Editing Kudo

{{Infobox wrestler 2
|name = Kudo
|image = Kudo.jpg
|caption = 
|Birth name = Atsushi Kudo
|Born =Tokyo, Japan 
|Birth place = 
|Death date= 
|Death place = 
|Resides = 
|names = Daisuke Kiso<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/2990/ | script-title=ja:闘うビアガーデン2013 ウラシマクドウプロデュースデー | accessdate=July 30, 2013 |work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] |language=Japanese}}</ref><br />Dragon-Achooooo<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1259527140/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706080923/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1259527140/ | title = DDT Special 2009 | archivedate=July 6, 2011| accessdate=September 30, 2012 |work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] |language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/3512/ | script-title=ja:【8・1リポート】新北京日本公演で趙雲がジャッキーになった日 | date=August 1, 2013 | accessdate=February 19, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><br />Jacques de Atsushinu<ref name=DDTCard022709/><br />Konica Man #2<ref name=DDTApril2002/><br />'''Kudo'''<br />Toguro Habukage<ref name=DDTApril2002/><br />Warsman<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/columns/117978/Into-the-Indies-10.13.09:--M.U.S.C.L.E.-Comes-to-Life!.htm | title = Into the Indies 10.13.09: M.U.S.C.L.E. Comes to Life! | last=Byers | first=Ryan | date=October 13, 2009 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=411Mania}}</ref>
|height = {{height|m=1.77|precision=0}}
|weight = {{convert|80|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
|billed = 
|trainer = [[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]
|debut = November 30, 2001
|retired = 
}}

'''Kudo'''<ref name="DDT">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/superstars/kudo/ | title = Kudo | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> (stylized in all capital letters) is a Japanese professional wrestler, currently signed to the [[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] promotion, where he is a former seven times [[KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship|KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Champions]], former four-time [[KO-D Openweight Championship|KO-D Openweight Champion]], four-time [[KO-D Tag Team Championship|KO-D Tag Team Champion]] and the winner of the 2005 and 2011 King of DDT tournaments. Kudo has also made several trips to the United States, working for various independent promotions including Chikara, Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South (IWA-MS), International Wrestling Cartel (IWC), IWA East Coast and NWA Upstate.

==Professional wrestling career==

===Dramatic Dream Team (2001–2005)===
Trained by the [[Dramatic Dream Team]] (DDT) promotion,<ref name="PuroCentral">{{cite web | url = http://www.puroresucentral.com/KUDO.html | title = Kudo | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Puroresu Central | language=Japanese}}</ref> Kudo, then working under a mask and the ring name Konica Man #2, made his professional wrestling debut on November 30, 2001, teaming with Tomohiko Hashimoto and Fushichu Crow in a six-man tag team match, where they were defeated by Fake Sanshiro Takagi, Issei Fujisawa and [[Tomohiro Ishii]].<ref name="Debut">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0111.htm | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20041211021855/http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0111.htm | title = DDT News | archivedate=December 11, 2004 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Through the rest of 2001 and early 2002, he worked as a low-carder, often teaming with fellow masked wrestler [[HARASHIMA|Hero!]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0203.htm | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20021228182358/http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0203.htm | title = DDT News | archivedate=December 28, 2002 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On April 25, 2002, Konica Man #2, in storyline poisoned by [[Atsuo Sawada|Poison Sawada Julie]], turned on Hero!, unmasked and renamed himself Toguro Habukage.<ref name="DDTApril2002">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0204.htm | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20021228181800/http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0204.htm | title = DDT News | archivedate=December 28, 2002 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> This started a storyline, where Habukage, under the spell of Sawada, feuded with his former partner Hero!, who was trying to get him to remember who he truly was.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0205.htm | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20021228062318/http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0205.htm | title = DDT News | archivedate=December 28, 2002 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0209.htm | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20021228153800/http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0209.htm | title = DDT News | archivedate=December 28, 2002 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Habukage and Hero! faced off in a main event singles match on August 1, which was won by Hero!<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0208.htm | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20021227224850/http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0208.htm | title = DDT News | archivedate=December 27, 2002 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> In late 2002, Poison Sawada Julie's control over Habukage and another minion, Hebikage, started to wear off, which led to dissension in the group and eventually to a match between Sawada and Hebikage.<ref name="DDTDecember2002">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0212.htm | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20030424014211/http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0212.htm | title = DDT News | archivedate=April 24, 2003 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> The over-the-top storyline continued with Sawada's "serpent god" decapitating him and turning his body into stone as punishment for his inability to create a cohesive army, while also taking away his minions,<ref name="DDTDecember2002" /> and finally concluded in January 2003, when Hero!, while supposedly on a business trip to Hong Kong, found Habukage disoriented and unable to remember anything from his past.<ref name="DDTJanuary2003">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0301.htm | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20030423214611/http://www.ddtpro.com/news/0301.htm | title = DDT News | archivedate=April 23, 2003 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref name="DDTArchive2004">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/allstars/profile.cgi?_v=1079717216 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20041205045622/http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/allstars/profile.cgi?_v=1079717216 | title = Kudo | archivedate=December 5, 2004 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref>

On January 4, 2003, Habukage, now working under the ring name Kudo with a martial artist character, returned to DDT, teaming with Hero! in a tag team match, where they defeated Takashi Sasaki and Tanomusaku Toba.<ref name="DDT" /><ref name="DDTJanuary2003" /> Kudo continued teaming with Hero! throughout 2003 and on December 29, the two ended the year by defeating Seiya Morohashi and Tomohiko Hashimoto, and [[MIKAMI]] and [[Onryo |Onryo]] in a three-way Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match to win the [[KO-D Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/mi/spl_diary/spl_diary.cgi?action=showlast&cat=12&txtnumber=log&next_page=50&t_type= | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20040621011448/http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/mi/spl_diary/spl_diary.cgi?action=showlast&cat=12&txtnumber=log&next_page=50&t_type= | script-title=ja:トピックス | archivedate=June 21, 2004 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> During 2003, Kudo also won the Puroresu Koshien singles tournament and took part in [[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'s [[Differ Cup]].<ref name="DDT" /><ref name="PuroCentral" /> Kudo and Hero! went on to lose the KO-D Tag Team Championship to [[Gentaro]] and Takashi Sasaki on February 11, 2004.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/mi/spl_diary/spl_diary.cgi?action=showlast&cat=12&txtnumber=log&next_page=30&t_type= | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20040824190738/http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/mi/spl_diary/spl_diary.cgi?action=showlast&cat=12&txtnumber=log&next_page=30&t_type= | script-title=ja:トピックス | archivedate=August 24, 2004 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On September 2, Kudo made his debut for [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] in a match, where he faced [[Wataru Inoue]].<ref name="DDTArchive2006">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/allstars/profile.cgi?_v=1079717216 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20060615062758/http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/allstars/profile.cgi?_v=1079717216 | title = Kudo | archivedate=June 15, 2006 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Later that same month, Kudo and Hero! took part in the DDT's 2004 [[KO-D Tag League]], eventually defeating [[Danshoku Dino]] and Glenn Spectre on September 30 to not only win the tournament, but to also regain the KO-D Tag Team Championship.<ref name="WhosGonnaTop2004">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi?no=103 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20041028035502/http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi?no=103 | title = 後楽園ホール　『　Who's gonna Top? 2004　』 | archivedate=October 28, 2004 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> However, Kudo's and Hero's second reign lasted just a month, before they were defeated by Seiya Morohashi and Tanomusaku Toba on November 2.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi?no=124 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20041210180749/http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi?no=124 | title = 後楽園ホール『 Day Dream Believer 2004 』 | archivedate=December 10, 2004 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> In May 2005, Kudo won the [[King of DDT]] tournament to become the number one contender to DDT's top title, the [[KO-D Openweight Championship]].<ref name="DDT" /> However, he would go on to lose to [[Sanshiro Takagi]] in his title match on June 29.<ref name="DDT2005Purolove">{{cite web | url = http://www.purolove.com/misc/ddt/results/results05.php | title = Dramatic Dream Team Results: 2005 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Purolove | language=German}}</ref> On July 10, Kudo defeated [[Kota Ibushi]] in his final DDT match before leaving for a nine month learning excursion to the United States.<ref name="DDT2005Purolove" />

