Old page wikitext, before the edit (old_wikitext) | '{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=Taiji Ishimori
|image= Taiji Ishimori 22 Sep 2015.jpg
|caption= Ishimori in 2015
|names=Army Santa<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1902|title=Noahful Gift 2017 ～ファン感謝祭～|accessdate=2017-12-26|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref><br />Bone Soldier<br />Ishimori<br />Tai-chan<br>'''Taiji Ishimori'''<br>Superstar
|height={{height|m=1.63|precision=0}}<!-- In Japan they measure height in meters so that should be first --><ref name=NOAHbio>{{cite web|title=石森 太二 (Ishimori Taiji)|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/profile017.php|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|accessdate=4 February 2012|language=Japanese}}</ref>
|weight={{convert|75|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<!--In Japan they measure weight in kilograms so that should be first --><ref name=NOAHbio/>
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|02|10|mf=y}}<ref name=NOAHbio/>
|death_date =
|birth_place =[[Tagajo, Miyagi]], Japan<ref name=NOAHbio/>
|resides=
|billed=
|trainer=[[Tamon Honda]]<br>[[Último Dragón]]
|debut={{dts|2002|5|11}}<ref name=NOAHbio/>
|retired=
}}
{{nihongo|'''Taiji Ishimori'''|石森 太二|Ishimori Taiji|born February 10, 1983}} is a Japanese [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] currently signed to [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW), where he performs as part of the [[Bullet Club]] stable and is currently one-third of the [[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions]] alongside [[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]]. Furthermore, he is the current [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion ]]in his first reign.
Ishimori is best known for his 12 year stint with [[Pro Wrestling Noah]], where he became one of the most decorated [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|junior heavyweight]]s in the promotion's history, holding the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] three times, while also setting the record for the longest reign with the championship at 405 days during his first reign. Ishimori also held the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] a record six times, and won the promotion's [[Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League]] a record four times. He is also known for his work in [[Impact Wrestling]], where he is a one-time [[Impact X Division Champion]].
==Professional wrestling career==
===Toryumon (2002–2004)===
When an [[amateur wrestler]], Taiji Ishimori was trained in [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon Mexico]] and debuted against [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto]] in 2002. He went to compete in the ''Young Dragons Cup'' and won after beating [[Jun Ogawauchi]], [[Takuya Sugawara|Henry III Sugawara]] and lastly [[Shuji Kondo|Condotti Shuji]]. Shortly after, he was given a [[pop idol]] [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] and formed a [[boy band]]-like faction with [[Brahman Brothers|Kei and Shu Sato]], calling themselves the Sailor Boys. Ishimori was intended to become the "ace" (the top student) of his graduating class, even going so far as to release an album, "Keep in Journey", to support their gimmick. However, the fan interest never matched his hype, and Ishimori became one of Toryumon's bigger failures. Sailor Boys' rival faction, Los Salseros Japoneses ([[Takeshi Minamino]], [[Kenichi Sakai|Pineapple Hanai]] and [[Takayasu Fukuda|Mango Fukuda]]) was in turn more successful with the fans. While in the Toryumon X brand, Sailor Boys also feuded with Mini Crazy Max ([[Takuya Sugi|Mini Cima]], [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|Suwacito]] and [[Masaki Okimoto|Small Dandy Fujii]]), defeating them in X's debut show.
Unlike the rest of his class, Taiji did his Japanese debut for [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'s Wrestle-1 project. Returning to Mexico, he won the [[UWA World Welterweight Championship]] on May 11, 2003, defeating [[Super Crazy]] to win the belt. Ishimori defended the UWA World Welterweight Championship 2 times, against [[Fuerza Guerrera]] on August 31, 2003 and against [[Masato Yoshino|Yossino]] on December 7, 2003. He dropped the UWA championship to [[Takeshi Minamino]] on August 29, 2004. He tried to regain the title in the ''Dragon Fire The Final Challenge event'', but it was unsuccessful. Also, at the last Toryumon X show, Sailor Boys challenged [[Gedo (wrestler)|Gedo]], [[Jado]] and [[Katsushi Takemura]] for the [[UWA World Trios Championship]], but they were defeated.
===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2004–2005)===
Following the title loss, Ishimori began working for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) as one of their "Young Lions" prospects. Very early in his NJPW run he was teamed up with [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] for a one night U-30 (Under 30) [[tag team]] tournament. In the first round the team defeated Blue Wolf and [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]] and in the finals they defeated [[Ryusuke Taguchi]] and [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] to win the tournament.<ref name=U30Tag/> At one point he teamed up with his mentor [[Último Dragón]] for an unsuccessful shot at the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]], held by [[Jado & Gedo]] at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16490|title=NJPW Chrono Stream ~ Masahiro Chono 20th Anniversary|date=November 3, 2004|accessdate= March 24, 2010|publisher= CageMatch.net|language=German}}</ref> By mid-2005, Ishimori had left NJPW and begun working for [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW).
===All Japan Pro Wrestling (2005–2006)===
In August 2005, Ishimori debuted in AJPW teaming with [[Keiji Muto]]. They, along with [[Kaz Hayashi]], [[Satoshi Kojima]] and other face wrestlers, feuded with the villainous [[Voodoo Murders]] group. Ishimori also started teaming with another former NJPW rookie, [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]], eventually taking part in the AJPW 2006 Junior Tag League. Together they defeated Kikujiro (Nobutaka Araya) & [[Kikutaro]] and [[Akira Nogami|Akira]] & [[Ryuji Hijikata]], but they passed without achieving much success. Ended the league, Ishimori left All Japan.
During his time in AJPW, Ishimori also worked for the short lived promotion [[dragondoor]] as the top [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] (good guy), and once again failed to be accepted in that role by fans. He formed a high-flying faction with [[Kota Ibushi]], [[Takuya Sugi|Little Dragon]] and [[Tsutomu Oosugi|Milanito Collection a.t.]], but they were beaten by the stable Aagan Iisou led by [[Shuji Kondo]]. Ishimori also was in the [[El Dorado Wrestling]] debut show, leaving the promotion right after.
