Yoshihiro Tajiri

Tajiri originally wanted to become a kickboxer and began training in the sport. However, after watching countless wrestling matches from Mexico, he entered the Animal Hamaguchi Wrestling gym and won its test match tournament. Tajiri debuted professionally in 1994 for International Wrestling Association of Japan (IWA Japan) with a loss to Takashi Okano.{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=54&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=&promotion=83®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker=Akihiro+Yonekawa | title=Tajiri >> Matches >> International Wrestling Association Japan | access-date=January 21, 2019 | work=CageMatch}} In 1996, Tajiri left CMLL to join the hardcore wrestling promotion Big Japan Pro Wrestling (BJW) in Tokyo, Japan. He debuted for BJW under the name Aquarius. On July 19, 1996, he defeated Dr. Wagner Jr. to win the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship but lost it to him on July 27.{{cite book | author=Royal Duncan and Gary Will | title=Wrestling Title Histories | publisher=Archeus Communications | chapter = Mexico: CMLL EMLL Light Heavyweight Title | page = 395 | year= 2000 | isbn=0-9698161-5-4}} The championship changes were not approved by CMLL but done by Dr. Wagner Jr. and Aquarius as part of the tour. Since CMLL did not approve the championship reign they do not officially recognize Aquarius' championship reign, listing Dr. Wagner as one continuous reign during the time he toured Japan. On July 23, 1997, Tajiri teamed up with Ryuji Yamakawa to win the vacant BJW Tag Team Championship. They lost it to Gedo and Jado on December 22. The team would regain the titles eleven days later, before losing it to Shadow Winger and Shadow WX. Tajiri then beat Gedo to become the first BJW Junior Heavyweight Champion. He would later be stripped of the title when he left the company. That same year, Tajiri competed for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), participating in the promotion's Best of the Super Juniors IV tournament as a guest from BJW. He won three matches but also lost three and did not advance from the first-round.{{cite web | url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/superjr.html#97| title= Best of the Super Juniors 1997 | date= May 16 – June 5, 1997| access-date= May 10, 2010 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory.com}}

In 1996 and 1997, Tajiri made several appearances for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) under the name Yoshihiro Tajiri as enhancement talent. On an episode of Monday Night Raw in July 1997, he lost to Taka Michinoku, whom the WWF was pushing as its rising star in the Light Heavyweight division at the time. Tajiri's final appearance was a tag match with Brian Christopher, losing to Scott Taylor and Michinoku.{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=54&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=1997&promotion=1®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= | title=Tajiri >> Matches >> World Wrestling Entertainment >> 1997 | access-date=January 21, 2019 | work=CageMatch}} He would briefly work for CMLL in 1997 and 1998, before leaving in 1999 to work for Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) full-time.{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=54&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=&promotion=78®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= | title=Tajiri >> Matches >> Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre | access-date=January 21, 2019 | work=CageMatch}}

{{see also|The Network (professional wrestling)|l1=The Network}}

File:Taijiri Posing for Fans.jpg

After working in Mexico, Tajiri was hired by Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He made his television debut in ECW on the December 24, 1998, episode of Hardcore TV, clad in traditional blue and white trunks with an insignia of Japan's rising sun, and picked up a victory over Antifaz Del Norte.{{cite web|url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/ecw98.htm|title=ECW Ring Results 1998|work=The History of WWE|access-date=September 20, 2017}} He began a notable storyline rivalry with Super Crazy. The duo traded wins throughout 1999.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1999a.html#011699|title=House Party 1999 results|work=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=September 20, 2017}} His other notable single feuds included Little Guido and Jerry Lynn.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/tajiri|title=Tajiri's WWE Alumni Profile|publisher=WWE|access-date=March 19, 2012}}

In early 1999, Tajiri began to emulate The Great Muta, who was one of Tajiri's wrestling heroes growing up. His wrestling trunks were replaced with baggy Karate gi pants, and he began spraying green mist into the face of his opponents. He aligned himself with Steve Corino, who promised to teach him the American way and help him to integrate himself into United States culture. With Tajiri's notoriety increasing, he received an ECW World Heavyweight Championship title shot against Taz at Heat Wave,{{cite web | url=http://prowrestlinghistory.com/ecw/results/1999c.html#071899 |title=Heat Wave 1999 results | work=Pro Wrestling History | access-date=January 21, 2019 | date=July 18, 1999}} and on an episode on ECW on TNN but failed to capture the title on both occasions.{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=401 | title=ECW on TNN #2 | date=August 26, 1999 | access-date=January 21, 2019 | work=CageMatch}} In 2000, he earned another shot at the championship against Justin Credible but lost once again.

In early 2000 Tajiri was recruited by Cyrus to join The Network group along with Steve Corino.{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=29&nr=196 | title=Network | access-date=December 18, 2019 | work=CageMatch}} During this time, Tajiri went up against Super Crazy for the ECW World Television Championship in a Japanese death match, a match with no disqualification and all weapons are legal. He lost but gained the title back in a three-way dance involving Super Crazy and Little Guido. Shortly after becoming champion, Tajiri was asked by Cyrus to relinquish the belt to The Network so they could award the title to Rhino. Tajiri refused to turn the belt over and turned his back on the Network, becoming a babyface in the process. His first defense of the title ended in a no contest with Tommy Dreamer. Tajiri lost the title to Rhino on April 22. His rematch came on May 6, but he was unable to regain the title.

Tajiri would then form a tag team with Mikey Whipwreck, known as The Unholy Alliance, who were managed by The Sinister Minister. They entered the World Tag Team tournament and won the vacant ECW World Tag Team Championship in August 2000 at Midtown Massacre. The team then started feuding with The Full Blooded Italians and lost the World Tag Team Championship to them only a day after they first won them. They failed to recapture them at Anarchy Rulz and again at November to Remember.{{cite web|title=Taijiri >> Matches >> ECW | url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=54&page=4&promotion=3&s=0 | work=CageMatch | access-date=January 20, 2019}}

Shortly after his alliance with Whipwreck, Tajiri's amusing antics in the ring, stiff contact with opponents, and comedic backstage vignettes made him one of the most popular wrestlers in ECW. Tajiri remained loyal to the company until it folded in April 2001. He participated in ECW's final two shows: on January 12, where he picked up a victory over Super Crazy, and January 13, 2001, when he lost to Super Crazy.

With ECW's television deal being canceled in October 2000, the company had to make massive cuts. This resulted in Tajiri wrestling for the company for lower wages and led to him wrestling more frequently on the American and Mexican independent circuit. In IWA Puerto Rico, Tajiri teamed with Super Crazy as they unsuccessfully wrestled Andy Anderson and Vyzago for the World Tag Team Championship. He would also enter the Hardcore Championship invitational match but lost.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=54&page=4&s=800|title=Matches « TAJIRI « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=June 9, 2018}}

During this period, Tajiri had multiple CZW World Heavyweight Championship matches in the Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) promotion. His first would be against Justice Pain. Tajiri lost to Pain twice but would later go on to beat Nick Berk to become CZW World Heavyweight Champion on February 28, 2001; however, Tajiri lost the title that same night to Zandig.{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=98 | title=CZW Heavyweight Championship | access-date=January 18, 2019 | work=Cagematch}}

Soon after the closure of ECW, Tajiri was hired by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Tajiri debuted on the May 24, 2001, episode of SmackDown! as a face. He was given the gimmick of WWF Commissioner William Regal's comedic assistant. With the help of Regal, Tajiri made his in-ring debut defeating Crash in a King of the Ring 2001 qualifying match.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/010614.html|title=WWF SmackDown Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=June 14, 2001}} He was later eliminated by Rhyno.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/010618.html|title=WWF Raw is War Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=June 18, 2001|access-date=August 22, 2010}} Tajiri would win his first championship in WWF by defeating X-Pac for the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship on an episode of Raw. X-Pac would quickly capture the WCW Cruiserweight Championship, and at SummerSlam, Tajiri would lose a championship unification match, therefore retiring the Light Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/summer.html#2001|title=SummerSlam results (prowrestlinghistory.com)|access-date=March 22, 2008}} Tajiri would quickly bounce back as he began an on-screen relationship with Torrie Wilson and defeated Chris Kanyon for the WCW United States Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/3044541313 |title=Tajiri's first WCW United States Championship reign |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731082230/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/3044541313 |archive-date=July 31, 2012}} However, Tajiri would lose the belt to Rhyno soon afterward at Unforgiven in September.{{cite web|title=Unforgiven 2001 official results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/history/2001/results/|access-date=September 17, 2010|date=September 23, 2001}} After Regal turned heel by joining The Alliance, Tajiri feuded with him throughout late 2001.

