho-Ten, a portmanteau of the members' names. They were stripped of the titles in late 2006 after they split up, and refused to defend them together. Masahiro Chono formed a stable with Shinsuke Nakamura in 2006 called Chono and Nakamura-gun, which began feuding with Tenzan's new group, GBH.

Legend (2007–2010)

Chono in November 2010

Chono continued to wrestle full-time in 2007, but also began working as a promoter, with New Japan permitting him to set up cards in different areas of Japan. Following the 2007 G1 Climax, it appears that Chono may be breaking away from his BLACK faction and formed the Legend stable, having sworn in wrestlers such as Riki Choshu, Jushin Thunder Liger, Shiro Koshinaka, and AKIRA.

Outside wrestling, Chono began appearing on Gaki no Tsukai's "No Laughing Batsu Game" as one of the attackers, usually giving Hōsei Tsukitei a slap to the face.

In January 2010 it was reported that Chono would be leaving New Japan and becoming a freelancer, after spending most of his career with the company.

Later career (2010–2023)

In March 2010, Chono portrayed Nobunaga Oda in two matches during a Samurai Festival after leaving New Japan. Chono wrestled AKIRA, who portrayed Mitsuhide Akechi, on both days, winning the first match and losing the second. On August 15, 2010, Chono returned to New Japan to serve as the special ring announcer for the G1 Climax final match between Hiroshi Tanahashi and Satoshi Kojima. On November 5 and 6, Chono appeared in a series of shows in Taiwan for All Japan. On November 5, Chono and Mutoh defeated the Voodoo Murders (TARU and Rene Dupree). The following day, Chono teamed with Mutoh and Masakatsu Funaki to defeat the Voodoo Murders (Dupree, KENSO, and Joe Doering). In December 2010, Chono began working for Antonio Inoki's Inoki Genome Federation as a booker.

On March 6, 2011, Chono entered Pro Wrestling ZERO1 for their 10th Anniversary Show, where he defeated Daichi Hashimoto in his debut match. On April 17, 2011, Chono wrestled for Osaka Pro, where he teamed with Kuuga and Orochi in a losing effort against Shodai Tiger Mask, Billyken Kid, and Tsubasa. On August 14, 2011, Chono returned to Osaka Pro, teaming with TAJIRI and Zeus in a victory over JOKER (Kuuga, Orochi, and Tadasuke). On October 3, 2011, Chono returned to NJPW for a Team Wolf reunion match, teaming with Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Hiro Saito to defeat Osamu Nishimura, Koji Kanemoto, and Shinjiro Otani.

In January 2013, Chono signed with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) as an advisor. On August 25, 2013, Chono teamed with Joe Doering and defeated KENSO and AJPW President Nobuo Shiraishi in an exhibition tag team match. Chono left AJPW in 2014.

After returning to freelance, Chono wrestled once in eight years: a six man tag team match for Dotonbori Pro Wrestling on April 13, 2014. He teamed with Daisuke Masaoka and Hayata in a loss to Super Delfin, Hub, and Gran Hamada. Since 2014, Chono's appearances have been limited to non-active roles such as commentary, talk battles and special appearances. In a 2017 interview, Chono did not completely rule out the possibility of a return to the ring but believed it would be unlikely due to various injuries. In 2021, he revealed that he had been suffering from spinal stenosis and underwent surgery for it, which was successful.

In a 2022 interview, Chono discussed how Keiji Muto requested to have his retirement match with him but was unsure if he could compete. On February 21, 2023, Chono was challenged to an impromptu match by Muto during Muto's retirement show at the Tokyo Dome, which Chono won. Chono announced his own retirement following the match.

Personal life

On December 28, 1991, Chono married Martina Carlsbad, whom he met while on an excursion in Germany in 1987. Together they have one son (born July 4, 2006) and one daughter (born August 2009).

In late-June 1995, Chono's father died. His death forced Chono to miss an IWGP Tag Team title defense and take a hiatus, which forced him and Hiroyoshi Tenzan to vacate the title on July 7, 1995.

Since 1999, Chono has owned his own clothing brand, Aristrist (stylised in all caps), with his wife Martina. The name is a portmanteau of "Aristo" and "Tristano".

Other media

Chono appears as a gang member in the 2017 video game Yakuza Kiwami 2, alongside Genichiro Tenryu, Keiji Mutoh, Riki Choshu and Tatsumi Fujinami. Besides appearing in numerous TV shows, he was the voice actor in the Japanese dubbed version of Blade: Trinity for Jarko Grimwood, portrayed by fellow professional wrestler Triple H.

Championships and accomplishments

Chono as the NWA World Heavyweight Champion in 1992

References

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