===Pro Wrestling Noah (2006–2018)===
[[File:Taiji Ishimori at ROH 2013.jpg|thumb|Ishimori in 2013]]
Ishimori began working as a freelance wrestler for [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] in March, 2006 and often worked as part of the [[Pro Wrestling Noah#Pro Wrestling Sem|SEM]] promotion that was considered the [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]] for Noah. He began teaming up with [[Kenta Kobayashi|Kenta]], wrestling on many shows together, trying to earn a match for the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]]. The team failed to win the title on their initial chance. Due to being trained in Mexico Ishimori often wrestled against Mexican ''[[Lucha libre|Luchadores]]'' who toured with Noah, facing such opponents as [[Charly Manson]] or [[Abismo Negro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=6655|title=NOAH Summer Navigation 2006 - Tag 1|date=July 1, 2006|accessdate= March 24, 2010|publisher=CageMatch.net|language=German}}</ref> He also wrestled on the Noah / [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide|AAA]] co-promoted show [[TripleSEM]] on September 3, 2007 teaming with [[El Elegido]] and Kenta to lose to the Mexican Powers ([[Crazy Boy]], [[Joe Lider]] and [[Juventud Guerrera]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://superluchas.net/2007/09/03/super-luchas-desde-japon-resultados-triplesem-en-el-differ-ariake-de-tokio-3-sep-07/|title=Super Luchas desde Japón: Resultados TripleSEM en el Differ Ariake de Tokio (3 SEP 07)|date=September 3, 2007| author=Yoav|accessdate=September 12, 2009|work=SuperLuchas|language=Spanish}}</ref> In 2007 Ishimori became a full-time Noah wrestler and shortly after Ishimori and Kenta won the Tag Champions. The team went to [[Dragon Gate]] and defeated the team of [[BxB Hulk]] and [[Shingo Takagi]] on March 20, 2008. to bring the Noah Junior Heavyweight Tag Title back to Noah.<ref name=GHCJrTag>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/noah/ghc-jt.html|title=Global Honored Crown Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title|date=February 18, 2010|accessdate=March 24, 2010|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> Ishimori and Kenta successfully defended the title against [[Ricky Marvin]] and [[Kotaro Suzuki]] and also the team of [[Daniel Bryan|Bryan Danielson]] and [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] from [[Ring of Honor]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=21946|title=NOAH Northern Navigation '08 - Tag 10|date=June 1, 2008|accessdate=March 24, 2010|publisher=CageMatch.net| language=German}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=22613|title= NOAH European Navigation 2008 - Tag 10|date=June 21, 2008|accessdate=March 24, 2010|publisher=CageMatch.net|language=German}}</ref> On July 13, 2008 Ishimori and Kenta were defeated by [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] and Kotaro Suzuki and lost the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.<ref name=GHCJrTag/> In September, 2008 the team won the [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2008|2008 Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]], with 12 points for 6 victories including defeating the reigning GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag team champions in the last match.<ref name=NTV>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/noah/ntv.html#2008|title=NTV Junior Heavyweight Tag Team League 2008|date=August 23 – September 6, 2008|accessdate=March 24, 2010|publisher=ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref> In 2009 Ishimori began teaming regularly with Ricky Marvin, chasing after the Junior tag team titles. In early 2010 the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag title became vacant when Kotaro Suzuki suffered a knee injury. Ishimori and Marvin teamed up for a tournament to determine the next champions. They defeated Bobby Fish and Eddie Edwards in the first round and Genba Hirayanagi and Yoshinbou Kanemaru in the finals to win the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.<ref name=GHCJrTag/> On August 22 Ishimori and Marvin lost the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship to [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] representatives [[Koji Kanemoto]] and [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2007|title=NJ in NOAH results; Kanemoto & Tiger win belts, Nakamura loses|date=2010-08-22|accessdate=2010-08-22|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On January 27, 2013, Ishimori defeated [[Shuji Kondo]] to win the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] for the first time.<ref name=GreatVoyage2013>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1101|script-title=ja:2013年1月27日(日)|accessdate=2013-01-28|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> Through Noah's working relationship with Ring of Honor, Ishimori made his debut for the promotion on May 4, 2013, in [[Toronto|Toronto, Ontario, Canada]], facing Eddie Edwards in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_70397.shtml|title=ROH News: "Border Wars" iPPV results & news from Sat. night|date=2013-05-05|last=Caldwell| first=James|accessdate=2013-05-05|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> During the following day's tapings of ''[[Ring of Honor Wrestling]]'' Ishimori defeated [[Roderick Strong]] in a singles match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/41307-spoilers-5-5-roh-tv-tapings-from-toronto-canada|title= Spoilers: 5/5 ROH TV Tapings from Toronto, Canada|date=2013-05-05|last=Namako|first=Jason|accessdate=2013-05-06|work=WrestleView}}</ref> After a 405-day reign, the longest in the title's history, Ishimori lost the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship to Daisuke Harada on March 8, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1254|title=「Great Voyage 2014 in Tokyo」方舟進章～有明春の陣～|accessdate=2014-03-08|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> He won the title for the second time on December 23, 2015, by defeating [[Taichi Ishikari|Taichi]].<ref name=Destiny2015>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1510|title=Destiny 2015|accessdate=2015-12-23|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref>
On July 5, 2016, Ishimori defeated [[Yoshinari Ogawa]] in a four-man tournament final to win one of Noah's three spots in NJPW's [[Super J-Cup#2016|2016 Super J-Cup]].<ref name=Noah070516>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=8719|script-title=ja:【試合結果速報致します】「Navig. with Emerald Spirits 2016」7月5日(火)後楽園ホール大会|date=2016-07-05|accessdate=2016-07-05|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> In this same month, Ishimori took part in the 2016 [[NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]] with his partner being American wrestler ACH. The pair won the tag league defeating [[Hajime Ohara]] and [[Kenoh]] for a spot in the final match then defeating Momo no Seishun (Atsushi Kotoge and Daisuke Harada), at the time the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship holders, in the final match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1626|title=プロレスリング・ノア公式サイト {{!}} PRO-WRESTLING NOAH OFFICIAL SITE|website=noah.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref> Their title match against Momo no Seishun was held on the final of the 2016 Super J-Cup and they were defeated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1619|title=プロレスリング・ノア公式サイト {{!}} PRO-WRESTLING NOAH OFFICIAL SITE|website=noah.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref>
Upon Atsushi Kotoge's vacation of the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship, Ishimori faced Hajime Ohara for the vacant title on January 7, 2017, Noah's first show of the year. Ishimori lost the match to Ohara.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1722|title=プロレスリング・ノア公式サイト {{!}} PRO-WRESTLING NOAH OFFICIAL SITE|website=noah.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref> Following a victory over [[Hi69]] on January 9, the two agreed to form a tag team and made their interest in the newly vacant GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship known. The team squared off with the team of [[Hayata (wrestler)|Hayata]] and [[Yo-Hey]] on February 18 for the vacated title and defeated them to become the thirtieth champions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=9682|title=「俺とHi69の持ってる可能性ならヘビーのタッグを狙うことだってできる。NOAH the REBORNって言ってるなら､全部を覆す!(石森)」2月18日(土)博多スターレーン大会 試合後コメント|website=noah.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref> They went on to lose the title to Hayata and Yo-Hey in a rematch on August 26.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1810|title=Summer Navig. 2017 vol.2|accessdate=2017-08-26|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> On March 12, 2018, Ishimori officially announced his departure from Pro Wrestling Noah. Ending his 12-year tenure with the company.
===Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (2006–2007, 2010, 2015–2016)===
Through Noah's working relationship with AAA in Mexico Ishimori sometimes travells to Mexico, wrestling for AAA. This began in 2006 when he travelled to Mexico to team up with [[El Oriental]] and [[Naomichi Marufuji]] to defeat The Mexican Powers (Crazy Boy, Joe Lider and Juventud Guerrera). Subsequently he appeared on AAA's 2007 ''[[Rey de Reyes (2007)|Rey de Reyes]]'' event, teaming with [[El Alebrije (wrestler)|El Alebrije]], [[El Zorro (wrestler)|El Zorro]] and [[Brazo de Plata]] to defeat ''Los Vipers Revolusion'' (Antifaz, [[Histeria (wrestler)|Histeria]], [[Mr. Niebla]] and Kaoma, Jr.).<ref name="Rey2007">{{cite web | url = http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/aaa/rey.html#2007 | title = Asistencia Asesoria y Administracion Rey de Reyes Tournament| accessdate = February 19, 2009 | date= March 18, 2007 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref> On March 19, 2010 Ishimori teamed up with [[Takeshi Morishima]] to defeat ''La Hermandad 187'' ("The Brotherhood of 187"; [[Psicosis|Nicho el Millonario]] and [[Joe Lider]]) to win the [[AAA World Tag Team Championship]], representing the AAA [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] ("bad guy") faction ''[[Foreign Legion (wrestling)|La Legión Extranjera]]'' ("The Foreign Legion").<ref name=AAATag5/> On May 23, 2010 Morishima and Ishimori lost the AAA World Tag Team Championship to the team of [[Atsushi Aoki]] and [[Go Shiozaki]] during Pro Wrestling Noah's Navigation with Breeze show in [[Niigata, Niigata]], [[Japan]].<ref name=TagNr06>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.net/2010/05/23/de-ultima-hora-en-japon-los-cinturones-aaa-cambian-de-manos-los-nuevos-campeones-vienen-a-triplemania%c2%a018/ | title= De última hora: En Japón los cinturones AAA cambian de manos, los nuevos campeones vienen a Triplemania 18 | date= May 23, 2010 | accessdate= May 24, 2010 | publisher= ''SuperLuchas'' Magazine | language=Spanish}}</ref>
Ishimori returned to AAA on May 24, 2015, when he, [[Atsushi Kotoge]] and [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] represented Pro Wrestling Noah in the [[Lucha Libre World Cup (2015)|Lucha Libre World Cup]]. They were, however, defeated in the first round of the tournament by the Dream Team ([[Místico|Myzteziz]], [[Alberto Del Rio|El Patrón Alberto]] and [[Rey Mysterio|Rey Mysterio Jr.]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/54563-aaa-lucha-libre-world-cup-results-5-24-15-live-ippv-results|title=AAA Lucha Libre World Cup Results - 5/24/15 (Live results)|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=May 24, 2015|accessdate=May 24, 2015|work=Wrestleview}}</ref>
In early June 2016, Ishimori again represented Noah in the [[Lucha Libre World Cup (2016)|2016 Lucha Libre World Cup]]. Team Noah, made up of Ishimori, [[Maybach Taniguchi]] and Naomichi Marufuji, finished fourth in the tournament.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/05/63-65-aaa-lucha-world-cup-results-usalucha-underground-vs-team-aaa-finals-tna-represented-mens-womens-tournament-noah-mysterio/ | title = 6/3 & 6/5 AAA "Lucha World Cup" Results – USA/Lucha Underground vs. Team AAA finals, TNA represented in men’s & women’s tournament, Noah, Mysterio, more | date=June 5, 2016 | accessdate=June 6, 2016 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
===Return to NJPW (2016)===
On July 20, 2016, Ishimori returned to NJPW to take part in the [[Super J-Cup#2016|2016 Super J-Cup]] events. On night one, he was eliminated from the Super J-Cup tournament in the first round by [[Yujiro Kushida|Kushida]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1175 | title = Super J-Cup 2016 | accessdate=2016-07-20 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> At night two on August 21, he and [[ACH (wrestler)|ACH]] utilized their championship opportunity granted by winning the [[Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League#2016|2016 NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]] to unsuccessfully challenge the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]] [[Atsushi Kotoge]] and [[Daisuke Harada]].
On October 21 at ''Road to Power Struggle'', Ishimori and ACH entered the [[Super Junior Tag Tournament#2016|2016 Super Junior Tag Tournament]]. They advanced to the next round after defeating the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]], [[The Young Bucks]] in the first round.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwinsider.com/article/105517/1021-njpw-road-to-power-struggle-report.html?p=1 | title = 10/21 NJPW Road to Power Struggle report | last=Macklin | first=Matthew | date=October 21, 2016 | accessdate=November 5, 2016 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> After defeating David Finlay and [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]] in the semifinals on October 30,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-hell-cell-sasha-banks-vs-charlotte-njpw-tag-tournament-223626 | title = Daily Update: Hell in a Cell, Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte, NJPW tag tournament | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | authorlink=Dave Meltzer | date=October 30, 2016 | accessdate=November 5, 2016 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Ishimori and ACH were defeated in the finals of the tournament by [[Roppongi Vice]] ([[Trent Barreta|Beretta]] and [[Rocky Romero]]) on November 5.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-power-struggle-live-results-tetsuya-naito-vs-jay-lethal-224011 | title = NJPW Power Struggle live results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Jay Lethal | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=November 4, 2016 | accessdate=November 5, 2016 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>
=== Impact Wrestling (2017–2018)===
Through a working relationship between Noah and [[Impact Wrestling|Global Force Wrestling]] (GFW), Ishimori made his debut for the American promotion on July 2, 2017, at [[Slammiversary XV]]. Teaming with fellow Noah wrestler Naomichi Marufuji, he took part in a four-way tag team match, contested for both the GFW Tag Team Championship and the [[Impact Wrestling World Tag Team Championship]], which was won by [[The Latin American Xchange]] (Santana and Ortiz).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/02/souceks-gfw-slammiversary-xv-report-72-bobby-lashley-vs-alberto-el-patron-dutt-vs-ki-rosemary-vs-sienna/ | title = Soucek's GFW Slammiversary XV report 7/2: Bobby Lashley vs. Alberto El Patron, Dutt vs. Ki, Rosemary vs. Sienna | last=Soucek | first=Andrew | date=July 2, 2017 | accessdate=August 18, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Ishimori also took part in the following week's ''[[GFW Impact!]]'' tapings, where he entered the [[2017 GFW Super X Cup Tournament|2017 Super X Cup]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wrestleview.com/gfw-news/85145-spoilers-75-impact-wrestling-taping-results-from-orlando/ | title = Spoilers: 7/5 GFW Impact TV tapings from Orlando, Florida | last=Namako | first=Jason | date=July 6, 2017 | accessdate=August 18, 2017 | work=Wrestleview}}</ref> making it all the way to the finals, before losing to [[Dezmond Xavier]] on August 17.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/17/mcmahons-gfw-impact-report-817-destination-x-lashley-vs-sydal-ishimori-vs-xavier-sienna-vs-kim-gfw-title-fallout/ | title = McMahon's GFW Impact report 8/17: Destination X, Lashley vs. Sydal, Lee vs. Sonjay in a ladder match, Ishimori vs. Xavier, Sienna vs. Kim, GFW Title fallout | last=McMahon | first=Mike | date=August 17, 2017 | accessdate=August 18, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
Ishimori returned to GFW, now known as Impact Wrestling, on November 5, 2017, at [[Bound for Glory (2017)|Bound for Glory]], where he defeated [[Tyson Dux]] to earn a future shot at the [[Impact X Division Championship]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/tna-results/bound-glory-2017-live-results-eli-drake-vs-johnny-impact-245786 | title = Bound for Glory 2017 live results: Eli Drake vs. Johnny Impact | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | authorlink=Dave Meltzer | date=November 5, 2017 | accessdate=November 10, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Four days later, Ishimori defeated [[Trevor Lee]] to win the Impact X Division Championship for the first time.<ref name=ImpactNov17Tapings>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/tna-news/impact-wrestling-tv-taping-results-title-changes-career-match-more-246176 | title = Impact Wrestling TV taping results: Title changes, career match, more | date=November 11, 2017 | accessdate=November 11, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> He dropped the title to [[Matt Sydal]] on January 12, 2018, in a match where the [[Impact Grand Championship]] of his opponent was also on the line. In March, Ishimori signed his release from Pro Wrestling Noah, declaring himself a free agent, but with questions surrounding if he will ever be back on Impact Wrestling.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2018/0312/637825/taiji-ishimori-announces-he-leaving-pro-wrestling-noah/|title=Taiji Ishimori Announces He's Leaving Pro Wrestling NOAH - WrestlingInc.com|work=WrestlingInc.com|access-date=2018-05-06|language=en}}</ref>
On June 4, the official Impact Wrestling Twitter announced that Ishimori would make his return to the company, under his [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling|NJPW]] Bone Soldier gimmick for [[Slammiversary XVI]].<ref>http://impactwrestling.com/the-bone-soldier-coming-to-slammiversary/</ref> At the event Ishimori lost a fatal four way match which was won by [[John Morrison (wrestler)|Johnny Impact]]. After November 24, 2018, his profile was retired from Impact website.