===American excursion (2005–2006)===
On July 13, 2005, Kudo made the first appearance of his American excursion, when he defeated Eddie Kingston at an IWA East Coast event in South Charleston, West Virginia.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_14034.shtml | title = Torch Indy Weekend Report: Punk retains in ROH, Jacobs retains in IWA-MS, Sandman no-shows | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=July 18, 2005 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On July 23, Kudo made his debut for Chikara, defeating Anthony Franco in the first round of the Young Lions Cup III tournament.<ref name="YLCIII">{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_14177.shtml | title = Torch Indy Weekend Report: Punk-Daniels, Kanyon returns, Chikara tourney, Bret Hart | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=July 25, 2005 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Later that same day, Kudo was defeated by Shane Storm in a six-way elimination semifinal match, which also included Claudio Castagnoli, Crossbones, Equinox and Niles Young.<ref name="YLCIII" /> Six days later, Kudo made his debut for International Wrestling Cartel (IWC), defeating Jimmy DeMarco.<ref name="IWCNoExcuses">{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_14505.shtml | title = DVD review: IWC, "No Excuses," July 29, 2005, with Styles vs. Matt Hardy | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=August 18, 2005 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On August 13, Kudo returned to IWC, defeating Jason Gory.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_14449.shtml | title = Torch Indy Weekend Report: Cabana defeats Punk, Gibson, Haas pins Daniels, B-Boy, Hero | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=August 15, 2005 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The two had a rematch thirteen days later, which was also won by Kudo.<ref name="IWCSummerSizzler">{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_15761.shtml | title = DVD Review: IWC, "Summer Sizzler," with Joe vs. Styles, plus Corino, Collyer, Nigel, Keenan, Smothers | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=January 5, 2006 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On August 19, Kudo made an appearance for Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South (IWA-MS), losing to Brandon Thomaselli.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_14550.shtml | title = 8/19 IWA-Mid South in Midlothian, Ill.: Hero-Cannon, Strong-Delirious, Jacobs-Brave | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=August 23, 2005 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following day, Kudo was defeated by Arik Cannon.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_14538.shtml | title = Torch Indy Weekend Report: Joe over Super Dragon, Gibson-Spanky, Hero defeats Cannon, Jarrett | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=August 22, 2005 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On September 6, Kudo returned to IWA East Coast, losing to Ruckus.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_14715.shtml | title = Torch Indy Weekend Preview: Sydal-Gibson, Homicide-B-Boy, Jacobs-Delirious, Haas-Lethal | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=September 9, 2005 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Three days later, Kudo returned to IWA-MS, defeating Brandon Thomaselli in a rematch of their previous month's encounter.<ref name="IWAMS090905">{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_14741.shtml | title = 9/9 IWA-Mid South in Midlothian, Ill.: Gibson-Sydal, Jacobs-Delirious, Cannon-Hero | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=September 12, 2005 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following day, Kudo made his debut for NWA Upstate, defeating D to the Icky, Fabulous John McChesney and Mastiff in a four-way match.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_14746.shtml | title = Torch Indy Weekend Report: Hero beats Cannon, Gibson-Jacobs, Lethal-Haas, Rhino-Samoa Joe | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=September 12, 2005 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On September 16, Kudo returned to Chikara, losing to Claudio Castagnoli.<ref name="InternationalInvasion1st">{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_15529.shtml | title = Tape Review: Chikara, "International Invasion, First Stage," Sept. 16, 2005, with Hero, Quackenbush, Castognoli, Kudo | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=December 6, 2005 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

On February 18, 2006, Kudo made another return to IWC, losing to fellow Japanese worker Milano Collection A.T.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_16666.shtml | title = DVD Review: IWC, "Accept no Limitations 2," Feb. 18, 2006, with Castognoli, Doe, Sweeney, Keenan, McChesney, Milano | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=May 1, 2006 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On February 24, Kudo entered Chikara's 2006 Tag World Grand Prix, teaming with fellow DDT worker Mikami. During the first night of the tournament, Kudo and Mikami first defeated Larry Sweeney and Mana in their first round match and then Team Kaientai Dojo (Miyawaki and Yoshiaki Yago) in their second round match.<ref name="2006TagWorldGrandPrixN1">{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_16574.shtml | title = Tape Review: Chikara Pro, "Tag World Grand Prix," night 1, Feb. 24, 2006, with Hero, Castognoli, Delirious, Necro surprise | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=April 21, 2006 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Two days later, Kudo and Mikami were eliminated from the tournament in the quarterfinals by Delirious and Hallowicked.<ref name="2006TagWorldGrandPrixN3">{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_16749.shtml | title = Tape Review: Chikara Pro, "Tag World Grand Prix," night 3, Feb. 26, 2006, with Hero, Castognoli, Delirious, Milano | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=May 11, 2006 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On March 17, Kudo made his fourth and final appearance for IWA-MS, losing to Brandon Thomaselli in the final match of their trilogy against each other.<ref name="IWAMSStPatricks">{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_16815.shtml | title = Tape Review: IWA-MS, "St. Patrick Loves a Good Fight," March 17, 2006, with Cannon-Jigsaw, Thomaselli-Kudo | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=May 18, 2006 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following day, Kudo was defeated by Hentai at an IWC event.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_16366.shtml | title = Torch Indy Weekend Report: Low Ki wins title, Cannon retains his strap, Dragon over Strong again | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=March 20, 2006 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

