Shun Skywalker
{{short description|Japanese professional wrestler (born 1996)}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name=Shun Skywalker
| image= シュン・スカイウォーカー2024.jpg
| caption= Skywalker in July 2024
| birth_name=Shun Watanabe
| birth_date= {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1996|05|30}}
| birth_place=Toki, Gifu, Japan
| parents=
| relatives=
| names= {{Unbulleted list|Shun Watanabe|Shun Skywalker}}
|height={{convert|1.83|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
|weight={{convert|90|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| trainer=Dragon Gate Dojo
| debut=April 22, 2016{{cite web|title=CageMatch Profile|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=2899|publisher=CageMatch|accessdate=30 September 2020}}
}}
{{nihongo|Shun Watanabe|渡辺俊|Watanabe Shun}} (born May 30, 1996), better known by his ring name {{nihongo|Shun Skywalker|シュン・スカイウォーカー|Shun Sukaiwōkā}}, is a Japanese professional wrestler currently signed to Dragongate. In Dragongate, he is a two-time Open the Dream Gate Champion, an Open the Twin Gate Champion and three-time Open the Triangle Gate Champion. He has also wrestled in promotions such as International Wrestling Revolution Group, as well as Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, Toryumon Mexico, All Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro-Wrestling NOAH, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Major League Wrestling, Game Changer Wrestling and DEFY Wrestling.
Professional wrestling career
=Dragon Gate (2016–2019)=
On September 24, 2018, at Dangerous Gate 2018, Skywalker received his first title shot when he teamed up with Masaaki Mochizuki and faced Tribe Vanguard (Yamato and BxB Hulk) for the Open the Twin Gate Championship, where they lost the match.{{cite web|language=en-US|url=https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2018/09/26/dragon-gate-dangerous-gate-2018-september-24-results-review/|title=DRAGON GATE DANGEROUS GATE 2018 (SEPTEMBER 24) RESULTS & REVIEW|date=2018-09-24|accessdate=2018-10-02|website=voicesofwrestling.com}}
=Excursion in Mexico (2019–2020)=
From June 14 to August 30, 2020, Skywalker competed in IWRG's Rey del Ring, defeating El Hijo de Canis Lupus in the final to win the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://en.superluchas.com/shun-skywalker-buscara-el-rey-del-ring-iwrg-2020/|title=Shun Skywalker to seek King of the Ring IWRG 2020|date=2020-08-30|accessdate=2020-11-16|website=superluchas.com}} This earned him the right to face Demonio Infernal for the IWRG Rey del Ring Championship on September 6, losing to the latter.{{cite web | url= http://www.thegladiatores.com/el-demonio-infernal-sigue-siendo-el-rey/| title=El Demonio Infernal sigue siendo el Rey. | language=Spanish | first=Alfonso | last =Lizarraga | work=The Gladiatores | date=September 7, 2020 | accessdate=September 24, 2020}}{{cite web | url=https://www.maslucha.com/demonio-infernal-sigue-como-rey-del-ring-vencio-a-shun-skywalker/ | title=
Demonio Infernal sigue como Rey del Ring; venció a Shun Skywalker| work=Mas Luchas | date=September 6, 2020 | accessdate=September 24, 2020 | language=Spanish}}
=Return to Dragongate (2020–present)=
==Masquerade (2020–2022)==
On November 3, at Gate of Destiny, Skywalker returned to Dragon Gate, and challenged Eita for the Open The Dream Gate Championship.{{cite web|language=en-US|url=http://spora.jp/dragongate/posts/619545|title=“KOBEプロレスフェスティバル 2020” 11.15 神戸ワールド記念ホール大会 追加決定対戦カード情報|date=2020-11-03|accessdate=2020-11-03|website=spora.jp}}{{cite web| url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/141018/ddt-ultimate-party-results-ibushi-on-sanada-dg-gate-of-destiny-triple-rings-for-big-japan-and-more-from-japan.html?p=1| title=DDT ULTIMATE PARTY RESULTS, IBUSHI ON SANADA, DG GATE OF DESTINY, TRIPLE RINGS FOR BIG JAPAN AND MORE FROM JAPAN|date= 3 November 2020|accessdate=3 November 2020|website=pwinsider.com}} On November 15, at Kobe Puroresu Festival 2020, he defeated Eita to win the title.