===Second return to NJPW (2018–present)===
On April 13, 2018, NJPW began promoting the return of Bone Soldier, a wrestler last seen in the promotion in January 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/njpw-bullet-club-bone-soldier-speculation/|title=Let’s Speculate Wildly About The Return Of NJPW’s BONE SOLDIER|author=Emily Pratt|work=[[Uproxx]]|date=April 16, 2018|accessdate=May 4, 2018}}</ref> On May 4 at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2018]], Ishimori returned to NJPW revealing himself as the new Bone Soldier and in the process joined [[Bullet Club]] by attacking IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, [[Will Ospreay]]. On May 7, NJPW announced Ishimori as a participant in the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2018|2018 Best of the Super Juniors]] tournament. He would complete the tournament with 5 wins and 2 loses, advancing to the finals. On June 4, Ishimori was defeated in the finals by [[Hiromu Takahashi]].
At [[G1 Special in San Francisco]], Bullet Club's [[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]] along with [[Tonga Fifita|King Haku]] attacked other members of the group and declared themselves "Bullet Club OG". [[Bad Luck Fale]] and [[HIKULEO (wrestler)|Hikuleo]] aligned with this new Tongan subgroup, while the rest of the group has since been referred to as "Bullet Club Elite". Ishimori was confirmed by Tama Tonga as being part of BCOG. Ishimori, Tonga and Loa defeated the Young Bucks and Marty Scurll during the finals of the G1 Climax 28 to become the new NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions.
During the Road to Power Struggle, Ishimori entered the Super Jr. Tag Tournament, choosing [[Robbie Eagles]] as his tag team partner. Both Ishimori and Eagles finished the tournament with 6 points, failing to advance to the finals. On January 4 at [[Wrestle Kingdom 13]], Ishimori defeated Kushida to win the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]].
==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Impact Wrestling]]'''
**[[Impact X Division Championship]] ([[List of Impact X Division Champions|1 time]])<ref name=ImpactNov17Tapings/>
*'''[[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide]]'''
**[[AAA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[AAA World Tag Team Championship#AAA World Tag Team Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Takeshi Morishima]]<ref name=AAATag5>{{cite web|url=http://www.luchalibreaaa.com/tripleaeneljuandelabarrera.html|title=Ya estamos en la Casa|date=March 19, 2010|accessdate= March 20, 2010| publisher= [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide|AAA]] | language=Spanish}}</ref>
**Best Wrestler of the Lucha Libre World Cup award (2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://superluchas.com/2017/10/10/aaa-resultados-lucha-libre-world-cup-2017-pagano-psycho-clown-los-vencedores/|title=AAA: Resultados "Lucha Libre World Cup 2017" - Pagano y Psycho Clown son los vencedores - Superluchas|date=10 October 2017|publisher=}}</ref>
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions|1 time, current]])
**[[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions|1 time, current]]) with [[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]]<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/24761?showResult=1 | title = G1 Climax 28 Night19 | accessdate=August 12, 2018 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref>
**U-30 One Night Tag Tournament (2004) – with [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]]<ref name=U30Tag>{{cite web | url=http://cagematch.de/?id=26&nr=917 | title= NJPW Tsuyoku-Are ~Toukon Series 2004 - Tag 13 | quote= U-30 One Night Tag Tournament Final: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Taiji Ishimori besiegen Ryusuke Taguchi & Shinsuke Nakamura (14:49) | date= October 30, 2004 | accessdate= January 21, 2010 | publisher=Cagematch.net | language=German}}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**PWI ranked him #'''104''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[PWI 500]] in 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=97&nr=230#2018|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2018|accessdate=September 29, 2018|work=cagematch.net}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
**[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref name=GreatVoyage2013/><ref name=Destiny2015/>
**[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|6 times]]) – with [[Kenta Kobayashi|Kenta]] (1), [[Ricky Marvin]] (1), [[Atsushi Kotoge]] (2) and [[Hi69]] (2)<ref name=GHCJrTag/>
**[[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League|Nippon TV/NTV G+ Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League]] (4 times) – [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2007|2007]] and [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2008|2008]] with KENTA<ref name=NTV/>, [[NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League#2012|2012]] with Atsushi Kotoge, [[NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League#2016|2016]] with [[ACH (wrestler)|ACH]]<ref>{{cite web | url = http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1626 | script-title=ja:日テレG+ presents「第10回日テレG+杯争奪ジュニアヘビー級タッグリーグ戦」 | accessdate=2016-07-30 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language=Japanese}}</ref>
**Super J-Cup Qualifying Tournament A (2016)<ref name=Noah070516/>
*'''[[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon X]]'''
**[[UWA World Welterweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Welterweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
* [https://twitter.com/taiji_ishimori?lang=en Taiji Ishimori on Twitter]
{{Navboxes
|list1=
{{AAA World Tag Team Championship}}
{{Bullet Club}}
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship}}
{{New Japan Pro Wrestling personnel}}
{{TNA X Division Championship}}
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ishimori, Taiji}}
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Miyagi Prefecture]]' |
New page wikitext, after the edit (new_wikitext) | '{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name=Taiji Ishimori
|image= Taiji Ishimori 22 Sep 2015.jpg
|caption= Ishimori in 2015
|names=Army Santa<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1902|title=Noahful Gift 2017 ～ファン感謝祭～|accessdate=2017-12-26|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref><br />Bone Soldier<br />Ishimori<br />Tai-chan<br>'''Taiji Ishimori'''<br>Superstar
|height={{height|m=1.63|precision=0}}<!-- In Japan they measure height in meters so that should be first --><ref name=NOAHbio>{{cite web|title=石森 太二 (Ishimori Taiji)|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/profile017.php|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|accessdate=4 February 2012|language=Japanese}}</ref>
|weight={{convert|75|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<!--In Japan they measure weight in kilograms so that should be first --><ref name=NOAHbio/>
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|02|10|mf=y}}<ref name=NOAHbio/>
|death_date =
|birth_place =[[Tagajo, Miyagi]], Japan<ref name=NOAHbio/>
|resides=
|billed=
|trainer=[[Tamon Honda]]<br>[[Último Dragón]]
|debut={{dts|2002|5|11}}<ref name=NOAHbio/>
|retired=
}}
{{nihongo|'''Taiji Ishimori'''|石森 太二|Ishimori Taiji|born February 10, 1983}} is a Japanese [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]] currently signed to [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW), where he performs as part of the [[Bullet Club]] stable and is currently one-third of the [[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions]] alongside [[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]]. Furthermore, he is the current [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion ]]in his first reign.