===Return to DDT (2006–present)===
Kudo returned to Japan and DDT on April 2, 2006, teaming with Mikami in a tag team match, where they defeated Harashima (the now unmasked Hero!) and Jet Shogo.<ref name="DDT2006Purolove">{{cite web | url = http://www.purolove.com/misc/ddt/results/results06.php | title = Dramatic Dream Team Results: 2006 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Purolove | language=German}}</ref> During the following months, Kudo feuded with former partner Harashima and his villainous Disaster-Box stable.<ref name="DDTArchive2008">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/allstars/profile.cgi?_v=1079717216 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080206201805/http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/allstars/profile.cgi?_v=1079717216 | title = Kudo | archivedate=February 6, 2008 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On June 25, Kudo teamed with Masami Morohashi and Seiya Morohashi in a six-man tag team match for the [[Jiyugaoka Six-Person Tag Team Championship]], losing to the team of Harashima, Muscle Sakai and Yusuke Inokuma.<ref name="Jiyugaoka">{{cite web | url = http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/jiyu-6.html | title = Jiyugaoka 6-person Tag Team Title | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Puroresu Dojo}}</ref> On July 2, Kudo, Mikami and Shiima Xion defeated Harashima, [[Toru Owashi]] and Yusuke Inokuma to win the 2006 Takechi Six Man Tag Scramble Cup.<ref name="DDT2006Purolove" /> The rivalry culminated on July 23 in an eight man elimination tag team match, where Kudo, Mitsuya Nagai, Poison Sawada Julie and Sanshiro Takagi, representing DDT, faced Harashima, [[Danshoku Dino]], Jet Shogo and Toru Owashi, representing Disaster-Box. Kudo scored the final elimination of the match, pinning Harashima to give DDT the win over Disaster-Box.<ref name="DDT2006Purolove" /> As a result, Kudo was granted a shot at Toru Owashi's [[KO-D Openweight Championship]] on August 27, but was unable to dethrone the defending champion.<ref name="DDT2006Purolove" /> After returning from a short break following an injury, Kudo turned heel and formed the Team 2 Thousand Island stable with Sanshiro Takagi and Yoshiaki Yago, continuing his rivalry with the now-face Harashima.<ref name="DDTArchive2008" /> Kudo and Harashima faced off on November 23 in a grudge match, which was won by Harashima, who, as a result, became the number one contender to the KO-D Openweight Championship, which he went on to win from Toru Owashi a month later.<ref name="DDT2006Purolove" />

On February 16, 2007, Kudo returned to Chikara, when he, Miyawaki and Yoshiaki Yago entered the 2007 King of Trios tournament.<ref name="KOT2007">{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_19409.shtml | title = Torch Indy Weekend Report: Reyes retains, Quack's team wins trios, Envy over Krazy | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=February 19, 2007 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After wins over Team DDT (American Balloon, Danshoku Dino and Masamune) and The Iron Saints (Brandon, Sal and Vito Thomaselli),<ref name="KOT2007" /> the trio defeated The Kings of Wrestling (Chuck Taylor, Gran Akuma and Icarus) in their semifinal match on February 18.<ref name="KOT2007N3">{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_19473.shtml | title = Torch Indy Weekend Preview: Whitmer-Morishima, Cannon-Low Ki, Shelley & Sabin team in PWG | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=February 23, 2007 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Later that same day, Kudo, Miyawaki and Yago were defeated in the finals of the tournament by Jigsaw, Mike Quackenbush and Shane Storm.<ref name="KOT2007N3" /> Back in DDT, Kudo received another shot at the KO-D Openweight Championship on July 1, but was this time defeated by Koo.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070720194216/http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi | title = Result | archivedate=July 20, 2007 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> During the second half of 2007, Kudo began regularly teaming with Yasu Urano and on September 23, the two defeated the Nuru Nuru Brothers (Michael Nakazawa and Tomomitsu Matsunaga) to become the number one contenders to the KO-D Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi?no=551 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071024192203/http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi?no=551 | title = 09.23　後楽園 『Who's gonna Top? 2007』 試合結果 | archivedate=October 24, 2007 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Kudo and Urano then went on to unsuccessfully challenge Antonio Honda and Prince Togo for the title on November 3.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080117000914/http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi? | title = Result | archivedate=January 17, 2008 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On March 1, 2008, Kudo returned to Chikara, when he, Miyawaki and Susumu entered the 2008 King of Trios tournament as Team Japan.<ref name="KOT2008">{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_24741.shtml | title = Torch Indy Weekend Report: Mexican team wins in Chikara, Christian over Styles, Kingston over Scorpio | last=Vetter | first=Chris | date=March 4, 2008 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> After wins over The Southern Saints (Marcus O'Neil, Reno Diamond and Shawn Reed) and Team AZW (AkuA, Immortal Black and Immortal White),<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/5027/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120614033823/http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/5027/ | title = Chikara King of Trios Night 2 report | archivedate=June 14, 2012 | date=March 2, 2008 | last=Shimko | first=Art | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> the trio was eliminated from the tournament in the quarterfinals by BLKOUT (Eddie Kingston, Joker and Ruckus).<ref name="KOT2008" /> On April 9, Kudo and Urano entered DDT's 2008 KO-D Tag Team Title League, where they made it to the finals, before losing to Mikami and Tanomusaku Toba.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080501105527/http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi? | title = Result | archivedate=May 1, 2008 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On May 6, Kudo won the [[Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship]] by pinning Danshoku Dino in a tag team match, where he teamed with Urano and Dino with [[Masa Takanashi]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi?no=598 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080518061518/http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi?no=598 | title = 5月6日(火) 『 Max Bump 2008 』対戦結果 | archivedate=May 18, 2008 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> He would go on to lose the title to Gorgeous Matsuno on June 11.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080617030420/http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/result/result.cgi | title = Result | archivedate=June 17, 2008 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dramatic Dream Team]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On July 6, Kudo, Urano and Antonio Honda defeated Koo, Super Vampire and Toru Owashi to win the DDT Jiyugaoka Six-Person Tag Team Championship.<ref name="Jiyugaoka" /> On July 20, Kudo made it to the finals of a tournament to determine the number one contender to the KO-D Openweight Championship, but was there defeated by Kota Ibushi.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.purolove.com/misc/ddt/results/results08.php | title = Dramatic Dream Team Results: 2008 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Purolove | language=German}}</ref> In early 2009, Kudo made several appearances as the Frenchman Jacques de Atsushinu, teaming with Louis Takanashi XIV, Masa Takanashi's French character, working against the Italian Four Horsemen.<ref name="DDTCard022709">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/release/ddt/article/1247735654/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706101426/http://www.ddtpro.com/release/ddt/article/1247735654/ | script-title=ja:3月4日新木場大会決定カード | archivedate=July 6, 2011 | date=February 27, 2009 | accessdate=December 24, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/release/ddt/article/1247736417/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706121510/http://www.ddtpro.com/release/ddt/article/1247736417/ | script-title=ja:葛西純負傷欠場　3月15日ＤＤＴ豊中大会　一部対戦カード変更 | archivedate=July 6, 2011 | date=March 14, 2009 | accessdate=December 24, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref>