{{cite web |access-date=2020-11-15 |date=2020-11-15 |language=en-US |series=proresu-today.com |title=【ドラゴンゲート】11.15 KOBE プロレスフェスティバル 2020 凱旋のシュン・スカイウォーカーがEitaに勝利しドリームゲートを戴冠！次期挑戦者にかつての盟友のBen-Kが名乗りをあげる！吉野は2021年8月1日に引退記念試合 |url=https://proresu-today.com/archives/128858}}{{cite web|url=https://en.superluchas.com/dragon-gate-kobe-pro-wrestling-festival-2020-shun-skywalker-campeon-maximo/|title=Dragon Gate: «Kobe Pro Wrestling Festival 2020» Shun Skywalker, maximum champion|work=superluchas.com|author=Dark angel|date=November 24, 2020|access-date=May 1, 2021}} On December 2, alongside Ben-K's former stablemates from Dragon Gate Generation, Dragon Dia, Jason Lee and Kota Minoura, Skywalker announced the creation of their own stable, which would be joined by a mysterious member on December 15.{{cite web|language=en-US|url=https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2020/12/03/dragongate-fantastic-gate-december-2-results-and-review/|title=DRAGONGATE FANTASTIC GATE (DECEMBER 2) RESULTS AND REVIEW|date=2020-12-03|accessdate=2020-12-06|website=voicesofwrestling.com}}{{cite web|language=en-US|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/dragon-gate-fantastic-gate-2020-quick-results-12-02-20/|title=Dragon Gate Fantastic Gate 2020 Quick Results 12.02.20|date=2020-12-02|accessdate=2020-12-06|website=411mania.com}} On that date, the stable was named Masquerade and that their new member was announced as La Estrella.{{Cite web|url=https://battle-news.com/?p=65486 |title=シュン・スカイウォーカーが新ユニット“MASQUERADE”を結成！新メンバーのラ・エストレージャは横須賀ススムに圧勝！ |accessdate=March 7, 2021 |date=2020-12-16 |publisher=バトルニュース }} Five days later, at Final Gate 2020, Skywalker successfully retained his Open the Dream Gate title against Ben-K.{{cite web|language=en-US|url=https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2020/12/20/dragongate-the-final-gate-2020-december-20-results-review/|title=DRAGONGATE THE FINAL GATE 2020 (DECEMBER 20) RESULTS & REVIEW|date=2020-12-20|accessdate=2020-12-29|website=voicesofwrestling.com}}
On March 7, 2021, at Champion Gate 2021 In Osaka - Tag 2, Skywalker retained his title against Kaito Ishida.{{cite web|url=https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2021/03/08/dragongate-champion-gate-in-osaka-march-7-results-review/|title=DRAGONGATE CHAMPION GATE IN OSAKA (MARCH 7) RESULTS & REVIEW|date=2021-03-08|accessdate=2021-05-08|website=voicesofwrestling.com}} Twenty days later, at Memorial Gate in Wakayama, he retained his title against Kazma Sakamoto.{{cite web|url=https://en.superluchas.com/dragon-gate-memorial-gate-2021-in-wakayama/|title=Dragon Gate: «Memorial Gate 2021 In Wakayama»|date=2021-04-01|accessdate=2021-05-08|website=superluchas.com}} On August 1, at Speed Star Final 2021, Skywalker lost the Open the Dream Gate title to Yamato.{{cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2021/08/01/masato-yoshinos-retirement-new-open-the-dream-gate-champion-in-kobe/|title=Masato Yoshino’s retirement, new Open the Dream Gate champion in Kobe|work=postwrestling.com|first=John|last=Pollock|date=August 1, 2021|access-date=August 2, 2021}} On December 15, Skywalker, Jason Lee and Kota Minoura defeated R.E.D. (Eita, H.Y.O and Kaito Ishida) to win the Open the Triangle Gate Championship and after the match Minoura challenged Skywalker to a match where if he lost, he would have to leave the stable.{{cite web|url=https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2021/12/16/dragongate-fantastic-gate-december-15-results-review-2/|title=DRAGONGATE FANTASTIC GATE (DECEMBER 15) RESULTS & REVIEW|date=2021-12-16|accessdate=2021-12-28|website=voicesofwrestling.com}} On December 26, at Final Gate 2021, H.Y.O and SB Kento of R.E.D tried to help Skywalker during his match against Kota Minoura by throwing a chair at him, while the referee was down, but he refused their help. Shortly after, he removed his mask and sent it into Minoura's hands while the referee was not looking.