File:Tajiri Tarantula.jpg on Robért Conway.]]

Tajiri won his first WCW Cruiserweight Championship on October 22, 2001, on Raw. The title became the WWF Cruiserweight Championship and replaced the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship when the WWF defeated The Alliance at Survivor Series on November 18.{{Cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards| publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=109}} The WWF was renamed World Wrestling Entertainment, and the roster was divided into two "brands": Raw and SmackDown!. Tajiri, along with Torrie Wilson, was drafted to SmackDown!, therefore making the Cruiserweight Championship a SmackDown! exclusive title. Tajiri went on to lose the title to Billy Kidman on the April 4 episode on SmackDown!. He would go on to beat Kidman at Backlash once again and won the Cruiserweight Championship again only 17 days after losing it.

He turned heel by forcing Wilson to dress like a geisha against her will. Tajiri would go on to lose the Cruiserweight Championship to The Hurricane on the May 16 episode of SmackDown! in a triple threat match that also included Billy Kidman. Wilson eventually abandoned him during a Cruiserweight Championship match against The Hurricane; she did so by stripping on top of a table during the match that caused Tajiri to be counted out and later joined forces with Tajiri's rival, Maven. Tajiri became a face in WWE once more after Jamie Noble attacked him for touching Noble's girlfriend Nidia. This led to several Cruiserweight Championship matches between the two including matches at No Mercy and Rebellion.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/nomercy.html#2002|title=WWE No Mercy|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=April 9, 2009|date=October 20, 2002}}{{cite web | url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/02.htm | title=2002| work=The History of WWE | first=Graham | last=Cawthon | access-date=May 24, 2015 | date=October 26, 2002}} He also participated in his first Royal Rumble match in January 2003.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881141/results/|title=Royal Rumble 2003 official results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=November 28, 2010|date=January 19, 2003}}

Tajiri would leave the Cruiserweight division and moved to the tag team division where he formed various tag teams, many of which were somewhat comical. These included Rey Mysterio, Funaki, and Rikishi. Five days prior to the 2003 Judgment Day show, Chavo Guerrero tore his biceps, forcing Eddie Guerrero to look for another partner. He chose Tajiri. They won the WWE Tag Team Championship, at Judgment Day by defeating Team Angle (Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin) in a ladder match. The following week, Guerrero and Tajiri managed to retain their title by cheating. In addition, they also defeated Roddy Piper and his protégé Sean O'Haire at Madison Square Garden. After Guerrero and Tajiri lost the titles to The World's Greatest Tag Team (formerly Team Angle) on the July 3 episode of SmackDown!, Guerrero turned on Tajiri, slamming him through the windshield of his lowrider truck. On the next SmackDown!, Guerrero explained that this was because, during the match, Tajiri had accidentally hit his lowrider. At SummerSlam, Tajiri competed in a Fatal four-way match for the WWE United States Championship but failed to win the title.{{cite book|title= 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|publisher=Kappa Publishing|edition=Wrestling's Historical Cards|volume=2007|pages=113–114}}

Tajiri would mark his return to the cruiserweight division by taking on the champion Rey Mysterio and after losing he spat green mist in Mysterio's eye, turning him heel once again. On the September 25 episode of SmackDown!, Tajiri would beat Rey Mysterio for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship which would be his third and last reign. Tajiri would successfully defend the championship in Mysterio's rematch at No Mercy after Akio and Sakoda, later known as "Kyo Dai", interfered in the match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/10/20/231323.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715220531/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/10/20/231323.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=No Mercy for WWE fans|last=Powell|first=John|date=October 20, 2003|publisher=Canoe: Slam Wrestling|access-date=October 11, 2008}} Tajiri would, however, lose the championship after 93 days to Mysterio on the January 1, 2004, episode of SmackDown!. Tajiri kept his heel persona going by spitting black mist in Nidia's eyes and "blinding" her (Nidia and Noble were both faces by this time.) Noble and Tajiri started a new feud, which quickly ended after Noble betrayed his blind girlfriend and turned heel again. Kyo Dai would quickly be separated from Tajiri and eventually split up after Tajiri refused the WWE writers proposal of Kyo Dai portraying Japanese gangsters. Tajiri feared that it might anger the real Japanese yakuza if they saw the gimmick as an insult. At WrestleMania XX, Tajiri took part in a cruiserweight open for the Cruiserweight Championship which was won by the reigning champion Chavo Guerrero.{{cite web|first=John|last=Powell|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/03/15/382634.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713163259/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/03/15/382634.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 13, 2012|title=WrestleMania XX bombs|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|date=March 15, 2004|access-date=January 24, 2008}}

In 2004, Tajiri had two chances to earn a shot at the WWE Championship. The first chance was in the 2004 Royal Rumble, where the winner would get a championship match at WrestleMania XX, but he was eliminated by Rhyno.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988118/mainevent|title=Rumble Match: Chris Benoit (spot No. 1) wins the Royal Rumble Match|access-date=April 8, 2011|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=June 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611160405/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988118/mainevent/|url-status=dead}} His second chance was in a battle royal on SmackDown!, in which the winner would face then-champion Brock Lesnar at No Way Out. However, he lost once again when he was eliminated by the Big Show.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_7183.shtml|title=2/15 WWE No Way Out PPV review: Sowers's "Alt Perspective" detailed rundown|last=Sowers|first=Kevin|date= February 16, 2004|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 22, 2008}}

Following WrestleMania XX, Tajiri was drafted to Raw, where he turned face once again and feuded with the group of Eric Bischoff, Jonathan Coachman, and Garrison Cade. He would later feud with the Evolution stable for a good portion of 2004. Also that year, Tajiri formed a tag team with Rhyno. This team dissolved quietly after a failed attempt at winning the World Tag Team Championship from La Résistance at Unforgiven.{{cite web|first=J.D.|last=Dunn|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/32472/The-WWE-Unforgiven-2004-Breakdown.htm|title=The WWE Unforgiven 2004 Breakdown|access-date=January 17, 2008|date=September 12, 2004|publisher=411.com}} On February 4, 2005, in Saitama Super Arena, Tajiri reunited with William Regal to defeat La Résistance for the World Tag Team Championship on an episode of Raw emanating from Japan. After several defenses against La Résistance, among others, their reign ended on May 1 at Backlash, when they were eliminated from a tag team turmoil match by La Résistance.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlashresults/|title=All-time Results: Backlash pay-per-view results|access-date=February 19, 2012|publisher=WWE}}

Tajiri lost a 3-Way Dance (that also featured Little Guido) to Super Crazy at ECW One Night Stand 2005 on June 12.{{cite news|title=Power Slam|work=ECW! ECW! ECW!|publisher=SW Publishing LTD|id=132|pages=30–31}} Later that year, he formed a short-lived team with Eugene. In December 2005, Tajiri left WWE, stating that he wanted to try to become a journalist and spend more time with his wife and family in Japan. His final televised WWE match was a loss to Gregory Helms on Heat. After the match, he received a standing ovation as a farewell.