On March 27, 2009, Kudo made another trip to the United States and Chikara to take part in the 2009 King of Trios tournament, from which he, Kota Ibushi and Michael Nakazawa, as Team DDT, were eliminated in the first round by the Future is Now (Equinox, Helios and Lince Dorado).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/8795/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20090401194358/http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/8795/ | title = Chikara King of Trios first night report 3-27 Philadelphia plus tonight's lineup | archivedate=April 1, 2009 | date=March 28, 2009 | last=Coale | first=Mark | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref name="KOT2009WV">{{cite web | url = http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1238745277 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120920165801/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1238745277 | title = Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly | archivedate=September 20, 2012 | date=April 3, 2009 | last=Boutwell | first=Josh | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Wrestleview}}</ref> Two days later, on the final day of the tournament, Kudo teamed with Nakazawa, Amasis and Ophidian in an eight-man tag team match, where they defeated Darin Corbin, Ryan Cruz, Fire Ant and Soldier Ant.<ref name="KOT2009WV" /><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/8816/100/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120616053654/http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/8816/100/ | title = Chikara King of Trios final day report 3-29 Philadelphia | archivedate=June 16, 2012 | date=March 30, 2009 | last=Coale | first=Mark | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Upon his return to DDT, Kudo was named the number one contender to the KO-D Openweight Championship, but would once again fail to capture the title from Harashima on May 31.<ref name="DDT2009Purolove">{{cite web | url = http://www.purolove.com/misc/ddt/results/results08.php | title = Dramatic Dream Team Results: 2008 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Purolove | language=German}}</ref> On July 5, Kudo and Yasu Urano wrestled [[Jun Kasai]] and Mikami to a thirty-minute time limit draw in a number one contender's three-way elimination match, which also included the team of [[Hoshitango Imachi|Hoshitango]] and Masa Takanashi.<ref name="DDT2009Purolove" /> On August 23, Kudo and Urano defeated Kasai and Mikami, [[Kenny Omega]] and Mike Angels, and defending champions Francesco Togo and [[Taka Michinoku|Piza Michinoku]] in a four-way elimination match to become the new KO-D Tag Team Champions.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/kod-t.html | title = KO-D (King Of DDT) Tag Team Title | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=Puroresu Dojo}}</ref> Kudo and Urano made their first successful title defense on September 27 against the team of [[The Great Sasuke|Great Sasuke]] and Sanshiro Takagi, and followed that up by also successfully defending the title against Takagi and Ultraman Robin on October 25,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1256715994/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706080247/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1256715994/ | title = Welcome to the Never Land 2009 | archivedate=July 6, 2011 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Danshoku Dino and Keisuke Ishii on November 15,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1258301039/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706075940/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1258301039/ | title = God Bless DDT 2009 | archivedate=July 6, 2011 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Belt Hunter×Hunter ([[Hikaru Sato]] and Masa Takanashi) on December 6,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1260090353/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706080019/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1260090353/ | title = Ginza Now 〜12・6〜 | archivedate=July 6, 2011 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> and in a three-way match against the teams of Belt Hunter×Hunter and the Italian Four Horsemen (Antonio Honda and [[Daisuke Sasaki|Sasaki & Gabbana]]) on December 13.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1260807961/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706075510/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1260807961/ | script-title=ja:天下三分の計・博多 | archivedate=July 6, 2011 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On February 11, 2010, Kudo and Urano lost the title to [[Munenori Sawa]] and Sanshiro Takagi in their sixth title defense.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1265882930/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706080913/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1265882930/ | title = Into the Fight 2010 | archivedate=July 6, 2011 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On July 25, Kudo, Urano and Antonio Honda also lost the Jiyugaoka Six-Person Tag Team Championship to [[The Great Kojika|Great Kojika]], Mr. #6 and [[Riho]] in a three-way match, which also included Hikaru Sato, Keisuke Ishii and Yoshihiko, and was also contested for the DDT Nihonkai Six-Man Tag Team and [[UWA World Trios Championship]]s.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1280119664/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120530063822/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1280119664/ | script-title=ja:両国ピーターパン2010 〜夏休み ああ夏休み 夏休み〜 | archivedate=May 30, 2012 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref>

In early 2011, Kudo joined the Man's Club stable, which Danshoku Dino and Makoto Oishi had formed in December 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/release/ddt/article/1291273427/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706090629/http://www.ddtpro.com/release/ddt/article/1291273427/ | script-title=ja:12月1日新木場大会で決まったこと | archivedate=July 6, 2011 | date=December 2, 2010 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/release/ddt/article/1298649768/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706081720/http://www.ddtpro.com/release/ddt/article/1298649768/ | script-title=ja:2月27日後楽園ホール大会直前情報 | archivedate=July 6, 2011 | date=February 25, 2011 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On February 27, Kudo and Oishi unsuccessfully challenged Gentaro and Yasu Urano for the KO-D Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1298790042/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706075756/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1298790042/ | title = Into the Fight 2011 | archivedate=July 6, 2011 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On May 21, Kudo entered the 2011 King of DDT tournament. After wins over Yasu Urano and Hikaru Sato,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1305982076/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706075953/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1305982076/ | title = King of DDT Tokyo | archivedate=July 6, 2011 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 |work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Kudo advanced to the May 29 semifinals of the tournament, where he defeated Kenny Omega.<ref name="KingofDDT2011Finals">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1306704404/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706081026/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1306704404/ | title = King of DDT Kyoto | archivedate=July 6, 2011 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Later that same day, Kudo defeated Harashima to win his second King of DDT tournament and become the number one contender to the KO-D Openweight Championship.<ref name="KingofDDT2011Finals" /> On July 24, Kudo defeated Shuji Ishikawa at DDT's largest annual event, the ''Ryogoku Peter Pan'', to win the KO-D Openweight Championship for the first time.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1311513291/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120530062442/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1311513291/ | script-title=ja:両国ピーターパン2011～二度あることは三度ある～ | archivedate=May 30, 2012 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On August 28, Kudo defeated Keisuke Ishii for his first successful title defense.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1314548864/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120530063309/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1314548864/ | script-title=ja:夏休みの思い出2011 | archivedate=May 30, 2012 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On September 18, Kudo defeated Makoto Oishi in a non-title main event,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1317102530/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120530063955/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1317102530/ | title = Non-Fix in 千葉 ～9・18～ | archivedate=May 30, 2012 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> after which Man's Club agreed to dissolve, with Oishi and Danshoku Dino forming the new Homoiro Clover Z stable, while Kudo was set to concentrate on defending his title.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/1522/ | title = 9月18日DDT千葉BF大会で決まった事 | date=September 18, 2011 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On October 23, Kudo made his second successful title defense against Hikaru Sato,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1319377523/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120530064129/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1319377523/ | title = DDT Special 2011 | archivedate=May 30, 2012 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> and followed that up by defeating Masa Takanashi on November 6 for his third defense,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1321165839/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120530063704/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1321165839/ | script-title=ja:大阪ベイブルーススペシャル2011 | archivedate=May 30, 2012 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 |work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] |language=Japanese}}</ref> and Harashima on November 27 for his fourth defense.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1322394436/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120530062748/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1322394436/ | title = God Bless DDT 2011 | archivedate=May 30, 2012 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On December 3, Kudo returned to the United States, when took part in the ''Indie Summit 2011'', promoted by Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, wrestling in a three-way match, where he defeated Dick Togo and Masahiro Takanashi.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.czwrestling.com/archives/2011/IndieSummit2011.php |title=Indie Summit 2011 |accessdate=September 30, 2012 |work=[[Combat Zone Wrestling]]}}</ref><ref name="CageofDeathWeekendWV">{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1323082659 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208120517/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1323082659 |archivedate=December 8, 2011 |title=As I See It 12/5: Cage of Death 13 weekend |last=Magee |first=Bob|date=December 5, 2011 |work=Wrestleview |deadurl=yes |accessdate=January 22, 2013}}</ref> Later that same day, Kudo appeared on CZW's internet pay-per-view, Cage of Death 13, wrestling in a ten-man tag team match, where he, Danshoku Dino, [[Kengo Mashimo]], [[Ryuji Ito]] and Takashi Sasaki defeated Takanashi, [[Jaki Numazawa]], [[Jun Kasai]], Kamui and Yoshihito Sasaki.<ref name="CageofDeathWeekendWV" /><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.czwrestling.com/archives/2011/CageOfDeath13.php | title = 'Cage Of Death 13' | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Combat Zone Wrestling]]}}</ref> After returning to DDT, Kudo made his fifth successful defense of the KO-D Openweight Championship on December 31 against Mikami.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1325367519/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120530063444/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1325367519/ | title = Never Mind 2011 | archivedate=May 30, 2012 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Before the end of the year, Kudo had also effectively become a full-time member of Homoiro Clover Z.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/1652/ | script-title=ja:1月5日新宿ロフトプラスワンでほもクロイベント開催！ | date=December 21, 2011 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On January 29, 2012, Kudo lost the KO-D Openweight Championship to fellow Homoiro Clover Z member Danshoku Dino.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1327898456/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120530064205/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1327898456/ | title = Sweet Dreams! 2012 | archivedate=May 30, 2012 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/23991-sun-update-royal-rumble-update-tna-injury-updates-ufc-rating-notes-hogan-gagne-gsp-tyson | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120131225904/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/23991-sun-update-royal-rumble-update-tna-injury-updates-ufc-rating-notes-hogan-gagne-gsp-tyson | title = Sun. update: Royal Rumble update, TNA injury updates, UFC rating notes, Hogan, Gagne, GSP, Tyson | archivedate=January 31, 2012 | date=January 29, 2012 | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | authorlink=Dave Meltzer | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

