The Unlikely HeroTokyo's own Yosuke Santa Maria is an enigma wrapped in a mat. The 29-year-old wrestler has been making waves in the Japanese professional wrestling scene, and his unique blend of athleticism, humor, and charisma has earned him a devoted following.Born on December 14th, 1991, Watanabe, as he's known outside the ring, began his journey into the world of puroresu at an early age. Growing up in Tokyo, he was fascinated by the art of wrestling, spending hours watching matches and practicing moves on his friends. It was only natural that he would eventually lace up his boots and step into the ring himself.A Technician's TouchSanta Maria's wrestling style is a fusion of technique and high-flying aerials. His opponents often underestimate him at first, thinking they can outmuscle the slight 73-kilogram wrestler. But Santa Maria has a secret: he's a master of the mat. With a background in ringen (Japanese wrestling) and baseball, he brings a unique combination of strength, agility, and strategy to every match.His signature moves – Sky Love, Zona Rosa, Neraiuchi, Chikubeeeeem, and Lovely Arrow – are a testament to his creativity and showmanship. Whether he's executing a flawless German suplex or teasing the crowd with a series of near-falls, Santa Maria always leaves it all in the ring.Comedy GoldBut what sets Santa Maria apart is his willingness to poke fun at himself and the absurdity of professional wrestling. His comedic timing is impeccable, often leaving fans in stitches as he bumbles around the ring or performs over-the-top antics. It's not uncommon for him to incorporate props or even dress up in ridiculous costumes – all part of his mission to entertain and bring people together.Santa Maria has worked for several promotions throughout his career, including All Japan Pro Wrestling, Dragongate Japan Pro-Wrestling, Ice Ribbon, Dragon Gate USA, and SEAdLINNNG. His impressive title resume includes the Open The Brave Gate Championship and Open The Owarai Gate Championship – a testament to his dedication and perseverance.A Star in the MakingAs Santa Maria continues to evolve as a wrestler and entertainer, it's clear that he's destined for greatness. With his unique blend of athleticism, humor, and charisma, he's got the whole package. Whether you're a seasoned wrestling fan or just discovering the world of puroresu, Yosuke Santa Maria is an artist worth watching. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride with this unlikely hero from Tokyo.
Facts
Here are ten interesting facts and tidbits about Yosuke Santa Maria:• **Early days**: Yosuke Santa Maria began his professional wrestling career in 1980, working for various Japanese promotions including New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW).• **Training with the legends**: Santa Maria was trained by legendary wrestler and promoter, Giant Baba. He also learned from other prominent wrestlers such as Stan Stasiak and Killer Khan.• **Debut in AJPW**: Yosuke Santa Maria made his debut in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) in 1981 under the ring name Super Shenlong, becoming a fan favorite with his charismatic personality and high-flying moves.• **Feud with Tsuruta**: In the late 1980s, Santa Maria had a notable feud with AJPW's top star, Kikugoro Tsuruta. The two wrestlers engaged in a series of intense matches that showcased their skills and athleticism.• **Championship reigns**: Throughout his career, Santa Maria held various championships including the AJPW Junior Heavyweight Championship, the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship, and the WAR International Junior Heavyweight Championship.• **WAR tenure**: In the mid-1990s, Santa Maria joined War of the Roses (WAR), a prominent Japanese promotion. During his time in WAR, he won several titles and was known for his exciting matches against other top stars like Nobutaka Araya and Hiroshi Hatanaka.• **NJPW comeback**: After leaving WAR, Santa Maria returned to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in the early 2000s. He worked for NJPW until his retirement in 2012.• **Mentorship role**: In his later years, Santa Maria took on a mentorship role within NJPW, training and guiding younger wrestlers like Ryusuke Taguchi and Prince Devitt (now Finn Bálor).• **Induction into the AJPW Hall of Fame**: Yosuke Santa Maria was inducted into the All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) Hall of Fame in 2013, recognizing his significant contributions to the promotion.• **Final match**: Santa Maria's final professional wrestling match took place on December 23, 2012, at NJPW's annual Best of the Super Juniors tournament.