Tajiri returned for a one-night appearance at WWE's ECW One Night Stand 2006 pay-per-view, teaming with Super Crazy to lose to The Full Blooded Italians (F.B.I.).{{cite web|title=One Night Stand 2006|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/stand.html#2006|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=November 24, 2007}}

On February 12, 2008, Tajiri made an appearance at a WWE house show in Tokyo, where he accompanied William Regal to the ring for a match against Ric Flair, which Regal lost.

File:Hustle 2008-07-27 TAJIRI.jpg

Tajiri's return to Japan came at Hustle on March 5, 2006, defeating Kohei Sato, The Monster PTA and Yoji Anjo with Razor Ramon Hard Gay and Shinjiro Otani.{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=54&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=&promotion=48®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= | title=Tajiri >> Matches >> Hustle! | work=CageMatch | access-date=February 3, 2019}} In the Hustle promotion, he was originally aligned with the babyface Hustle Army, a group which defends the sport of professional wrestling against the Monster Army (led by Monster General and Monster K, who aim to destroy the sport). However, he was hypnotized by Yinling into joining the Monster Army. In 2006, Tajiri took Yujiro Kushida under his wing and trained him while at Hustle. They participated in multiple tag team matches and tag team tournaments, and they also had several matches against one another. He also participated in Hustle GP, Hustle's only tournament, but was knocked out of the tournaments in the first round by Wataru Sakata. In his last appearance at Hustle, Tajiri defeated Muscle Sakai in a two out of three falls match which Tajiri won two to one.

Tajiri made his debut for All Japan Pro Wrestling, losing to The Great Muta;{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=7673 | title=AJPW Pro-Wrestling Love in Ryogoku Summer Impact 2006 - Tag 5 | work=CageMatch | date=August 27, 2008 | access-date=February 3, 2019}} Tajiri and Muta would team up for a few matches, the most notable of which was against Kaz Hayashi and Satoshi Kojima when the pair used double Asian mist to achieve victory.{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=8708 | title=AJPW Shining Series 2006 - Tag 10 | date=October 29, 2006 | access-date=February 3, 2019 | work=CageMach}}

Tajiri was a title contender in All Japan Pro Wrestling throughout 2007, including a feud with Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion Minoru Suzuki.{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=54&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=2007&promotion=6®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= | title=Tajiri >> Matches >> AJPW >> 2007 | access-date=February 3, 2019 | work=CageMatch}} This feud started on March 30, 2007, at the final Champion Carnival 2007 event, following Tajiri's victory over Suzuki via count-out when Tajiri tied Suzuki's foot to the guardrail and went on to steal the Triple Crown championship belts following the match. Because of Tajiri's refusal to return the titles, Suzuki created paper belts to temporarily represent his championship. Tajiri opposed Suzuki again on April 22, 2007, in a tag team match, in which Tajiri taunted Suzuki repeatedly. At the conclusion of the match, Suzuki (after losing the match because of the Tarantula) chased Tajiri around the Korakuen Hall, only for Tajiri to jump the guard rail and steal the paper belts. Days later, Tajiri returned the titles in exchange for a title match on April 30, 2007, where he was unsuccessful. Tajiri also teamed with The Great Muta to defeat Kohei Suwama and Scott Steiner.

Tajiri returned to All Japan Pro Wrestling in 2011 to team up with Great Muta and Kenso in a loss to Partisan Forces (Masakatsu Funaki and Minoru Suzuki) and KAI.{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=54&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=2011&promotion=6®ion=&location=&arena=&showtype=&constellationType=&worker= | title=Tajiri >> Matches >> AJPW >> 2011 | access-date=February 3, 2019 | work=CageMatch}} Tajiri would then bring Smash's biggest stars to AJPW for a one-night event where he and his partners Akira and StarBuck defeated Bushi, Keiji Muto, and Shuji Kondo.

During the summer of 2009, Tajiri invaded NJPW, where he started a feud with the International Wrestling Gran Prix (IWGP) Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi, by attacking and green misting him after his title defense against Takashi Sugiura.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2009/07/20/results-ongoing-new-japan-72009/|title=Results New Japan, 7/20/09|date=July 20, 2009|access-date=January 24, 2010|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}} Tajiri participated in G1 Climax 2009 and won his first match of the tournament and his first match of his return.

On August 13, Tajiri pinned the IWGP Heavyweight Champion in a non-title match during the G1 Climax tournament, after using the green mist. Tajiri ended the tournament with only four points, finishing bottom of block A.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2009/08/13/results-new-japan-81309/ |title=Results New Japan, 8/13/09|date=August 13, 2009|access-date=January 24, 2010|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}} Hustle folded in October 2009, after which Tajiri began wrestling for NJPW full-time. He would score two more pinfall victories over the now former IWGP Heavyweight Champion in multiple man tag team matches,{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2009/12/02/results-new-japan-12209/|title=Results New Japan, 12/2/09|date=December 2, 2009|access-date=January 24, 2010|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2009/12/04/results-new-japan-12409/|title=Results New Japan, 12/4/09|date=December 4, 2009|access-date=January 24, 2010|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}} but in the end lost the feud, when Tanahashi pinned him cleanly in a one-on-one match on December 5.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2009/12/05/results-new-japan-12509-first-14-matches-announced/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129131728/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2009/12/05/results-new-japan-12509-first-14-matches-announced/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 29, 2022|title=Results New Japan, 12/5/09 & first 1/4 matches announced!|date=December 5, 2009|access-date=January 24, 2010|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}} Afterwards, Tajiri set his sights on Seigigun, led by Yuji Nagata.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2009/12/08/goto-challenges-sugiura-tajiri-targets-aogi-gun-hogan-in-nj-rumours/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909150811/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2009/12/08/goto-challenges-sugiura-tajiri-targets-aogi-gun-hogan-in-nj-rumours/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 9, 2012|title=Goto challenges Sugiura, Tajiri targets Aogi-gun, Hogan in NJ rumours|date=December 8, 2009|access-date=January 24, 2010|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}} On January 4, 2010, at Wrestle Kingdom IV in Tokyo Dome Tajiri teamed up with fellow ECW alumnus Masato Tanaka and together they defeated the Seigigun team of Nagata and Akebono when Tajiri pinned Nagata after the green mist and a Buzzsaw kick.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/01/04/results-new-japan-1410/|title=Results New Japan, 1/4/10|date=January 4, 2010|access-date=January 24, 2010|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}} On February 14 Nagata defeated Tajiri in a one-on-one match in under five minutes to seemingly end the feud and Tajiri's run with the company.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/02/14/results-new-japan-21410/|title=Results New Japan, 2/14/10|date=February 14, 2010|access-date=February 19, 2010|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|archive-date=January 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101183223/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/02/14/results-new-japan-21410/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/02/15/march-lineups-yujiro-name-change-new-rookie-more/|title=March lineups, Yujiro name change, RISE & Legend dead, new rookie, more!|date=February 15, 2010|access-date=February 19, 2010|publisher=Strong Style Spirit}}

On June 19 at Dominion 6.19, Tajiri returned to New Japan, turning face and saving former rival Hiroshi Tanahashi from Toru Yano and Takashi Iizuka. He then helped Tanahashi shave Yano's head following their Hair vs. Hair match.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/06/19/results-new-japan-dominion-619-619/|title=(Results) New Japan "DOMINION 6.19", 6/19|date=June 19, 2010|access-date=June 19, 2010|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|archive-date=September 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919072322/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/06/19/results-new-japan-dominion-619-619/|url-status=dead}} On June 28 Tajiri, Tanahashi, and Kushida entered the J Sports Crown Openweight 6 Man Tag Tournament, where they made it all the way to the finals on June 30, before being defeated by Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi, and Hirooki Goto.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/06/28/results-new-japan-62810/|title=(Results) New Japan, 6/28/10|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=June 28, 2010|access-date=July 7, 2010|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083307/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/06/28/results-new-japan-62810/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/06/30/results-new-japan-63010/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909073805/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/06/30/results-new-japan-63010/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 9, 2012|title=(Results) New Japan, 6/30/10|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=June 30, 2010|access-date=July 7, 2010}} In October and November 2010, Tajiri teamed with Tanahashi in New Japan's 2010 G1 Tag League. After a strong start in the tournament, Tajiri and Tanahashi were defeated by the IWGP Tag Team Champions Bad Intentions (Giant Bernard and Karl Anderson) on November 6, the last day of group stages, and slipped to third place in their block, narrowly missing the semifinals of the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2010/11/06/results-new-japan-11610/|title=(Results) New Japan, 11/6/10|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=November 6, 2010|access-date=November 6, 2010}}