On March 20, Kudo and Dino received a shot at the KO-D Tag Team Championship, but were defeated by Sanshiro Takagi and Soma Takao.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1332346338/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120530062447/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1332346338/ | script-title=ja:レスリングとんこつ２０１２ | archivedate=May 30, 2012 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> However, on June 16, Kudo and another stablemate, Makoto Oishi, defeated Crying Wolf (Yasu Urano and [[Yuji Hino]]) to win the KO-D Tag Team Championship, starting Kudo's fourth reign with the title.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1339859549/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120620010649/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1339859549/ | script-title=ja:茨城でいかっぺよかっぺ2012 | archivedate=June 20, 2012 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> They made their first successful title defense just eight days later against Daisuke Sasaki and Masa Takanashi.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1340520227/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131003224205/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1340520227/ | title = What are you doing!? 2012 | archivedate=October 3, 2013 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> During the summer, Kudo also made it to the semifinals of the 2012 King of DDT tournament, before losing to Danshoku Dino.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/2885/ | title = King of DDT Osaka 2012 | accessdate=September 14, 2016 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> After successful title defenses against Crying Wolf in a rematch,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/2887/ | script-title=ja:Ｒｏａｄ ｔｏ Ｂｕｄｏｋａｎ ｉｎ Ｈｉｒｏｓｈｉｍａ ～ドラマチック・ドリーム・とうかさん～ | accessdate=September 14, 2016 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> and Keisuke Ishii and Shigehiro Irie,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/2890/ | title = Road to Budokan 2012 | accessdate=September 14, 2016 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Kudo and Oishi lost the title to Mikami and [[Tatsumi Fujinami]] on August 18 at DDT's fifteenth anniversary event in Nippon Budokan.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1345297179/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131003154058/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1345297179/ | title = 武道館ピーターパン～DDTの15周年、ドーンと見せます超豪華4時間 | archivedate=October 3, 2013 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On August 26, DDT General Manager Amon Tsurumi ordered all stables in the promotion disbanded.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/3217/ | script-title=ja:【8・26リポート①】9・19新木場で全ユニット解散!! | date=August 26, 2012 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> In Homoiro Clover Z's farewell match on September 19, Kudo, Hiroshi Fukuda and Makoto Oishi were defeated by stablemates Akito, Danshoku Dino and Kota Ibushi.<ref name="HomoiroCloverZFinal">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/3232/ | script-title=ja:【9・19リポート】既存ユニット解散、新ユニット続々誕生 | date=September 19, 2012 | accessdate=September 14, 2016 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Afterwards, Kudo formed a new veteran stable with Harashima and Yasu Urano to go after the villainous Team Drift (Dream Futures) stable of Keisuke Ishii, Shigehiro Irie and Soma Takao.<ref name="HomoiroCloverZFinal" /> On September 30, the veterans, now known collectively as "Urashimakudo", defeated Team Drift in the first six-man tag team match between the two stables.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1348993317/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20121009051739/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1348993317/ | title = Who's gonna Top? 2012 ～DDT48総選挙最終投票日～ | archivedate=October 9, 2012 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/3237/ | script-title=ja:【9・30リポート②】澤田引退ロード開始。ウラシマクドウ白星 | date=September 30, 2012 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On October 8, Kudo and Harashima were defeated in a tag team main event by Keisuke Ishii and Shigehiro Irie,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1349700189/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131003154056/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1349700189/ | title = 札幌プロレスフェスタ2012　DDT | archivedate=October 3, 2013 | accessdate=October 10, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> after which Kudo was sidelined with ligament damage following a dislocated right elbow.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/2075/ | title = Kudo負傷欠場のお知らせ | date=October 10, 2012 | accessdate=October 10, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/headlines/20121010-00000005-spnavi-fight.html | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20121101161029/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/headlines/20121010-00000005-spnavi-fight.html | title = 総選挙9位のKudoが負傷欠場　DJニラが繰り上げ本戦出場=10.21DDT | archivedate=November 1, 2012 | date=October 10, 2012 | accessdate=October 10, 2012 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=[[Yahoo!]] | language=Japanese}}</ref>

