Yuji Nagata

Yuji Nagata (永田 裕志, Nagata Yūji, born April 24, 1968) is a Japanese professional wrestler signed to New Japan Pro Wrestling. He is known for his perennial tweener status, currently a solid fan favorite, and his stiff, shoot style wrestling technique.

A two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and World Heavyweight Champion, Nagata is the fourth longest-reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion with a reign of 392 days. He held the record for most successful title defenses with 10, until Hiroshi Tanahashi broke the record at Wrestle Kingdom VI. He is the only wrestler to have won Japanese professional wrestling's three biggest singles tournaments; New Japan Pro Wrestling's G1 Climax, All Japan Pro Wrestling's Champion Carnival and Pro Wrestling Noah's Global League Tournament. He is also a former holder of Noah's top title, the GHC Heavyweight Championship.

Amateur wrestling career

Before turning professional, Nagata was a successful amateur wrestler. Competing in the Greco-Roman style, Nagata represented Japan in the Asian Championships twice, placing fifth in 1993 and placing fourth in 1994, in one World Cup at the Espoir level in 1988, and in the 1991 World Championships, placing twenty-first.