Fujita Hayato

Professional wrestling career Hayato started training amateur wrestling at 8 under influence of his father, who had overcome a cerebral palsy to become a successful wrestler himself. Fujita specialized in Greco Roman wrestling and competed at national level, and it was in one of his wrestling tournaments in Tokyo that he was introduced to Michinoku Pro Wrestling (MPW) president Jinsei Shinzaki, who invited him to MPW to compete in professional wrestling. Fujita suffered a massive injury which forced him go on a hiatus to heal. He was diagnosed with a complete rupture of the lateral collateral ligament and a partial rupture of the medial collateral ligament.

On November 24, 2018, Fujita appeared in Michinoku Pro Wrestling for the first time in over a year, where he announced he had been diagnosed with a spinal tumour, intramedullary tumor and ependymoma but vowed to return to the ring. In May 2019, he underwent surgery to partially remove the tumor in his spine. On December 13, 2019, with the blessing of his doctors, Fujita returned to the ring for one night only; losing to Kengo via knockout.

In an interview with Weekly Pro-Wrestling in January 2021, Fujita revealed his plan to retire should he not be able to return by the end of the year.

Return to professional wrestling (2022–present) On May 10, 2022, Fujita announced his return to professional wrestling would take place at Korakuen Hall on July 1. Later it was announced he would be facing Musashi for the Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship. On July 1, Fujita defeated Musashi with a flurry of his signature shoot-style kicks. Whilst thanking the crowd for their support, he challenged former rival Kenoh and NJPW's Hiromu Takahashi. On December 30, at Gleat Ver.7, he successfully defended the title against Minoru Tanaka.

On June 21, 2024, a recurrence of cancer forced him to relinquish both the Tohoku Junior Heavyweight and Lidet UWF World Championships.

Championships and accomplishments

Dragon Gate Mochizuki Buyuden Tag Tournament (2008) – with Munenori Sawa Futen One Night Tag Tournament (2008) – with Takeshi Ono Gleat Lidet UWF World Championship (1 time) Japan Indie Awards Best Bout Award (2022) Michinoku Pro Wrestling Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship (3 times) Tetsujin Tournament (2009) Pro Wrestling Illustrated Ranked No. 104 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2013 Pro Wrestling Zero1 NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Ikuto Hidaka Furinkazan (2011) – with Masato Tanaka

Filmography

Movies Year English Title Japanese Title Role 2008 Gachi Boy ガチ☆ボーイ Silver Jiro Ando / Shirakanzu No. 2