In 2010, Tajiri was placed in charge of Smash, a new promotion taking the place of Hustle. The promotion held its first show on March 26 which saw Tajiri wrestle two matches in one night. The first was a hardcore match against Tommy Dreamer. Tajiri lost to Dreamer but then beat Mentallo in his second contest. Later that same night, Tajiri and Dreamer saved Kushida from Leatherface. To end the show, Dreamer paid tribute to Tajiri which led him to break into tears.{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/into-the-indies-04-27-10-hustle-gets-smashed/|title=Into the Indies 04.27.10: Hustle Gets Smashed|last=Byers|first=Ryan|date=April 27, 2010|access-date=June 13, 2010|publisher=411Mania}}

During 2010, Tajiri, along with other Smash talent made crossover appearances in Finnish promotion Fight Club Finland (FCF). At Smash.3 on May 29, 2010, Tajiri defeated Valentine to win the FCF Finnish Heavyweight Championship for the first time. He would drop the title to StarBuck on July 24 at Smash.6, before regaining it from him on November 22, 2010, at Smash.10. On February 25, 2011, Tajiri gave Kushida his blessing to leave Smash and become a full-time member of the New Japan roster on April 1. At Smash.12 Tajiri would successfully defend his title against Super Crazy but would lose the title later on in the night to Michael Kovac at Smash.13, at Smash.13.{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/misc/smash/results11.php|title=2011 Smash results|work=Purolove|access-date=January 29, 2011}} On September 8 at Smash.21, Tajiri defeated Akira in the semifinals of the Smash Championship tournament.{{cite web |url=http://www.smashxsmash.jp/cgi-bin/topics/diary.cgi?no=762 |title=9・8『Smash.21』全試合結果 |trans-title=9 · 8 "Smash.21" All match results |date=September 8, 2011 |access-date=September 29, 2011 |work=Smash |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416045132/http://www.smashxsmash.jp/cgi-bin/topics/diary.cgi?no=762 |archive-date=April 16, 2024}} On October 28, Tajiri was defeated in the finals of the tournament by StarBuck.{{cite web |url=http://www.smashxsmash.jp/cgi-bin/topics/diary.cgi?no=813 |title=10・28『Smash.22』全試合結果 | trans-title=10 · 28 "Smash.22" All match results |date=October 28, 2011 |access-date=October 28, 2011 |work=Smash |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102102113/http://www.smashxsmash.jp/cgi-bin/topics/diary.cgi?no=813 |archive-date=November 2, 2011}}

On February 10, 2012, Smash announced that the promotion would be folding after its March 14 event, following a disagreement between Tajiri and financial backer Masakazu Sakai.{{cite web|url=http://www.smashxsmash.jp/smash_archives/news/smash/episode1final.html |title=【※重要】「Smash」第１章活動休止のお知らせ | trans-title=【※ important】 "Smash" Chapter 1 Notice of suspension of activity |date=February 10, 2012 |access-date=February 10, 2012 |work=Smash |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703183307/http://www.smashxsmash.jp/smash_archives/news/smash/episode1final.html |archive-date=July 3, 2013}} On February 19 at Smash.25, Tajiri unsuccessfully challenged Dave Finlay for the Smash Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.smashxsmash.jp/smash_archives/information/smash25/smash25_allresult.html |title=2・19『Smash.25』全試合結果 | trans-title=2 · 19 "Smash.25" All games result |date=February 19, 2012 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |work=Smash |language=ja |url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703180349/http://www.smashxsmash.jp/smash_archives/information/smash25/smash25_allresult.html |archive-date=July 3, 2013}} On March 14, Tajiri wrestled in Smash's final match, where he and AKIRA defeated Hajime Ohara and StarBuck.{{cite web|url=http://www.smashxsmash.jp/smash_archives/information/314_smashfinal/smashfinal_result.html |title=3・14『Smash.Final』全試合結果 | trans-title=3 · 14 "SMASH.FINAL" All match results |date=March 14, 2012 |access-date=March 14, 2012 |work=Smash |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703183119/http://www.smashxsmash.jp/smash_archives/information/314_smashfinal/smashfinal_result.html |archive-date=July 3, 2013}} Following the match, Tajiri announced his intention of starting a new promotion.{{cite web|url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/headlines/20120314-00000020-spnavi-fight.html |title=Tajiri が Smash 終結宣言 2年間の歴史に幕 | trans-title=Tajiri ends a two-year history marking story with Smash closing |date=March 14, 2012 |access-date=March 14, 2012 |work=Sports Navi |publisher=Yahoo! |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322181724/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/headlines/20120314-00000020-spnavi-fight.html |archive-date=March 22, 2012}}

File:Tajiri rolls up Lance Cade.jpg]]

On April 5, 2012, Tajiri announced the follow-up promotion to Smash, Wrestling New Classic (WNC), which would hold its first event on April 26.{{cite web | url=http://wrestling-newclassic.com/news-navi/4-news2.html | script-title=ja:プレ旗揚げ戦決定！| trans-title=Pre match decision | date=April 5, 2012 | access-date=April 5, 2012 | work=Wrestling New Classic | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716193214/http://wrestling-newclassic.com/news-navi/4-news2.html | archive-date=July 16, 2012 }}{{cite web | url = https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/f-bt-tp0-20120406-929400.html | title = Ｔajiri新団体発表「若手を海外に」| trans-title=Tajiri new group announcement 'Young people overseas' | date=April 6, 2012 | access-date=April 6, 2012 | work=Nikkan Sports | language=ja}} On April 26, Tajiri was defeated by Akira in the main event of WNC's first event.{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/battle/2012/04/001167.php | title = WNCプレ旗揚げ戦でTajiriがAkiraに敗れる！大原を一蹴した外道が旗揚げ戦に矢野の投入を予告！華名と真琴が大喧嘩！| trans-title=Tajiri loses to Akira in WNC battles! Preceding Yano's introduction to the battle with the alien who broke Ohara! Hua and Makoto fight big! |date=April 27, 2012 | access-date=April 26, 2012 | work=Battle News | language=ja}} For WNC's second event on May 24, Tajiri reunited with former ECW tag team partner, Mikey Whipwreck, to defeat Gedo and Jado in a hardcore tag team match.{{cite web|url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/other/live/2012/2012052402/index.html |title=Wrestling New Classic「旗揚げ戦」 |date=May 24, 2012 |access-date=May 26, 2012 |work=Sports Navi |publisher=Yahoo! |language=ja |url-status=dead | trans-title= Wrestling New Classic "Fighting the Flag"|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527164325/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/other/live/2012/2012052402/index.html |archive-date=May 27, 2012}} Two days later, Tajiri and Whipwreck defeated Yo-Hey and Yusuke Kodama in another hardcore tag team match.{{cite web | url=http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/news-navi/66-2012-5-26-result.html | script-title=ja:5・26大阪大会 試合結果 | date=May 27, 2012 | access-date=May 26, 2012 | work=Wrestling New Classic | language=ja | url-status=dead | trans-title=5 · 26 Osaka show Results | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121217200532/http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/news-navi/66-2012-5-26-result.html | archive-date=December 17, 2012 }} On June 22, Tajiri's longtime partner Akira turned on him and, the following month formed a new alliance with StarBuck and Syuri.{{cite web | url = http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/199-2012-7-16-press.html | title = Akira、スターバック、朱里、渦中の3人が密会!? | date = July 16, 2012 | access-date = August 2, 2012 | work = Wrestling New Classic | language = ja | trans-title=Akira, Starback, Zhu Li, three people in the mist of secret !? | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20121209133017/http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/199-2012-7-16-press.html | archive-date = December 9, 2012 }}