{{cite web|url=https://sportsnewsuk.com/dragongate-final-gate-2021-december-26-results-review/|title=Dragongate Final Gate 2021 (December 26) Results & Review|date=2021-12-27|accessdate=2022-01-13|website=sportsnewsuk.com}} After the referee turned around and saw Minoura holding Skywalker's mask, he awarded Skywalker the victory by disqualification.{{cite web|url=https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2021/12/26/dragongate-final-gate-2021-december-26-results-review/|title=DRAGONGATE FINAL GATE 2021 (DECEMBER 26) RESULTS & REVIEW|date=2021-12-26|accessdate=2021-12-27|website=voicesofwrestling.com}}
==R.E.D. and Z-Brats (2022–present)==
On January 12, 2022, Skywalker, Lee, Minoura lost the Open the Triangle Gate Championship against R.E.D. (Eita, H.Y.O and Kaito Ishida). During the match, Minoura accidentally hit him, after trying to protect himself from H.Y.O. After the match H.Y.O invited Skywalker to join R.E.D, which he accepted. However, Eita and Ishida were against his addition and Eita tried to expel H.Y.O, leading the rest of the group to turn against them and Skywalker to become the newest member of R.E.D.{{cite web|language=ja|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/dragon/3923108/|title=【ドラゲー】マスカレード崩壊でシュンが「Ｒ・Ｅ・Ｄ」電撃加入 リーダーのＥｉｔａと石田が追放に|date=2022-01-12|accessdate=2022-01-13|website=tokyo-sports.co.jp}} On February 4, the group was rebranded as Z-Brats in order to distance themselves from the concept of R.E.D. created by Eita.{{cite web|url=https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2022/02/07/dragongate-truth-gate-february-4-results-review/|title=DRAGONGATE TRUTH GATE (FEBRUARY 4) RESULTS & REVIEW|work=voicesofwrestling.com|first=Case|last=Lowe|date=February 7, 2022|access-date=December 27, 2022}}
On February 20, Skywalker, BxB Hulk and H.Y.O participated in a tournament to crown the new Open the Triangle Gate Champions. At the tournament, they defeated Riki Iihashi, Ishin Iihashi and Takuma Fujiwara in the semi-finals, before losing to Natural Vibes (Kzy, Jacky "Funky" Kamei and Yuta Tanaka) in the final.{{cite web|language=es|url=https://superluchas.com/en/dragon-gate-truth-gate-2022-nuevos-monarcas-de-tercias/|title=Dragon Gate: "Truth Gate 2022" New monarchs of thirds|date=2022-02-28|accessdate=2022-03-04|website=superluchas.com}} On March 23, Skywalker, H.Y.O and SB KENTo made their Pro Wrestling Noah debut by attacking Alejandro, Daisuke Harada and Junta Miyawaki, before challenging them to a match at the Majestic event which took place on April 29.{{cite web|language=ja|url=https://www.noah.co.jp/news/2914/|title=3/23後楽園ホール大会 試合後コメント 復活・潮崎が“I am NOAH"解禁でGHCヘビー挑戦へ 真っ向撃破で中嶋に雪辱|date=2022-03-24|accessdate=2022-03-28|website=noah.co.jp}} On May 5, at Dead or Alive 2022, Skywalker won the with Open the Twin Gate Championship with new stablemate and Diamante, defeating Dragon Dia and Yuki Yoshioka.{{cite web|url=https://superluchas.com/dragon-gate-dead-or-alive-2022-kai-retiene-diamante-campeon-de-parejas/|title=Dragon Gate: "Dead or Alive 2022" KAI retiene, Diamante campeón de parejas|date=2022-05-05|accessdate=2022-05-06|website=superluchas.com}}{{cite web|language=es|url=https://www.maslucha.com/diamante-es-campeon-twin-gate-con-shun-skywalker/|title=Diamante es Campeón Twin Gate con Shun Skywalker|date=2022-05-06|accessdate=2022-05-06|website=maslucha.com}} On July 30, they lost their titles to Kung Fu Masters (Jason Lee and Jacky "Funky" Kamei).{{cite web|url=https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2022/07/30/dragongate-ultimo-dragon-35th-anniversary-show-july-30-2022-results-review/|title=Dragongate Ultimo Dragon 35th Anniversary Show (July 30) Results & Review|date=2022-07-30|accessdate=2022-12-02|website=voicesofwrestling.com}}
