Kazuo Yamazaki (山崎一夫 Yamazaki Kazuo, born August 15, 1962) is a Japanese former professional wrestler, who is known for his work in New Japan Pro Wrestling and UWF International.
Professional wrestling career[]
New Japan Pro Wrestling (1982–1984)[]
Yamazaki's wrestling career began in May 1982 in New Japan Pro Wrestling. He wrestled his debut match on May 6 against Tatsutoshi Goto. During this time, he was also a student of Satoru Sayama, better known as Tiger Mask. Whenever Kuniaki Kobayashi strip Sayama of his mask, Yamazaki was always the first one to help remask him.
Universal Wrestling Federation (1984–1985)[]
In 1984, Yamazaki joined the Japanese UWF. However, differences between his mentor Satoru Sayama and Akira Maeda over direction caused the promotion to fail.
Return To NJPW (1985–1988)[]
He rejoined New Japan in 1985 as a junior heavyweight. Despite this, he found more success in tag teams in 1987, winning the IWGP Tag Team Championship with one of his mentors, Yoshiaki Fujiwara.
Newborn UWF (1988–1990)[]
In 1988, however, the UWF was reconstituted as Newborn UWF and Yamazaki joined it, and stayed there until it folded in December 1990.
UWF International (1991–1995)[]
In May 1991, Yamazaki joined UWF International. In UWF International, he supported Nobuhiko Takada, but after being overlooked several times for shots at Takada's UWFI World Heavyweight championship, he decided to quit and return to New Japan on his own in July 1995.
Return To NJPW (1995–2000)[]
During the New Japan vs. UWFI feud in 1995-1996, Yamazaki participated on New Japan's side, but mostly as a behind-the-scenes supporter, training Yuji Nagata and Tokimitsu Ishizawa (Kendo Kashin) in the use of the shoot-style. He won two more IWGP Tag Team Championships, first with Takashi Iizuka in June 1996 and with Kensuke Sasaki in August 1997. In 1998, he participated in the G1 Climax tournament, defeating Tatsumi Fujinami, Kensuke Sasaki, and Masahiro Chono, before losing to Shinya Hashimoto in the finals. Yamazaki retired from in-ring competition on January 4, 2000, losing to his student Yuji Nagata as his final opponent.
Retirement[]
Kazuo Yamazaki now works as a wrestling instructor at the NJPW Dojo and sometimes acts as color commentator for the NJPW program on TV Asahi. He also works as a seitaishi in Ayase, Kanagawa.
In wrestling[]
- Finishing moves
- Cross armbreaker
- Roundhouse kick
- Signature moves
- Belly to belly suplex
Championships and accomplishments[]
- New Japan Pro Wrestling
- IWGP Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Yoshiaki Fujiwara (1), Takashi Iizuka (1), and Kensuke Sasaki (1)
- G1 Climax Special Tag Team Tournament (1997) – with Kensuke Sasaki
- Universal Wrestling Federation
- Kakuto Nettai Road "B" League Tournament (1985)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
- 5 Star Match (1984) vs. Nobuhiko Takada on December 5