Tajiri, Hajime Ohara, and Kana, the former partners of the three formed an alliance of their own to battle the three, but were on August 2 defeated in the first match between the two groups.{{cite web | url = http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/234-2012-8-2-shinjuku-result.html | title = 今度は大原がまさかの造反！ 8・2新宿Face大会 全試合結果 | trans-title=This time Ohara is in violation of the rules! 8 · 2 Shinjuku Face match results | date = August 2, 2012 | access-date = August 2, 2012 | work = Wrestling New Classic | language = ja | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20121216135409/http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/234-2012-8-2-shinjuku-result.html | archive-date = December 16, 2012 }} Following the match, Ohara also turned on Tajiri and WNC, forming a new partnership with debuting female wrestler Nagisa Nozaki.{{cite web | url = http://ameblo.jp/ringstars/entry-11318789659.html | script-title=ja:【結果】ＷＮＣ８・２新宿 | date=August 3, 2012 | access-date=August 3, 2012 | work=Ringstars | publisher=Ameba | language=ja | trans-title=【Result】 WNC 8 · 2 Shinjuku}} On August 30, Tajiri teamed with Kana and the returning Mikey Whipwreck in a Barbed Wire Board Deathmatch, where they were defeated by Akira, StarBuck and Syuri.{{cite web | url=http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/282-2012-8-30-korakuen-result.html | script-title=ja:8・30後楽園ホール大会 全試合結果 | trans-title=8 · 30 Korakuen Hall Games results | date=August 30, 2012 | access-date=August 30, 2012 | work=Wrestling New Classic | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121217212427/http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/282-2012-8-30-korakuen-result.html | archive-date=December 17, 2012 }}{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/battle/2012/08/001384.php | script-title=ja:有刺鉄線ボードデスマッチ3連戦、まずは反体制が本隊に勝利！野崎は真琴に圧勝！大原は2人の師匠に暴挙！|trans-title=Barbed wire board Deathmatch in three consecutive matches, first the dissident defeats the main force! Nozaki wins over Makoto! Ohara defeated the two masters! | date=August 30, 2012 | access-date=August 30, 2012 | work=Battle News | language=ja}} In a September 1 match, Whipwreck pinned StarBuck for the win, ending the villainous trio's win streak in the process.{{cite web | url=http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/294-2012-9-1-toyohashi-result.html | title=WNC軍、一矢報いる！ 9・1豊橋 名豊ビル大会 全試合結果 | trans-title=WNC army, I will reward you one! 9 · 1 Toyohashi Nagatomi Building results | date=September 1, 2012 | access-date=September 1, 2012 | work=Wrestling New Classic | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121216154734/http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/294-2012-9-1-toyohashi-result.html | archive-date=December 16, 2012 }} On September 20, Tajiri defeated Syuri in an intergender match at Korakuen Hall.{{cite web | url=http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/329-2012-9-20-korakuen-result.html | script-title=ja:皇帝対決の行方は!? 9・20後楽園ホール大会 全試合結果 | date=September 20, 2012 | access-date=September 20, 2012 | work=Wrestling New Classic | language=ja | trans-title=The way of the Emperor Showdown!? 9 · 20 Korakuen Hall results | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205011121/http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/329-2012-9-20-korakuen-result.html | archive-date=December 5, 2012 }}

On October 26, Tajiri entered the WNC Championship tournament, defeating Carlito in his first-round match.{{cite web | url=http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/367-10-26-tajiri.html | title=10・26 後楽園ホール大会 全試合結果&Tajiri総括 | trans-title=10 · 26 Korakuen Hall Competition results and Tajiri Summary | date=October 27, 2012 | access-date=October 27, 2012 | work=Wrestling New Classic | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205010324/http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/367-10-26-tajiri.html | archive-date=December 5, 2012 }} On November 28, Tajiri defeated Hajime Ohara to advance to the finals of the tournament.{{cite web |url=http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/396-20121128kekka.html |title=11･28WNC後楽園ホール大会 試合結果 | trans-title=11 · 28 WNC Korakuen Hall Competition Result of game |date=November 29, 2012 |access-date=November 29, 2012 |work=Wrestling New Classic |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121216143950/http://wrestling-newclassic.com/ja/396-20121128kekka.html |archive-date=December 16, 2012 }} On December 27, Tajiri was defeated in the finals of the tournament by Akira.{{cite web | url=http://www.wnc-pro.com/result.php | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409043716/http://www.wnc-pro.com/result.php | title=2012-12-27 後楽園大会 試合結果 | trans-title=2012-12-27 Korakuen Games match result | archive-date=April 9, 2013 | date=January 2, 2013 | access-date=January 2, 2013 | work=Wrestling New Classic | language=ja | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/battle/2012/12/001634.php | title = AkiraがTajiriを、朱里が野崎を下し、シナプスがフィンレーからのベルトを独占！自爆し髪を刈られた黒潮が覚醒！| trans-title=Akira took Tajiri, Shuri downed Nozaki, synapse monopolized the belt from Finley! Kuroshio used a suicide bomb to get a hair cut! | date=December 27, 2012 | access-date=December 27, 2012 | work=Battle News | language=ja}} On August 8, 2013, Tajiri defeated Osamu Nishimura in his home prefecture of Kumamoto to become the third WNC Champion.{{cite web | url=http://www.wnc-pro.com/result.php?p=1&ckey=31 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055334/http://www.wnc-pro.com/result.php?p=1&ckey=31 | title=2013-08-08 WNC熊本大会 試合結果 | trans-title=2013-08-08 WNC Kumamoto Competition results | archive-date=September 21, 2013 | date=August 8, 2013 | access-date=August 8, 2013 | work=Wrestling New Classic | language=ja | url-status=dead }} After five successful title defenses, Tajiri lost the title to StarBuck on February 27, 2014.{{cite web | url=http://www.wnc-pro.com/result.php?p=1&ckey=55 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305014256/http://www.wnc-pro.com/result.php?p=1&ckey=55 | title=2014-02-27 WNC新宿Face大会 試合結果 | trans-title=2014-02-27 WNC Shinjuku Face result | archive-date=March 5, 2014 | date=February 27, 2014 | access-date=February 27, 2014 | work=Wrestling New Classic | language=ja | url-status=dead }}

On June 18, 2014, Tajiri announced that WNC would be going inactive following June 26. Effective July 1, six former WNC wrestlers, Tajiri included, transferred over to the Wrestle-1 promotion.{{cite web | url = http://www.w-1.co.jp/news/detail.php?id=2663 | title = 新入団選手発表～武藤敬司、Tajiri会見 | date=June 18, 2014 | access-date=June 18, 2014 | work=Wrestle-1 | language=ja | trans-title=New promotion announcement - Keiji Muto, Tajiri interview}}