Ishimori is best known for his 12 year stint with [[Pro Wrestling Noah]], where he became one of the most decorated [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|junior heavyweight]]s in the promotion's history, holding the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] three times, while also setting the record for the longest reign with the championship at 405 days during his first reign. Ishimori also held the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] a record six times, and won the promotion's [[Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League]] a record four times. He is also known for his work in [[Impact Wrestling]], where he is a one-time [[Impact X Division Champion]].
==Professional wrestling career==
===Toryumon (2002–2004)===
When an [[amateur wrestler]], Taiji Ishimori was trained in [[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon Mexico]] and debuted against [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto]] in 2002. He went to compete in the ''Young Dragons Cup'' and won after beating [[Jun Ogawauchi]], [[Takuya Sugawara|Henry III Sugawara]] and lastly [[Shuji Kondo|Condotti Shuji]]. Shortly after, he was given a [[pop idol]] [[Gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] and formed a [[boy band]]-like faction with [[Brahman Brothers|Kei and Shu Sato]], calling themselves the Sailor Boys. Ishimori was intended to become the "ace" (the top student) of his graduating class, even going so far as to release an album, "Keep in Journey", to support their gimmick. However, the fan interest never matched his hype, and Ishimori became one of Toryumon's bigger failures. Sailor Boys' rival faction, Los Salseros Japoneses ([[Takeshi Minamino]], [[Kenichi Sakai|Pineapple Hanai]] and [[Takayasu Fukuda|Mango Fukuda]]) was in turn more successful with the fans. While in the Toryumon X brand, Sailor Boys also feuded with Mini Crazy Max ([[Takuya Sugi|Mini Cima]], [[Fumiyuki Hashimoto|Suwacito]] and [[Masaki Okimoto|Small Dandy Fujii]]), defeating them in X's debut show.
Unlike the rest of his class, Taiji did his Japanese debut for [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'s Wrestle-1 project. Returning to Mexico, he won the [[UWA World Welterweight Championship]] on May 11, 2003, defeating [[Super Crazy]] to win the belt. Ishimori defended the UWA World Welterweight Championship 2 times, against [[Fuerza Guerrera]] on August 31, 2003 and against [[Masato Yoshino|Yossino]] on December 7, 2003. He dropped the UWA championship to [[Takeshi Minamino]] on August 29, 2004. He tried to regain the title in the ''Dragon Fire The Final Challenge event'', but it was unsuccessful. Also, at the last Toryumon X show, Sailor Boys challenged [[Gedo (wrestler)|Gedo]], [[Jado]] and [[Katsushi Takemura]] for the [[UWA World Trios Championship]], but they were defeated.
===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2004–2005)===
Following the title loss, Ishimori began working for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) as one of their "Young Lions" prospects. Very early in his NJPW run he was teamed up with [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] for a one night U-30 (Under 30) [[tag team]] tournament. In the first round the team defeated Blue Wolf and [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]] and in the finals they defeated [[Ryusuke Taguchi]] and [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] to win the tournament.<ref name=U30Tag/> At one point he teamed up with his mentor [[Último Dragón]] for an unsuccessful shot at the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]], held by [[Jado & Gedo]] at the time.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16490|title=NJPW Chrono Stream ~ Masahiro Chono 20th Anniversary|date=November 3, 2004|accessdate= March 24, 2010|publisher= CageMatch.net|language=German}}</ref> By mid-2005, Ishimori had left NJPW and begun working for [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW).
===All Japan Pro Wrestling (2005–2006)===
In August 2005, Ishimori debuted in AJPW teaming with [[Keiji Muto]]. They, along with [[Kaz Hayashi]], [[Satoshi Kojima]] and other face wrestlers, feuded with the villainous [[Voodoo Murders]] group. Ishimori also started teaming with another former NJPW rookie, [[Katsuhiko Nakajima]], eventually taking part in the AJPW 2006 Junior Tag League. Together they defeated Kikujiro (Nobutaka Araya) & [[Kikutaro]] and [[Akira Nogami|Akira]] & [[Ryuji Hijikata]], but they passed without achieving much success. Ended the league, Ishimori left All Japan.
During his time in AJPW, Ishimori also worked for the short lived promotion [[dragondoor]] as the top [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] (good guy), and once again failed to be accepted in that role by fans. He formed a high-flying faction with [[Kota Ibushi]], [[Takuya Sugi|Little Dragon]] and [[Tsutomu Oosugi|Milanito Collection a.t.]], but they were beaten by the stable Aagan Iisou led by [[Shuji Kondo]]. Ishimori also was in the [[El Dorado Wrestling]] debut show, leaving the promotion right after.