After Yasu Urano was also injured, Urashimakudo was about to disband, but was kept alive, when Hiro Tsumaki joined the veteran stable on October 21 as a replacement for the injured members.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/report/ddt/article/1350809404/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20121023110059/http://www.ddtpro.com/report/ddt/article/1350809404/ | script-title=ja:【10・21リポート①】東郷改め佐藤さんがオープニングに登場 | archivedate=October 23, 2012 | date=October 21, 2012 | accessdate=October 21, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> While out with the injury, Kudo made an appearance under his old Toguro Habukage persona on November 25, 2012, when he, along with several other returning former stablemates, accompanied Poison Sawada Julie to his retirement match.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/3280/ | title = 【11・25リポート③】PSJ、24年間のプロレス生活に終止符 | date=November 25, 2012 | accessdate=December 24, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On January 27, 2013, Kudo announced that he was going to return to the ring on February 17 to reform Urashimakudo. This led to Fuma, the former Hiro Tsumaki, announcing that the stable was now called Urashimafuma and he was a full-time member. However, Yasu Urano ended up turning on Fuma, kicking him out of the stable and welcoming Kudo back.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/3328/ | script-title=ja:【1・27リポート①】ゆずポン、まさかの路上プロレス参戦熱望 | date=January 27, 2013 | accessdate=September 14, 2016 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On February 17, Kudo wrestled his first match in four months, a tag team match, where he and Yasu Urano defeated Danshoku Dino and Makoto Oishi.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1361080203/ | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131004122918/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1361080203/ | title = Into The Fight 2013 | archivedate=October 4, 2013 | accessdate=February 17, 2013 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130217-00000003-spnavi | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20130222035841/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130217-00000003-spnavi | script-title=ja:ケニー・オメガ２度目の防衛、ライガーは荒鷲２世組に勝利=ＤＤＴ | archivedate=February 22, 2013| date=February 17, 2013 | accessdate=February 17, 2013 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=[[Yahoo!]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/battle/2013/02/001704.php | archiveurl = | title = Harashimaを下したケニーはマイケルとのKO-D戦をワンマッチ興行で！ライガーvs坂口開戦！大家は新団体設立へ!? | archivedate= | date=February 17, 2013 | accessdate=February 17, 2013 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> As the recipient of the MAGP Award for the MVP of the event, Kudo was entered into a tournament to determine the number one contender to the KO-D Openweight Championship,<ref name="MAGP021713">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/3352/ | script-title=ja:【2・17リポート③】ケニー防衛、次期挑戦者はマイケル | date=February 17, 2013 | accessdate=February 24, 2013 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> but was defeated in his first round match on February 24 by Makoto Oishi.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/3354/ | script-title=ja:【2・24リポート①】石井に足りないものはわからず仕舞い | date=February 24, 2013 | accessdate=September 14, 2016 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/battle/2013/02/001715.php | title = 入江が1Dayトーナメントを制し、KO-D無差別級王座挑戦権を獲得！ケニーは諸橋相手にExtreme級王座初防衛！ | date=February 24, 2013 | accessdate=February 24, 2013 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> The rivalry between Urashimakudo and Team Drift built to a six-man tag team match on August 17, during the first day of DDT's 16th anniversary weekend in Ryōgoku Kokugikan, where Team Drift was victorious.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/3529/ | script-title=ja:【両国初日リポート3】両国初日の地上波放送決定!! | date=August 17, 2013 | accessdate=August 17, 2013 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130817-00000006-spnavi | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131002175519/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130817-00000006-spnavi | script-title=ja:飯伏が男色殺法のディーノに辛勝＝８.１７ＤＤＴ両国大会 | archivedate=October 2, 2013 | date=August 17, 2013 | accessdate=August 17, 2013 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=[[Yahoo!]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/battle/2013/08/001919.php | title = ウルトラセブンが逆エビ！坂口憲二がドロップキック！アイドル最高！これがプロレスの進歩と調和！DDT万博大盛況！ | date=August 17, 2013 | accessdate=August 17, 2013 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> On September 29, Kudo won a ten-person battle royal to win the Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship for the second time.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/3667/ | title = Who's gonna Top?2013～DDT48総選挙最終日～ | accessdate=September 29, 2013 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/battle/2013/09/001972.php | title = DDTが様々な戦略を発表！たまアリ進出を目指して動き出す！赤井沙希はプロレス継続！手負いのHarashimaは辛くも王座初防衛！ | date=September 29, 2013 | accessdate=September 29, 2013 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> He lost the title to Danshoku Dino on October 13 in a tag team match, where he and Harashima were defeated by Dino and Makoto Oishi.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/3983/ | title = 札幌プロレスフェスタ2013 DDT | accessdate=October 16, 2013 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref>