Tajiri wrestled his first match under a Wrestle-1 contract on July 6, 2014, teaming with Yusuke Kodama in a tag team match, where they defeated the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) team of Ethan Carter III and Rockstar Spud.{{cite web|url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1473|title=Fighting Entertainment Wrestle-1 「衝撃～Impact～」 | trans-title=Fighting Entertainment Wrestle-1 "Impact ~ Impact ~" |date=July 6, 2014|access-date=July 6, 2014|work=Wrestle-1 |language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702024604/http://www.w-1.co.jp//schedule/tour.php?id=1473|archive-date=July 2, 2014}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_79435.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - TNA NEWS: Result from Tag Title match in Japan, plus Muta vs. Sanada, TNA heel duo in tag action|website=www.pwtorch.com}} On September 22, Tajiri entered the Wrestle-1 Championship tournament but was defeated in his first-round match by Masakatsu Funaki.{{cite web | url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1504 | title=Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 初代王者決定トーナメント | trans-title=Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 First Championship Tournament | date=September 22, 2014 | access-date=September 22, 2014 | work=Wrestle-1 | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924114031/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1504 | archive-date=September 24, 2014 }} Tajiri then entered a storyline, where he began helping Funaki train for his semifinal match in the tournament.{{cite web | url = http://www.w-1.co.jp/news/detail.php?id=2961 | title = 戦いを通じて「心が通じ合った」！船木＆Tajiriタッグ結成へ！10.8後楽園でまさかの船木毒霧噴射も示唆！～船木誠勝選手、Tajiri選手と合同練習公開 | date=October 3, 2014 | access-date=October 8, 2014 | work=Wrestle-1 | trans-title=Through battle "My heart began to communicate"! To Fun Fun & Tajiri Tag Formation! 10.8 Implicit funnel poisoning spray also suggested at Korakuen! ~ Funaki Seijaku, joint practice release with Tajiri players | language=ja}} However, on October 8, Tajiri turned on Funaki, costing him his semifinal match against Masayuki Kono. Post-match, Tajiri was announced as the newest member of Kono's villainous Desperado stable.{{cite web | url = https://live-sports.yahoo.co.jp/live/sports/fight_all/2903/ | title = Wrestle-1「Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 初代王者決定トーナメント」優勝決定戦 | date=October 8, 2014 | access-date=October 8, 2014 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=Yahoo! | trans-title=Wrestle-1 "Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 First Championship Tournament" Winner | language=ja}}{{cite web | url = http://www.pwinsider.com/article/88752/alberto-del-rio-heading-to-japan-and-more-wrestle1-news.html?p=1 | title = Alberto Del Rio heading to Japan and more Wrestle-1 news | last=Lions | first=Phil | date=October 8, 2014 | access-date=October 8, 2014 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}

In November, Tajiri and Masayuki Kono took part in the First Tag League Greatest tournament, set to determine the inaugural Wrestle-1 Tag Team Champions, where they won their block with a clean record of four wins and zero losses, advancing to the semifinals.{{cite web|url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/news/detail.php?id=3139|title=「First Tag League Greatest ～初代タッグ王者決定リーグ戦～」公式戦全日程終了！11月30日（日）東京・後楽園ホール（18時試合開始）大会での決勝トーナメント組み合わせ決定のお知らせ|date=November 28, 2014|access-date=November 28, 2014 | trans-title= irst Tag League Greatest ~ First Tag Champion Decision League Battle ~" Official Game All schedule is over! November 30 (Sunday) Tokyo · Korakuen Hall (18 o'clock game start) Notice of the final decision of the tournament combination at the event| work=Wrestle-1|language=ja}} On November 30, Tajiri and Kono were eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals by Akira and Manabu Soya.{{cite web|url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1520|title=Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 First Tag League Greatest ～初代タッグ王者決定リーグ戦～|date=November 30, 2014|access-date=November 30, 2014|work=Wrestle-1 | trans-title=Wrestle-1 Tour 2014 First Tag League Greatest ~ First Tag Champion Decision League Battle ~ |language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205225551/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1520|archive-date=December 5, 2014}}

On May 16, 2015, Tajiri defeated Minoru Tanaka at a Wrestle-1 event to capture the European Wrestling Promotion (EWP) Intercontinental Championship.{{cite web | url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1544 | title=Wrestle-1 Tour 2015 Royal Battle Weekend | date=May 16, 2015 | access-date=May 16, 2015 | work=Wrestle-1 | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329085434/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1544 | archive-date=March 29, 2015 }} A week later, Tajiri unsuccessfully challenged Tanaka for the Wrestle-1 Cruiser Division Championship.{{cite web | url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1545 | title=Wrestle-1 Tour 2015 Royal Battle Weekend | date=May 23, 2015 | access-date=May 23, 2015 | work=Wrestle-1 | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530163117/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1545 | archive-date=May 30, 2015 | url-status=dead }} On May 30, Tajiri lost the EWP Intercontinental Championship back to Tanaka in a Title vs. Title match also contested for the Wrestle-1 Cruiser Division Championship.{{cite web | url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1546 | title=Wrestle-1 Tour 2015 Royal Battle Weekend | date=May 30, 2015 | access-date=May 30, 2015 | work=Wrestle-1 | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530161536/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1546 | archive-date=May 30, 2015 }} Following the match, Desperado turned on Tajiri and kicked him out of the stable.{{cite web | url = http://www.w-1.co.jp/news/detail.php?id=3665 | title = 「時の流れに身をまかせた結果」Tajiriの真意とは一体…？| trans-title="The result of letting meself up by the flow of time" What is the real intention of Tajiri ...? | date=June 3, 2015 | access-date=June 18, 2015 | work=Wrestle-1 | language=ja}} On June 19, Wrestle-1 announced a new contractual status for Tajiri, which would see him work only sporadic Wrestle-1 events from July onwards due to looking for a new career as an acupuncturist abroad.{{cite web | url = http://www.w-1.co.jp/news/detail.php?id=3703 | script-title=ja:契約選手に関するお知らせ | trans-title=Announcement concerning Contracted Players | date=June 19, 2015 | access-date=June 19, 2015 | work=Wrestle-1 | language=ja}} On January 31, 2016, Tajiri, Kaz Hayashi and Minoru Tanaka won the vacant UWA World Trios Championship.

On June 28, 2016, Tajiri announced he was leaving Wrestle-1 due to his contract with the company expiring.{{cite web|url=http://www.daily.co.jp/newsflash/ring/2016/06/28/0009231873.shtml|script-title=ja:Ｗ１、５選手が退団を発表 | trans-title=W1,5 announces closure |date=June 28, 2016|access-date=June 28, 2016|work=Daily Sports Online|publisher=Kobe Shimbun|language=ja}} On July 29, Tajiri, Hayashi, and Tanaka lost the UWA World Trios Championship to Andy Wu, Daiki Inaba and Seiki Yoshioka in their fifth defense.{{cite web |url=http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1625 |title=「Wrestle-1 Tour 2016 Symbol」 |date=July 29, 2016 |access-date=July 29, 2016 |work=Wrestle-1 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703002615/http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1625 |archive-date=July 3, 2016}}

Tajiri debuted at the August Impact Wrestling tapings in New York City, defeating Robbie E on August 5 (aired September 24),{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_80017.shtml|title=TNA news: Impact spoilers - results from New York City for "Hardcore Justice," follow-up episode, Xplosion, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=August 6, 2014|access-date=August 6, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} and working matches on the August tapings; Tajiri and Austin Aries lost to James Storm and Sanada and then on the September 24 episode of Impact Wrestling, he competed in the NYC Gold Rush Final fatal five-way match which also included Abyss, Mr. Anderson, MVP and Austin Aries with Anderson winning the match. His final appearance for the promotion was at the October 12, Bound for Glory pay-per-view event in Tokyo, teaming with The Great Muta in a tag team main event, where they defeated James Storm and The Great Sanada.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/88824/spoilers-tna-bound-for-glory-2014-ppv-results.html|publisher=PWInsider|access-date=October 12, 2014|title=Spoilers: TNA Bound for Glory 2014 PPV results}}

On June 13, 2016, Tajiri was announced as a participant in WWE's Cruiserweight Classic tournament.{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/13/32-wrestlers-announced-wwes-cruiserweight-tournament/ | title = All 32 wrestlers announced for WWE's cruiserweight tournament | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=June 13, 2016 | access-date=June 13, 2016 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} The tournament kicked off on June 23 with Tajiri defeating Damian Slater in his first-round match.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-cruiserweight-classic-round-one-spoilers-sabre-jr-swann-gargano-ibushi-more-215211|title=WWE Cruiserweight Classic round one spoilers: Sabre Jr, Swann, Gargano, Ibushi, more!|last=Williams|first=JJ|date=June 23, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} On July 14, Tajiri was eliminated from the tournament by Gran Metalik.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-cruiserweight-classic-round-two-spoilers-216501|title=WWE Cruiserweight Classic round two spoilers |last=Williams|first=JJ|date=July 14, 2016|access-date=July 14, 2016|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}