===Pro Wrestling Noah (2006–2018)===
[[File:Taiji Ishimori at ROH 2013.jpg|thumb|Ishimori in 2013]]
Ishimori began working as a freelance wrestler for [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] in March, 2006 and often worked as part of the [[Pro Wrestling Noah#Pro Wrestling Sem|SEM]] promotion that was considered the [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental territory]] for Noah. He began teaming up with [[Kenta Kobayashi|Kenta]], wrestling on many shows together, trying to earn a match for the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]]. The team failed to win the title on their initial chance. Due to being trained in Mexico Ishimori often wrestled against Mexican ''[[Lucha libre|Luchadores]]'' who toured with Noah, facing such opponents as [[Charly Manson]] or [[Abismo Negro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=6655|title=NOAH Summer Navigation 2006 - Tag 1|date=July 1, 2006|accessdate= March 24, 2010|publisher=CageMatch.net|language=German}}</ref> He also wrestled on the Noah / [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide|AAA]] co-promoted show [[TripleSEM]] on September 3, 2007 teaming with [[El Elegido]] and Kenta to lose to the Mexican Powers ([[Crazy Boy]], [[Joe Lider]] and [[Juventud Guerrera]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://superluchas.net/2007/09/03/super-luchas-desde-japon-resultados-triplesem-en-el-differ-ariake-de-tokio-3-sep-07/|title=Super Luchas desde Japón: Resultados TripleSEM en el Differ Ariake de Tokio (3 SEP 07)|date=September 3, 2007| author=Yoav|accessdate=September 12, 2009|work=SuperLuchas|language=Spanish}}</ref> In 2007 Ishimori became a full-time Noah wrestler and shortly after Ishimori and Kenta won the Tag Champions. The team went to [[Dragon Gate]] and defeated the team of [[BxB Hulk]] and [[Shingo Takagi]] on March 20, 2008. to bring the Noah Junior Heavyweight Tag Title back to Noah.<ref name=GHCJrTag>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/noah/ghc-jt.html|title=Global Honored Crown Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title|date=February 18, 2010|accessdate=March 24, 2010|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com}}</ref> Ishimori and Kenta successfully defended the title against [[Ricky Marvin]] and [[Kotaro Suzuki]] and also the team of [[Daniel Bryan|Bryan Danielson]] and [[Eddie Edwards (wrestler)|Eddie Edwards]] from [[Ring of Honor]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=21946|title=NOAH Northern Navigation '08 - Tag 10|date=June 1, 2008|accessdate=March 24, 2010|publisher=CageMatch.net| language=German}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=22613|title= NOAH European Navigation 2008 - Tag 10|date=June 21, 2008|accessdate=March 24, 2010|publisher=CageMatch.net|language=German}}</ref> On July 13, 2008 Ishimori and Kenta were defeated by [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] and Kotaro Suzuki and lost the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.<ref name=GHCJrTag/> In September, 2008 the team won the [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2008|2008 Nippon TV Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]], with 12 points for 6 victories including defeating the reigning GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag team champions in the last match.<ref name=NTV>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/noah/ntv.html#2008|title=NTV Junior Heavyweight Tag Team League 2008|date=August 23 – September 6, 2008|accessdate=March 24, 2010|publisher=ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref> In 2009 Ishimori began teaming regularly with Ricky Marvin, chasing after the Junior tag team titles. In early 2010 the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag title became vacant when Kotaro Suzuki suffered a knee injury. Ishimori and Marvin teamed up for a tournament to determine the next champions. They defeated Bobby Fish and Eddie Edwards in the first round and Genba Hirayanagi and Yoshinbou Kanemaru in the finals to win the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.<ref name=GHCJrTag/> On August 22 Ishimori and Marvin lost the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship to [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] representatives [[Koji Kanemoto]] and [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2007|title=NJ in NOAH results; Kanemoto & Tiger win belts, Nakamura loses|date=2010-08-22|accessdate=2010-08-22|work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> On January 27, 2013, Ishimori defeated [[Shuji Kondo]] to win the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] for the first time.<ref name=GreatVoyage2013>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1101|script-title=ja:2013年1月27日(日)|accessdate=2013-01-28|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> Through Noah's working relationship with Ring of Honor, Ishimori made his debut for the promotion on May 4, 2013, in [[Toronto|Toronto, Ontario, Canada]], facing Eddie Edwards in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_70397.shtml|title=ROH News: "Border Wars" iPPV results & news from Sat. night|date=2013-05-05|last=Caldwell| first=James|accessdate=2013-05-05|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> During the following day's tapings of ''[[Ring of Honor Wrestling]]'' Ishimori defeated [[Roderick Strong]] in a singles match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/roh-indy-wrestling-news/41307-spoilers-5-5-roh-tv-tapings-from-toronto-canada|title= Spoilers: 5/5 ROH TV Tapings from Toronto, Canada|date=2013-05-05|last=Namako|first=Jason|accessdate=2013-05-06|work=WrestleView}}</ref> After a 405-day reign, the longest in the title's history, Ishimori lost the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship to Daisuke Harada on March 8, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1254|title=「Great Voyage 2014 in Tokyo」方舟進章～有明春の陣～|accessdate=2014-03-08|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> He won the title for the second time on December 23, 2015, by defeating [[Taichi Ishikari|Taichi]].<ref name=Destiny2015>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1510|title=Destiny 2015|accessdate=2015-12-23|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref>
On July 5, 2016, Ishimori defeated [[Yoshinari Ogawa]] in a four-man tournament final to win one of Noah's three spots in NJPW's [[Super J-Cup#2016|2016 Super J-Cup]].<ref name=Noah070516>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=8719|script-title=ja:【試合結果速報致します】「Navig. with Emerald Spirits 2016」7月5日(火)後楽園ホール大会|date=2016-07-05|accessdate=2016-07-05|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> In this same month, Ishimori took part in the 2016 [[NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]] with his partner being American wrestler ACH. The pair won the tag league defeating [[Hajime Ohara]] and [[Kenoh]] for a spot in the final match then defeating Momo no Seishun (Atsushi Kotoge and Daisuke Harada), at the time the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship holders, in the final match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1626|title=プロレスリング・ノア公式サイト {{!}} PRO-WRESTLING NOAH OFFICIAL SITE|website=noah.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref> Their title match against Momo no Seishun was held on the final of the 2016 Super J-Cup and they were defeated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1619|title=プロレスリング・ノア公式サイト {{!}} PRO-WRESTLING NOAH OFFICIAL SITE|website=noah.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref>
Upon Atsushi Kotoge's vacation of the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship, Ishimori faced Hajime Ohara for the vacant title on January 7, 2017, Noah's first show of the year. Ishimori lost the match to Ohara.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1722|title=プロレスリング・ノア公式サイト {{!}} PRO-WRESTLING NOAH OFFICIAL SITE|website=noah.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref> Following a victory over [[Hi69]] on January 9, the two agreed to form a tag team and made their interest in the newly vacant GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship known. The team squared off with the team of [[Hayata (wrestler)|Hayata]] and [[Yo-Hey]] on February 18 for the vacated title and defeated them to become the thirtieth champions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=9682|title=「俺とHi69の持ってる可能性ならヘビーのタッグを狙うことだってできる。NOAH the REBORNって言ってるなら､全部を覆す!(石森)」2月18日(土)博多スターレーン大会 試合後コメント|website=noah.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2017-02-18}}</ref> They went on to lose the title to Hayata and Yo-Hey in a rematch on August 26.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1810|title=Summer Navig. 2017 vol.2|accessdate=2017-08-26|work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|language=Japanese}}</ref> On March 12, 2018, Ishimori officially announced his departure from Pro Wrestling Noah. Ending his 12-year tenure with the company.
===Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (2006–2007, 2010, 2015–2016)===
Through Noah's working relationship with AAA in Mexico Ishimori sometimes travells to Mexico, wrestling for AAA. This began in 2006 when he travelled to Mexico to team up with [[El Oriental]] and [[Naomichi Marufuji]] to defeat The Mexican Powers (Crazy Boy, Joe Lider and Juventud Guerrera). Subsequently he appeared on AAA's 2007 ''[[Rey de Reyes (2007)|Rey de Reyes]]'' event, teaming with [[El Alebrije (wrestler)|El Alebrije]], [[El Zorro (wrestler)|El Zorro]] and [[Brazo de Plata]] to defeat ''Los Vipers Revolusion'' (Antifaz, [[Histeria (wrestler)|Histeria]], [[Mr. Niebla]] and Kaoma, Jr.).<ref name="Rey2007">{{cite web | url = http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/aaa/rey.html#2007 | title = Asistencia Asesoria y Administracion Rey de Reyes Tournament| accessdate = February 19, 2009 | date= March 18, 2007 | publisher= ProWrestlingHistory.com}}</ref> On March 19, 2010 Ishimori teamed up with [[Takeshi Morishima]] to defeat ''La Hermandad 187'' ("The Brotherhood of 187"; [[Psicosis|Nicho el Millonario]] and [[Joe Lider]]) to win the [[AAA World Tag Team Championship]], representing the AAA [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] ("bad guy") faction ''[[Foreign Legion (wrestling)|La Legión Extranjera]]'' ("The Foreign Legion").<ref name=AAATag5/> On May 23, 2010 Morishima and Ishimori lost the AAA World Tag Team Championship to the team of [[Atsushi Aoki]] and [[Go Shiozaki]] during Pro Wrestling Noah's Navigation with Breeze show in [[Niigata, Niigata]], [[Japan]].<ref name=TagNr06>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.net/2010/05/23/de-ultima-hora-en-japon-los-cinturones-aaa-cambian-de-manos-los-nuevos-campeones-vienen-a-triplemania%c2%a018/ | title= De última hora: En Japón los cinturones AAA cambian de manos, los nuevos campeones vienen a Triplemania 18 | date= May 23, 2010 | accessdate= May 24, 2010 | publisher= ''SuperLuchas'' Magazine | language=Spanish}}</ref>
Ishimori returned to AAA on May 24, 2015, when he, [[Atsushi Kotoge]] and [[Yoshihiro Takayama]] represented Pro Wrestling Noah in the [[Lucha Libre World Cup (2015)|Lucha Libre World Cup]]. They were, however, defeated in the first round of the tournament by the Dream Team ([[Místico|Myzteziz]], [[Alberto Del Rio|El Patrón Alberto]] and [[Rey Mysterio|Rey Mysterio Jr.]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/54563-aaa-lucha-libre-world-cup-results-5-24-15-live-ippv-results|title=AAA Lucha Libre World Cup Results - 5/24/15 (Live results)|last=Boutwell|first=Josh|date=May 24, 2015|accessdate=May 24, 2015|work=Wrestleview}}</ref>
In early June 2016, Ishimori again represented Noah in the [[Lucha Libre World Cup (2016)|2016 Lucha Libre World Cup]]. Team Noah, made up of Ishimori, [[Maybach Taniguchi]] and Naomichi Marufuji, finished fourth in the tournament.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/05/63-65-aaa-lucha-world-cup-results-usalucha-underground-vs-team-aaa-finals-tna-represented-mens-womens-tournament-noah-mysterio/ | title = 6/3 & 6/5 AAA "Lucha World Cup" Results – USA/Lucha Underground vs. Team AAA finals, TNA represented in men’s & women’s tournament, Noah, Mysterio, more | date=June 5, 2016 | accessdate=June 6, 2016 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
===Return to NJPW (2016)===
On July 20, 2016, Ishimori returned to NJPW to take part in the [[Super J-Cup#2016|2016 Super J-Cup]] events. On night one, he was eliminated from the Super J-Cup tournament in the first round by [[Yujiro Kushida|Kushida]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1175 | title = Super J-Cup 2016 | accessdate=2016-07-20 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> At night two on August 21, he and [[ACH (wrestler)|ACH]] utilized their championship opportunity granted by winning the [[Global Junior Heavyweight Tag League#2016|2016 NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]] to unsuccessfully challenge the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]] [[Atsushi Kotoge]] and [[Daisuke Harada]].
On October 21 at ''Road to Power Struggle'', Ishimori and ACH entered the [[Super Junior Tag Tournament#2016|2016 Super Junior Tag Tournament]]. They advanced to the next round after defeating the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]], [[The Young Bucks]] in the first round.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwinsider.com/article/105517/1021-njpw-road-to-power-struggle-report.html?p=1 | title = 10/21 NJPW Road to Power Struggle report | last=Macklin | first=Matthew | date=October 21, 2016 | accessdate=November 5, 2016 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> After defeating David Finlay and [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]] in the semifinals on October 30,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-hell-cell-sasha-banks-vs-charlotte-njpw-tag-tournament-223626 | title = Daily Update: Hell in a Cell, Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte, NJPW tag tournament | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | authorlink=Dave Meltzer | date=October 30, 2016 | accessdate=November 5, 2016 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Ishimori and ACH were defeated in the finals of the tournament by [[Roppongi Vice]] ([[Trent Barreta|Beretta]] and [[Rocky Romero]]) on November 5.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-power-struggle-live-results-tetsuya-naito-vs-jay-lethal-224011 | title = NJPW Power Struggle live results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Jay Lethal | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=November 4, 2016 | accessdate=November 5, 2016 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>
=== Impact Wrestling (2017–2018)===
Through a working relationship between Noah and [[Impact Wrestling|Global Force Wrestling]] (GFW), Ishimori made his debut for the American promotion on July 2, 2017, at [[Slammiversary XV]]. Teaming with fellow Noah wrestler Naomichi Marufuji, he took part in a four-way tag team match, contested for both the GFW Tag Team Championship and the [[Impact Wrestling World Tag Team Championship]], which was won by [[The Latin American Xchange]] (Santana and Ortiz).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/02/souceks-gfw-slammiversary-xv-report-72-bobby-lashley-vs-alberto-el-patron-dutt-vs-ki-rosemary-vs-sienna/ | title = Soucek's GFW Slammiversary XV report 7/2: Bobby Lashley vs. Alberto El Patron, Dutt vs. Ki, Rosemary vs. Sienna | last=Soucek | first=Andrew | date=July 2, 2017 | accessdate=August 18, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Ishimori also took part in the following week's ''[[GFW Impact!]]'' tapings, where he entered the [[2017 GFW Super X Cup Tournament|2017 Super X Cup]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wrestleview.com/gfw-news/85145-spoilers-75-impact-wrestling-taping-results-from-orlando/ | title = Spoilers: 7/5 GFW Impact TV tapings from Orlando, Florida | last=Namako | first=Jason | date=July 6, 2017 | accessdate=August 18, 2017 | work=Wrestleview}}</ref> making it all the way to the finals, before losing to [[Dezmond Xavier]] on August 17.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/17/mcmahons-gfw-impact-report-817-destination-x-lashley-vs-sydal-ishimori-vs-xavier-sienna-vs-kim-gfw-title-fallout/ | title = McMahon's GFW Impact report 8/17: Destination X, Lashley vs. Sydal, Lee vs. Sonjay in a ladder match, Ishimori vs. Xavier, Sienna vs. Kim, GFW Title fallout | last=McMahon | first=Mike | date=August 17, 2017 | accessdate=August 18, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
Ishimori returned to GFW, now known as Impact Wrestling, on November 5, 2017, at [[Bound for Glory (2017)|Bound for Glory]], where he defeated [[Tyson Dux]] to earn a future shot at the [[Impact X Division Championship]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/tna-results/bound-glory-2017-live-results-eli-drake-vs-johnny-impact-245786 | title = Bound for Glory 2017 live results: Eli Drake vs. Johnny Impact | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | authorlink=Dave Meltzer | date=November 5, 2017 | accessdate=November 10, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Four days later, Ishimori defeated [[Trevor Lee]] to win the Impact X Division Championship for the first time.<ref name=ImpactNov17Tapings>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/tna-news/impact-wrestling-tv-taping-results-title-changes-career-match-more-246176 | title = Impact Wrestling TV taping results: Title changes, career match, more | date=November 11, 2017 | accessdate=November 11, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> He dropped the title to [[Matt Sydal]] on January 12, 2018, in a match where the [[Impact Grand Championship]] of his opponent was also on the line. In March, Ishimori signed his release from Pro Wrestling Noah, declaring himself a free agent, but with questions surrounding if he will ever be back on Impact Wrestling.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2018/0312/637825/taiji-ishimori-announces-he-leaving-pro-wrestling-noah/|title=Taiji Ishimori Announces He's Leaving Pro Wrestling NOAH - WrestlingInc.com|work=WrestlingInc.com|access-date=2018-05-06|language=en}}</ref>
On June 4, the official Impact Wrestling Twitter announced that Ishimori would make his return to the company, under his [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling|NJPW]] Bone Soldier gimmick for [[Slammiversary XVI]].<ref>http://impactwrestling.com/the-bone-soldier-coming-to-slammiversary/</ref> At the event Ishimori lost a fatal four way match which was won by [[John Morrison (wrestler)|Johnny Impact]]. on the July 26 episode of Impact Wrestling, Ishimori defeated [[Petey Williams]]. on the August 9 episode of Impact Wrestling, Ishimori and Williams defeated Desi Hit Squad which turned out to be Ishimori final match in Impact. After November 24, 2018, his profile was retired from Impact website.