On February 23, Kudo quit the Urashimakudo stable, while challenging Harashima to a match for the KO-D Openweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/7397/ | title = 【後楽園リポート】Harashimaが高梨を下してKO-D無差別級V6。Kudoが3・21後楽園で挑戦、ウラシマクドウも脱退／G☆Lが墨汁まみれでバラモン兄弟を撃破、KO-DタッグV２／アジャ様ご乱心...チームドリフがKO-D6人タッグ王者に返り咲き／DDTラストマッチの柿本「100倍強くなって戻ってくる」 | date=February 23, 2014 | accessdate=February 23, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/fight/index.php?QBlog-20140223-1 | title = 【DDT】Harashimavs高梨のKO-D戦、GLvsバラモンのタッグ戦 | date=February 23, 2014 | accessdate=February 23, 2014 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> On March 2, Kudo formed a new stable with Masa Takanashi and [[Yukio Sakaguchi]], based on the three's shared love of alcohol.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/7714/ | title = 【梅田リポート】Kudoが前哨戦でHarashimaから勝利。Kudo＆高梨のユニットに坂口が加入!!／ドリフがKO-D6人タッグ初防衛。ディーノ＆大石は坂口にユニット継続を懇願するも、あっさり拒否される／4・13大阪でくいしんぼうvs菊タロー／竹下が高校生最後の地元大会を勝利で飾る／飯伏が戦慄の雪崩式パイルドライバー | date=March 2, 2014 | accessdate=March 4, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On March 9, the stable was named Shuten-dōji, after a sake drinking oni of the same name.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/7924/ | title = 【春日部リポート】テレ玉の番組名は『DDTプロレス中継さいたまースラム！』。4月2日より毎週水曜日深夜26時30分～27時にオンエア!!／Kudo&高梨&坂口のユニット名は酒呑童子に決定。初陣のメインは...／ディーノ、埼玉ゲイレスリング化計画をブチ上げる | date=March 9, 2014 | accessdate=March 9, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/fight/index.php?QBlog-20140309-1 | title = 【DDT】第1回埼玉TVマッチ、インフォマーシャルマッチ | date=March 9, 2014 | accessdate=March 9, 2014 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> On March 21, Kudo defeated Harashima to win the KO-D Openweight Championship for the second time.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/8215/ | title = Judgement2014 | accessdate=March 21, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/fight/index.php?QBlog-20140321-1 | title = 【DDT】旗揚げ17周年記念大会、HarashimavsKudoのKO-D無差別級戦 | date=March 21, 2014 | accessdate=March 21, 2014 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/247740/ | title = 住宅ローンで燃えた！KudoがKO-D無差別級王座奪回 | date=March 22, 2014 | accessdate=March 22, 2014 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Afterwards, Shuten-dōji announced they were taking over DDT with Kudo setting his sights on both the KO-D Tag Team and [[KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship|6-Man Tag Team Championship]]s alongside his stablemates.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/9098/ | title = 【公開会見】KO-D無差別級調印式で火花。「DDTの未来のためにベルトを獲る」（彰人）「僕が新しい風景を見せる」（Kudo）／酒呑童子のKO-Dタッグ、KO-D6人タッグ、Extreme級挑戦が決定／高木のアイアンマン封印阻止へ...元PSJが蛇人間を投入 | date=April 23, 2014 | accessdate=April 25, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On April 29, Kudo successfully defended the KO-D Openweight Championship twice; first in a scheduled match against Akito and immediately afterwards against Yasu Urano, who cashed in his "Right to Challenge Anytime, Anywhere" contract.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/9269/ | title = 【後楽園リポート】KO- D無差別級王者・Kudoが彰人の夢を打ち砕く。いつどこ権行使のヤスも退け、5・25名古屋でHarashimaとの防衛戦へ／ケニブシ佐々木がKO- D6人タッグ初防衛／チームドリフ、三度目の正直でアジアタッグ奪取／封印逃れたアイアンマン王座は秋山準に流出／6・5花やしきでBiSと異種対バン路上ライブプロレス開催 | date=April 29, 2014 | accessdate=April 30, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2014042901/ | title = DDT「Max Bump2014」 | last=Takagi | first=Hiromi | date=April 29, 2014 | accessdate=April 29, 2014 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=[[Yahoo!]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/261822/ | title = Kudoが一日で「KO―D」2度防衛 | date=April 30, 2014 | accessdate=April 30, 2014 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On May 4, Kudo won another title, when Shuten-dōji defeated Daisuke Sasaki, Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi to capture the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship.<ref name="DDT050414">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/9549/ | title = Road to Ryogoku in Sendai〜ドラマティック・ドリーム・タン〜 | accessdate=May 4, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> After Shuten-dōji had captured all other DDT titles, Kudo and Sakaguchi failed in their attempt to win the KO-D Tag Team Championship from Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi on May 11.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/9766/ | title = Road to Ryogoku in Sapporo〜ドラマティック・ドリーム・時計台〜 | accessdate=May 11, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On May 25, Kudo lost the KO-D Openweight Championship back to Harashima.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/10267/ | title = 友情、努力、勝利！in Nagoya2014 | accessdate=May 25, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On June 8, Shuten-dōji made their first successful defense of the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship against the new Smile Squash trio of Akito, Harashima and Yasu Urano.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/10774/ | title = DDTプロレスさいたまスーパーアリーナへの道4 | accessdate=June 8, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Also in June, Kudo made it to the finals of the 2014 King of DDT tournament, before losing to [[Isami Kodaka]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/11474/ | title = King of DDT 2014 | accessdate=June 29, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/fight/index.php?QBlog-20140629-1 | title = 【DDT】King of DDT 2014、Kudovs入江、飯伏vsイサミ | date=June 29, 2014 | accessdate=June 29, 2014 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/284051/ | title = 「King of DDT」制した木高 裏方から両国のメーンへ！ | date=June 30, 2014 | accessdate=June 30, 2014 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On July 13, Shuten-dōji lost the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship to Happy Motel (Antonio Honda, [[Konosuke Takeshita]] and Tetsuya Endo) in their second defense.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/11959/ | title = Road to Ryogoku in Osaka〜ドラマティック・ドリーム・通天閣〜 | accessdate=July 15, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Shuten-dōji, however, regained the title from Happy Motel just seven days later in a three-way match, which also included Team Drift.<ref name="DDT072014">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/12292/ | title = Road to Ryogoku 2014 | accessdate=July 20, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/fight/index.php?QBlog-20140720-2 | title = 【DDT】HarashimavsケニーのKO-D無差別戦、6人タッグ王座戦、石森参戦 | date=July 20, 2014 | accessdate=July 20, 2014 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> They lost the title to Team Drift on August 17 at DDT's largest event of the year, ''Ryogoku Peter Pan 2014''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/13257/ | title = 【両国ピーターパン2014リポート】Harashimaがケニー、イサミから立て続けに勝利！　 KO-D無差別級王座を防衛!!　DDTドラマティック総選挙の特典発表...2位が10・26後楽園で、1位は2015年2・15さいたまでKO-D無差別級挑戦／竹下、棚橋に相手に奮闘も...／飯伏が壮絶な復帰戦、近藤に僅差の勝利／DDTが映画界に進出！　マッスル坂井総監督の劇場版「プロレスキャノンボール」に鈴木、葛西が出演決定／山里亮太さんが肛門爆破!!／KO-D6人タッグがドリフが奪取！　入江&高尾はKO-Dタッグ挑戦に照準／LiLiCoさんがアイアンマン王者に | date=August 17, 2014 | accessdate=August 17, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/fight/index.php?QBlog-20140817-2 | title = 【DDT】HarashimavsイサミvsケニーのKO-D無差別級戦、竹下vs棚橋、飯伏vs近藤 | date=August 17, 2014 | accessdate=August 17, 2014 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> Kudo ended his year by teaming with Sakaguchi to unsuccessfully challenge Happy Motel's Endo and Takeshita for the KO-D Tag Team Championship on December 23.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/18320/ | title = Never Mind 2014 | accessdate=December 23, 2014 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/?p=3934 | title = DDT12.23後楽園大会　Harashimavs.入江のKO-D無差別級戦、竹下＆遠藤vs.Kudo＆坂口のKO-Dタッグ戦 | date=December 23, 2014 | accessdate=December 23, 2014 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> On February 15, 2015, Shuten-dōji won the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship for the third time, defeating previous champions Genpatsu Daio ([[The Brahman Brothers|Brahman Kei, Brahman Shu]] and Gorgeous Matsuno).<ref name="DDT021515">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/20190/ | title = さいたまスーパーDDT2015 | accessdate=February 15, 2015 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/?p=5718 | title = DDT 2.15さいたまSA大会　Harashimavs.飯伏のKO-D無差別級、竹下＆遠藤vs.関本＆岡林のタッグ王座戦、ササダンゴvs.桜庭、ディーノvs.マイケル | date=February 15, 2015 | accessdate=February 15, 2015 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> Shuten-dōji then entered a series of matches with Team Drift, where the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship changed hands between the two teams three times in six weeks with Shuten-dōji losing the title on March 1,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/20925/ | title = DDT大阪24区めぐり〜港区 | accessdate=March 1, 2015 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> winning it on March 21,<ref name="DDT032115">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/21724/ | script-title=ja:さいたまースラムスペシャル！2015〜テレ玉放送1周年記念大会〜 | accessdate=March 1, 2015 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/?p=6881 | title = DDT3.21春日部大会　テレ玉放送一周年記念大会　飯伏vs.ヨシヒコのKO-D無差別級戦、ドリフvs.酒呑童子のKO-D6人タッグ、アジャvs.赤井 | date=March 21, 2015 | accessdate=March 21, 2015 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> and losing it again on April 11.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/22639/ | title = Road to Ryogoku 2015 in Kokura～ドラマティック・ドリーム・鶏かしわ飯～ | accessdate=April 12, 2015 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref>