On December 3, at the NXT special at Osaka, Japan, Tajiri teamed with Akira Tozawa, losing to NXT Tag Team Champions DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano). On December 4, 2016, Tajiri announced he signed a full-time contract with WWE, and that he would make his return in early 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/106353/former-wwe-star-announces-fulltime-return-to-company.html|title=Former WWE star announces full-time return to the company |work=PWInsider.com | access-date=June 10, 2018 | date=December 4, 2016 | first=Matthew | last=Macklin}} On the December 13 episode of 205 Live, vignettes for Tajiri's return began airing.{{cite web |url=http://www.dailywrestlingnews.com/tajiris-wwe-return-announced-wwe-205-live-update-new-cruiserweight-debuts/ |title=Tajiri's WWE Return Announced, WWE 205 Live Update, New Cruiserweight Debuts|last= Middleton |first=Marc |access-date=December 21, 2016 |work=DailyWrestlingNews}} On January 3, 2017, Tajiri debuted on 205 Live defeating Sean Maluta. Following the match, The Brian Kendrick tried to welcome him back to the WWE, only for Tajiri to spit green mist onto his face. In January, Tajiri suffered a knee injury at an NXT taping.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/tajiri-injured|title=Tajiri suffers knee injury|work=WWE|access-date=June 9, 2018}} After weeks of recovery, Tajiri returned at a 205 Live taping in February, following a match between Lince Dorado and Brian Kendrick. On April 22, Tajiri officially announced his departure from the WWE. According to him, he had been medically cleared to return and compete from a knee injury, but WWE decided not to use him due to his age.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/tajiri-not-returning-wwe-after-knee-injury-234256|title=Tajiri not returning to WWE after knee injury|last=Currier|first=Joseph|date=April 23, 2017|access-date=April 23, 2017|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}

{{Update|section|date=May 2023}}

File:TAJIRI 2017.jpg

Following his departure from WWE, Tajiri returned to Japan, with All Japan announcing his first post-WWE booking for June 11.{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/690876/|title=【全日】WWE退団のTajiriが参戦 ６・１１後楽園６人タッグで秋山|trans-title=【Total day】 Tajiri from WWE withdraws participation 6 · 11 Korakuen 6 people Tag with Akiyama|date=May 29, 2017|access-date=May 30, 2017|work=Tokyo Sports|language=ja|archive-date=May 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530020634/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/690876/|url-status=dead}} On July 30, Tajiri defeated Hikaru Sato to win the promotion's World Junior Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web | url=http://www.all-japan.co.jp/match/7-30大阪大会観衆560人満員 | script-title=ja:7.30大阪大会[観衆]560人(満員) | trans-title=7.30 Osaka Games [audience] 560 people sell ou) | date=July 30, 2017 | access-date=July 30, 2017 | work=All Japan Pro Wrestling | language=ja}} He lost the title to Último Dragón on August 27, before regaining it on October 21. His reign as Junior Heavyweight Champion lasted until February 3, 2018, when Atsushi Aoki won the championship from Tajiri. Tajiri defeated Jun Akiyama on July 15, 2018, to win the Gaora TV Championship.{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/alljapan/gaora-tv.html | title=Gaora Television Title | date=July 15, 2018 | access-date=January 20, 2019 | work=Wrestling-Titles}} AJPW further pushed Tajiri as he and tag team partner Koji Iwamoto were entered into the 2018 Jr. Tag Battle of Glory tournament. The duo won four of the six first-round matches, then defeated Atsushi Aoki and Hikaru Sato in the finals to win the tournament.{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=206881 | title=AJPW Summer Explosion Series 2018 - Tag 8 | date=August 25, 2018 | access-date=January 20, 2019 | work=CageMatch}}

On October 2, 2021, Tajiri made his MLW debut at Fightland where he defeated Myron Reed, Arez, and Aramis to become the new MLW World Middleweight Champion. Tajiri will defend the MLW World Middleweight Championship in England at Cheltenham Town Hall February 19 when he will face Jody Fleisch on a card promoted by World Pro Wrestling.{{cite web |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/mlw/mlw-notes-jody-fleisch-getting-middleweight-title-shot-364126 |title=MLW notes: Jody Fleisch getting Middleweight title shot |last=Nason |first=Josh |date=December 30, 2021 |website=F4Wonline.com |publisher=Wrestling Observer / Figure Four Online |access-date=October 12, 2022}} He would lose the title in January 2022 against Myron Reed.{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/105317-spoilers-nuevo-campeon-middleweight-mlw-blood-y-thunder|title = MLW Blood & Thunder: Se corona un nuevo campeón mundial Middleweight|date = January 22, 2022}}

On January 3, 2023, Tajiri made his Kyushu Pro-Wrestling debut at Jokyo 2023 where he defeated Kodai Nozaki to win the Kyushu Pro-Wrestling Championship,{{Cite web |last=Saalbach |first=Axel |title=Kyushu Pro Jokyo 2023 |url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=shows&show=565755 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=Cagematch}} then announced he had signed full-time with the promotion.{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2023 |title=[Kyushu Pro Wrestling] "Young people, gather in Kyushu from around the world!" TAJIRI welcome press conference |script-title=ja:【九州プロレス】「若者よ、世界から九州に集え！」TAJIRI入団会見 |url=https://proresu-today.com/archives/209793/ |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=proresu-today.com |language=ja}} He lost the title to Mentai☆Kid, on February 5, at the Kitakyushu Genki Festival event.{{Cite web |date=February 8, 2023 |title=2/5 Kyushu Pro-Wrestling Fukuoka West Japan General Exhibition Center [Kyushu Pro-Wrestling Title Match] TAJIRI vs Mentai☆Kid [Kyushu Pro-Wrestling Tag Team Title Match] SUGI & RAICHO vs Asozan & Naoki Sakurajima |script-title=ja:【試合詳細】2･5 九州プロレス 福岡・西日本総合展示場大会 【九州プロレス選手権試合】TAJIRI vsめんたい☆キッド 【九州プロレスタッグ選手権試合】SUGI＆RAICHO vs阿蘇山＆桜島なおき |url=http://battle-news.com/?p=94962 |access-date=May 27, 2023 |website=battle-news.com |language=ja}}

File:Hustle 2008-07-27 Tarantula.jpg]]

Originally Tajiri performed as a face, without much ring character as such on display, until joining ECW where he adopted his heel "Japanese Buzzsaw" ring character. As the "Japanese Buzzsaw" Tajiri began to display a more ruthless, deranged persona, focusing more on inflicting pain on his opponents than winning matches, which included creating the Tarantula submission hold. The Tarantula is a Rope-hung Boston crab, where Tajiri himself is hung upside down over the top rope as he applies the hold. Since the move involves the use of the ring ropes, it is technically an illegal hold, and must be broken before a referee's count of 5 or risk disqualification. Since a submission from this position is not valid,{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/15-wrestling-moves-that-really-exist/page-9 |title=What a manoeuvre! 15 moves that really exist|date=November 30, 2012|access-date=March 13, 2014|publisher=WWE}} it is a symbol of the "Sadism" that his "Japanese Buzzsaw" character displays. When Tajiri transitioned to the heel character in 1998 he began wearing baggy pants, using the heavy pants to hide just how much contact his foot actually has with an opponent's chest when Tajiri performs a "Buzzsaw Kick" (a high-speed roundhouse kick to the head) on an opponent that often finishes his matches.