On November 6, at Gate of Destiny, Skywalker teamed up with, Kai and ISHIN and defeated M3K (Masaaki Mochizuki, Susumu Mochizuki and Mochizuki Junior) to win the Open the Triangle Gate Championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2022/11/07/dragongate-gate-of-destiny-november-7-results-review/|title=Dragongate Gate of Destiny (November 7) Results & Review|date=2022-11-07|accessdate=2022-12-02|website=voicesofwrestling.com}} On January 11, 2023, he became a double champion when he defeated Yuki Yoshioka to win his second Open the Dream Gate Championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/dragon-gate-open-new-year-gate-results-112-new-open-dream-gate-champion|title=Dragon Gate Open The New Year Gate Results (1/12): New Open The Dream Gate Champion|date=2023-01-14|accessdate=2023-01-14|publisher=Fightful}} On March 3, 2024, Ishin, Kai and Skywalker, defeated D'courage (Dragon Dia, Madoka Kikuta and Ryoya Tanaka) to win the vacant Open the Triangle Gate titles.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwmania.com/dragon-gate-champion-gate-results-march-3-2024|title=Dragon Gate Champion Gate Results – March 3, 2024|first=Ethan|last=Black|publisher=PWMania|date=March 3, 2024}}
=Major League Wrestling (2022)=
On September 18, 2022 at Super Series, Skywalker defeated Myron Reed to win the MLW World Middleweight Championship. On October 30, at Fightland, he lost the title to Lince Dorado.{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/mlw/mlw-fightland-spoilers-title-change-jacob-fatu-vs-lio-rush|work=yardbarker.com|title=MLW Fightland spoilers: Title change, Jacob Fatu vs. Lio Rush MLW held their Fightland 2022 TV taping on Sunday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.|first=Ethan|last=Renner|date=October 31, 2022|access-date=October 31, 2022}}
Championships and accomplishments
- Dragongate
- Open the Dream Gate Championship (2 times)
- Open the Twin Gate Championship (1 time) - with Diamante
- Open the Triangle Gate Championship (3 times) - with Kota Minoura and Jason Lee (1) and Kai and Ishin (2)
- Rookie Ranking Tournament (2019)
- Rookie of the Year (2018)
- International Wrestling Revolution Group
- Rey del Ring (2020){{cite web | url=http://www.thegladiatores.com/shun-skywalker-en-busca-de-ser-el-segundo-japones-en-convertirse-en-rey-del-ring/ | title=Shun Skywalker en busca de ser el segundo japonés en convertirse en Rey del Ring. | language=Spanish | first=Alfonso | last= Lizarraga | work=The Gladiatores | date=August 31, 2020 | accessdate=September 24, 2020}}
- Major League Wrestling
- MLW Middleweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/163189/spoiler-title-change-at-mlw-tv-taping-in-georgia.html?p=1|title=SPOILER: TITLE CHANGE AT MLW TV TAPING IN GEORGIA|date=September 18, 2022|publisher=PWInsider.com}}
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked No. 33 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2023{{cite web|url=https://tjrwrestling.net/news/complete-2023-pwi-500-list-revealed-top-njpw-star-absent/|title=Complete 2023 PWI 500 List Revealed, Top NJPW Star Absent|work=tjrwrestling.net|first=Sondra|last=Ruth|date=September 14, 2023|access-date=September 17, 2023}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
{{Navboxes|
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{{IWRG Rey del Ring Championship}}
{{MLW World Middleweight Championship}}
{{Open the Dream Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Twin Gate Championship}}
{{Open the Triangle Gate Championship}}
{{Rey de Parejas winners}}
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{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Japan}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Skywalker, Shun}}
Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers
Category:Sportspeople from Gifu Prefecture
Category:Japanese expatriate sportspeople in Mexico
Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers
Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers
Category:Open the Dream Gate Champions
Category:Open the Twin Gate Champions