===Second return to NJPW (2018–present)===
On April 13, 2018, NJPW began promoting the return of Bone Soldier, a wrestler last seen in the promotion in January 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/njpw-bullet-club-bone-soldier-speculation/|title=Let’s Speculate Wildly About The Return Of NJPW’s BONE SOLDIER|author=Emily Pratt|work=[[Uproxx]]|date=April 16, 2018|accessdate=May 4, 2018}}</ref> On May 4 at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2018]], Ishimori returned to NJPW revealing himself as the new Bone Soldier and in the process joined [[Bullet Club]] by attacking IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, [[Will Ospreay]]. On May 7, NJPW announced Ishimori as a participant in the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2018|2018 Best of the Super Juniors]] tournament. He would complete the tournament with 5 wins and 2 loses, advancing to the finals. On June 4, Ishimori was defeated in the finals by [[Hiromu Takahashi]].
At [[G1 Special in San Francisco]], Bullet Club's [[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]] along with [[Tonga Fifita|King Haku]] attacked other members of the group and declared themselves "Bullet Club OG". [[Bad Luck Fale]] and [[HIKULEO (wrestler)|Hikuleo]] aligned with this new Tongan subgroup, while the rest of the group has since been referred to as "Bullet Club Elite". Ishimori was confirmed by Tama Tonga as being part of BCOG. Ishimori, Tonga and Loa defeated the Young Bucks and Marty Scurll during the finals of the G1 Climax 28 to become the new NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions.
During the Road to Power Struggle, Ishimori entered the Super Jr. Tag Tournament, choosing [[Robbie Eagles]] as his tag team partner. Both Ishimori and Eagles finished the tournament with 6 points, failing to advance to the finals. On January 4 at [[Wrestle Kingdom 13]], Ishimori defeated Kushida to win the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]].
==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Impact Wrestling]]'''
**[[Impact X Division Championship]] ([[List of Impact X Division Champions|1 time]])<ref name=ImpactNov17Tapings/>
*'''[[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide]]'''
**[[AAA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[AAA World Tag Team Championship#AAA World Tag Team Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Takeshi Morishima]]<ref name=AAATag5>{{cite web|url=http://www.luchalibreaaa.com/tripleaeneljuandelabarrera.html|title=Ya estamos en la Casa|date=March 19, 2010|accessdate= March 20, 2010| publisher= [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide|AAA]] | language=Spanish}}</ref>
**Best Wrestler of the Lucha Libre World Cup award (2017)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://superluchas.com/2017/10/10/aaa-resultados-lucha-libre-world-cup-2017-pagano-psycho-clown-los-vencedores/|title=AAA: Resultados "Lucha Libre World Cup 2017" - Pagano y Psycho Clown son los vencedores - Superluchas|date=10 October 2017|publisher=}}</ref>
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions|1 time, current]])
**[[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions|1 time, current]]) with [[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]]<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/24761?showResult=1 | title = G1 Climax 28 Night19 | accessdate=August 12, 2018 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref>
**U-30 One Night Tag Tournament (2004) – with [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]]<ref name=U30Tag>{{cite web | url=http://cagematch.de/?id=26&nr=917 | title= NJPW Tsuyoku-Are ~Toukon Series 2004 - Tag 13 | quote= U-30 One Night Tag Tournament Final: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Taiji Ishimori besiegen Ryusuke Taguchi & Shinsuke Nakamura (14:49) | date= October 30, 2004 | accessdate= January 21, 2010 | publisher=Cagematch.net | language=German}}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**PWI ranked him #'''104''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the [[PWI 500]] in 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=97&nr=230#2018|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2018|accessdate=September 29, 2018|work=cagematch.net}}</ref>
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
**[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref name=GreatVoyage2013/><ref name=Destiny2015/>
**[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|6 times]]) – with [[Kenta Kobayashi|Kenta]] (1), [[Ricky Marvin]] (1), [[Atsushi Kotoge]] (2) and [[Hi69]] (2)<ref name=GHCJrTag/>
**[[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League|Nippon TV/NTV G+ Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League]] (4 times) – [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2007|2007]] and [[Nippon TV Cup Jr. Heavyweight Tag League#2008|2008]] with KENTA<ref name=NTV/>, [[NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League#2012|2012]] with Atsushi Kotoge, [[NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League#2016|2016]] with [[ACH (wrestler)|ACH]]<ref>{{cite web | url = http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1626 | script-title=ja:日テレG+ presents「第10回日テレG+杯争奪ジュニアヘビー級タッグリーグ戦」 | accessdate=2016-07-30 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language=Japanese}}</ref>
**Super J-Cup Qualifying Tournament A (2016)<ref name=Noah070516/>
*'''[[Toryumon (Último Dragón)|Toryumon X]]'''
**[[UWA World Welterweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Welterweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
* [https://twitter.com/taiji_ishimori?lang=en Taiji Ishimori on Twitter]
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{{AAA World Tag Team Championship}}
{{Bullet Club}}
{{GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship}}
{{New Japan Pro Wrestling personnel}}
{{TNA X Division Championship}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Ishimori, Taiji}}
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Miyagi Prefecture]]' |
