| |signatureMoves= Cross camel clutch, German suplex hold, Grounded headlock, Sleeper hold | | |signatureMoves=[[Cross Camel Clutch]], [[German Suplex Hold]], [[Grounded headlock]], [[Sleeper hold]] |
| Katsuyori Shibata has professional wrestling in his blood, because his father, Katsuhisa Shibata, is a retired New Japan wrestler and referee. Katsuyori was a major amaresu star during his school days, competing at national level in 1997. He joined New Japan in March, 1998, and like close friend Wataru Inoue, wouldn't debut until October, 1999. He and Wataru worked their way up the junior ranks together, though Shibata was a slight step ahead of Inoue throughout their joint rise, and subsequently challenged for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title first. In January, 2003, at the Tokyo Dome, two new masked members of the Makai Club, Makais #4 and #5, debuted. Although it was quickly revealed that Makai #5 was Mitsuya Nagai, the identity of Makai #4 remained secret. The motion and several familiar signature moves suggested that it was Shibata, but there was doubt as Shibata had been injured since mid-2002. At Korakuen Hall in May, Shibata returned, and Makai #4 was also present, seemingly ruling Shibata out as the occupier of that role (although later it would become clear that he was Makai #4). This Katsuyori Shibata was a totally different man than the one who was injured half a year earlier. Wearing open finger fighting gloves and sporting a mean, almost psychotic expression on his face, Shibata announced himself as a member of the Makai Club and fought wildly. In July, 2004, Shibata followed up on some big wins with his first IWGP Heavyweight Title challenge, facing Kazuyuki Fujita in a physical match. A month later, he reached the G1 Climax semi finals, and displayed his growth in strength. Showing no fear at all, Shibata also challenged other fighting codes, easily winning his MMA debut in Brazil. Utilizing a vicious "kenka" (brawling) style, Shibata became the top heel of his generation, opposing popular young stars, Nakamura and Tanahashi. In 2005, Shibata had a clash with management, which led to him departing New Japan and becoming a freelancer in search for his ideal fighting. Living by the motto "Revive Strong Style", Shibata is still very young, hungry for success, and has exceptional talent.
| | [[Category:Japanese wrestlers]] |