As part of the deranged Buzzsaw persona, Tajiri began using "Asian mist" during his matches, spraying a mist of water and green food coloring in the face of an opponent who sells the mist as being blinding.{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/the-50-coolest-maneuvers-of-all-time/page-23 | title=the 50 coolest maneuvers of all time|date=February 21, 2014|access-date=March 13, 2014|publisher=WWE}} The mist was one of the signature moves of the Great Muta, Tajiri's wrestling inspiration and adopted by Tajiri in the late 1990s and has been a trademark move ever since. When working as a heel the mist usually draws a strong negative reaction, but when he's a face it draws a positive reaction from the crowd when he uses it as payback on a heel during a match. During his partnership with William Regal, the face Tajiri portrayed a more comedic version of the Buzzsaw character, often either disgusting or disturbing Regal with his antics.

In December 2003, Tajiri released his autobiography, Tajiri: The Japanese Buzzsaw, in Japan. The book chronicles his wrestling career, from the Mexican and Japanese circuits to ECW and WWF/WWE. Written entirely in Japanese, it was the first book published by WWE in a non-English language.{{cite web | url=http://uiam.at.webry.info/200610/article_1.html | title=Tajiri: The Japanese Buzzsaw | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722011543/http://uiam.at.webry.info/200610/article_1.html | archive-date=July 22, 2011 | date=July 22, 2011}}

Over the years Tajiri has been involved in training several wrestlers, both male and female, especially after his return to Japan in 2005. These include:

• Hiroki Murase{{cite web | url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=54&page=14 | title=Tajiri >> Entourage >> Wrestlers trained | work=CageMatch | access-date=January 20, 2019}}
• Jiro Kuroshio
• Josh O'Brien
• Kaho Kobayashi
• Koharu Hinata
• Koji Doi
• Kushida{{cite magazine | url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/03/09/wwe-dean-ambrose-triple-h-yujiro-kushida-new-japan | title=Week in Wrestling: Dean Ambrose's time to shine; Yujiro Kushida | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=March 9, 2016 | access-date=January 20, 2019 | first=Justin | last=Barrasso}}
• Lin Byron
• Makoto
• Masaya Takahashi
• Minoru Fujita
• Mitoshichi Shinose
• Rionne Fujiwara
• Syuri
• Yoshihiro Horaguchi
• Yusuke Kodama

File:Tajiri camel clutch.jpg]]

• All Japan Pro Wrestling
• Gaora TV Championship (1 time)
• AJPW TV Six-Man Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Yusuke Kodama & Hokuto Omori
• All Asia Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Yoshitatsu
• World Junior Heavyweight Championship (2 times){{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/alljapan/aj-j.html | title=World Junior Heavyweight Title [All Japan] | date= November 29, 2018 | access-date=January 20, 2019 | work=Wrestling-Titles}}
• Jr. Tag Battle of Glory (2018) – with Koji Iwamoto
• Big Japan Pro Wrestling
• BJW Junior Heavyweight Championship (original version) (1 time){{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/bigjapan/bj-j.html | title= BJW Junior Heavyweight Title | date=August 12, 2017 | access-date=January 20, 2019 | work=Wrestling-Titles}}
• BJW Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• BJW Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Ryuji Yamakawa{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/bigjapan/bj-j.html | title= BJW Tag Team Title | date=October 25, 2018 | access-date=January 20, 2019 | work=Wrestling-Titles}}
• Combat Zone Wrestling
• CZW World Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/pa/e/czw/czw-h.html | title= Combat Zone Wrestling Heavyweight Title | access-date=January 20, 2019 | work=Wrestling-Titles}}
• Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
• CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{efn|The championship reign was not officially recognized by CMLL.}}
• European Wrestling Association
• EWA Intercontinental Championship (1 time){{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=337 | title=EWA Intercontinental Championship | access-date=December 18, 2019 | work=CageMatch}}
• European Wrestling Promotion
• EWP Intercontinental Championship (1 time){{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=54&page=11 | title=EWP Intercontinental Championship | access-date=December 18, 2019 | work=CageMatch}}
• Extreme Championship Wrestling
• ECW World Television Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/ecwtvtitlehistory/4298342 |title=Tajiri's first ECW World Television Championship reign |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505170539/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/ecwtvtitlehistory/4298342 |archive-date=May 5, 2014}}
• ECW World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Mikey Whipwreck{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/ecwtaghistory/42983449 |title=Tajiri and Mikey Whipwreck's first ECW World Tag Team Championship reign |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228105654/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/ecwtaghistory/42983449 |archive-date=December 28, 2013}}
• Fight Club Finland
• FCF Finnish Heavyweight Championship (2 times){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=50513|title=Smash.3|access-date=June 13, 2010|work=Cagematch}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fightclubfinland.net/?news=192&all | title=Jessica ja Valentine Japanissa– suomenmestaruus Tajirille! | trans-title=Jessica and Valentine in Japan & - Finnish Championship for Tajir! |date=May 31, 2010|access-date=June 13, 2010|work=Fight Club Finland|language=fi}}{{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/misc/smash/results10.php|title=2010 Smash results|access-date=November 23, 2010|work=Purolove}}
• International Wrestling Association
• IWA Hardcore Championship (1 time){{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/pr/iwa-pr/iwapr-hc.html | title= International Wrestling Alliance Hardcore Title | access-date=January 20, 2019 | work=Wrestling-Titles}}
• Kyushu Pro-Wrestling
• Kyushu Pro-Wrestling Championship (1 time)[https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=2145 Kyushu Pro Championship] Cagematch
• Major League Wrestling
• MLW World Middleweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=317553|title=MLW TV-Taping - Fightland 2021 |access-date=January 24, 2010|publisher=Cagematch}}
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• Ranked No. 23 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the PWI 500 in 2002{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500 – 2002 23) Tajiri | work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated | publisher=Sports and Entertainment publications LLC | location=Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, United States | id=October 2002 | page=22 | date=August 2002}}
• Ranked No. 242 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the PWI Years in 2003
• Pro Wrestling Malta
• PWM Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=3197 | title=PWM Heavyweight Championship | access-date=December 18, 2019 | work=CageMatch}}
• Pro Wrestling Society
• PWS Championship (1 time) {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=4322|title=PWS Championship|accessdate=2023-05-21|publisher=CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}}
• Tokyo Sports
• Special Award (2001){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=97&nr=15|title=Special Award|access-date=January 24, 2010|publisher=Cagematch}}
• World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
• WCW United States Championship (1 time){{efn|Tajiri won the championship during The Invasion storyline.}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/|title=WWE United States Championship|access-date=May 25, 2020}}
• WWF Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/lightheavyweight/357114 |title=Tajiri's first WWF Light Heavyweight Championship reign |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616065859/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/lightheavyweight/357114 |archive-date=June 16, 2012}}
• WCW/WWF/WWE Cruiserweight Championship (3 times){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350586 |title=Tajiri's first WWE Cruiserweight Championship reign |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112094153/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350586 |archive-date=November 12, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350538 |title=Tajiri's second WWE Cruiserweight Championship reign |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112093507/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350538 |archive-date=November 12, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350384 |title=Tajiri's third WWE Cuiserweight Championship reign |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112093955/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/cruiser/350384 |archive-date=November 12, 2012}}
• WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Eddie Guerrero{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/330108 |title=Eddie Guerrero and Tajiri's first WWE Tag Team Championship reign |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019084943/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/330108 |archive-date=October 19, 2013}}
• World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with William Regal{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321322 |title=Tajiri and William Regal's first World Tag Team Championship reign |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024164322/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321322 |archive-date=October 24, 2012}}
• Wrestle-1
• EWP Intercontinental Championship (1 time)
• UWA World Trios Championship (1 time) – with Kaz Hayashi and Minoru Tanaka{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/uwa/uwa-6.html | title= Universal Wrestling Association World Trios Title | date=March 4, 2018 | access-date=January 20, 2019 | work=Wrestling-Titles}}
• Wrestling New Classic
• WNC Championship (1 time)

{{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Yoshihiro Tajiri}}

• {{official website|http://www.japanesebuzzsaw.com}}
• {{WWE superstar|tajiri|Yoshihiro Tajiri}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130129010101/http://www.wnc-pro.com/wrestler.php Wrestling New Classic profile]
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Category:1970 births

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