On April 29, Kudo returned to the KO-D Openweight Championship picture by capturing one of the "Right to Challenge Anytime, Anywhere" contracts by pinning its holder Antonio Honda in a tag team match.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/23476/ | title = Max Bump2015 | accessdate=May 24, 2015 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> Kudo quickly announced that he was cashing in his contract for a KO-D Openweight Championship match against Harashima on May 31.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/?p=8437 | script-title=ja:DDT 4.29後楽園大会　飯伏vs.HarashimaのKO-D無差別級戦、関本＆岡林vs.石井＆入江のKO-Dタッグ戦 | date=April 29, 2015 | accessdate=May 24, 2015 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> Before the match took place, Kudo lost his contract and title shot to Daisuke Sasaki on May 17,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/24261/ | title = 友情、努力、勝利 in Nagoya | accessdate=May 24, 2015 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> only to regain it a week later, putting the match with Harashima back on.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/24568/ | script-title=ja:【札幌昼リポート】大応援団を味方につけて樋口奮闘も…Harashimaが熱戦を制してKO-D無差別級V1!!／Kudoが佐々木からいつどこ挑戦権を奪還…5・31後楽園での挑戦を改めて表明／北の大地で飯伏が無差別PK攻撃 | date=May 24, 2015 | accessdate=May 24, 2015 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On May 31, Kudo defeated Harashima to win the KO-D Openweight Championship for the third time.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/24798/ | title = Audience2015 | accessdate=May 31, 2015 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/?p=9629 | script-title=ja:DDT 5.31後楽園大会　Harashimavs.KudoのKO-D無差別級戦、ドリフvs.GSRのKO-D6人タッグ戦、T2ひー新メンバーオーディション | date=May 31, 2015 | accessdate=May 31, 2015 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/406017/ | script-title=ja:KudoがKO-D無差別級新王者 | date=June 1, 2015 | accessdate=June 1, 2015 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On June 6, Kudo defeated Danshoku Dino and Soma Takao in a non-title three-way match and, as a result, won Dino's "Right to Challenge Anytime, Anywhere" contract, putting him in a unique situation, where he had the right to challenge for his own title.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/25155/ | script-title=ja:【春日部リポート】King of DDT開幕！　白熱のトーナメント1回戦!!／いつでもどこでも挑戦権が王者に移動する事態に。大家がまた登場／アーガントバスターズのDeath from Aboveがようやく決まった日／7・2伊豆海洋公園、6・23酒場プロレスのカード決定 | date=June 6, 2015 | accessdate=June 28, 2015 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On June 28, both Ken Ohka and Yasu Urano cashed in their own contracts, leading to a three-way match, where Kudo lost the KO-D Openweight Championship to Ohka. However, as he was not pinned in the match, Kudo retained his "Right to Challenge Anytime, Anywhere" contract and immediately afterwards cashed it in for a singles match, where he defeated Ohka to regain the title.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/26199/ | title = King of DDT 2015 Tokyo | accessdate=June 28, 2015 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/?p=10878 | script-title=ja:DDT 6.28後楽園大会　King of DDT2015準決勝　坂口vs.樋口、竹下vs.佐々木、決勝戦 | date=June 28, 2015 | accessdate=June 28, 2015 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> On August 23 at ''Ryogoku Peter Pan 2015'', Kudo lost the title to stablemate and 2015 King of DDT winner Yukio Sakaguchi.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/29865/ | script-title=ja:両国ピーターパン2015～DDTより愛をこめて～ | accessdate=August 23, 2015 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/?p=13219 | script-title=ja:DDT 8.23両国大会　Kudovs.坂口のKO-D無差別級戦、Harashimavs.棚橋、LiLiCoプロレスデビュー戦 | date=August 23, 2015 | accessdate=August 23, 2015 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/439006/ | script-title=ja:【ＤＤＴ両国】父・坂口征二氏が初めて称賛！征夫悲願の王座奪取 | date=August 24, 2015 | accessdate=August 24, 2015 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> In September, Kudo took part in Pro Wrestling Noah's [[NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League#2015|2015 NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League]], teaming with fellow DDT worker Kota Umeda. After one win and two losses,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://noah.co.jp/league20150905.php | title = Jr.Heavy Tag League | accessdate=September 16, 2015 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Kudo was forced to pull out of the tournament on September 16, after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/447680/ | script-title=ja:Kudoがノア大阪大会欠場 | date=September 17, 2015 | accessdate=September 17, 2015 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> The following day, Kudo announced that the injury required surgery, which would sideline him for about a year.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/?p=14396 | script-title=ja:Kudoは前十字靭帯再腱手術を受けるため復帰まで約1年…ドラマティック総選挙・個人部門は途中辞退 | date=September 17, 2015 | accessdate=September 17, 2015 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref>

Kudo returned from his injury on August 28, 2016, at ''Ryogoku Peter Pan 2016'', wrestling in a tag team match, where he and Masahiro Takanashi defeated Akito and Yasu Urano.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/40985/ | script-title=ja:両国ピーターパン2016～世界でいちばん熱い夏～ | accessdate=August 28, 2016 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Kudo won his first title since his return on December 11, when he, Takanashi and Sakaguchi defeated [[DAMNATION]] (Daisuke Sasaki, [[Mad Paulie]] and [[Tetsuya Endo]]) for the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship.<ref name="DDT121116">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/43688/ | script-title=ja:Road to Super Arena～ドラマティック・ドリーム・とんこつ～ | accessdate=December 11, 2016 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> They lost the title to [[Kazusada Higuchi]], [[Kouki Iwasaki]] and [[Mizuki Watase]] in a three-way match, also involving [[Antonio Honda]], [[Konosuke Takeshita]] and [[Trans-Am★Hiroshi]], on January 22, 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/44536/ | script-title=ja:ベストウェスタンラリアットシリーズ2017開幕戦 in レンブラントホテル東京町田 | accessdate=January 22, 2017 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Kudo, Takanashi and Sakaguchi won the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship for a record-tying sixth time on June 25, 2017, by defeating [[NωA]] (Makoto Oishi, [[MAO]] and [[Shunma Katsumata]]).<ref name="DDT062517">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/48389/ | title = Black Out presents King of DDT 2017 Final Round | accessdate=June 25, 2017 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/?p=30937 | script-title=ja:【試合結果】6･25　DDT後楽園ホール大会　入江茂弘vsHarashima　遠藤哲哉vs彰人　【KO-D6人タッグ】大石真翔＆勝俣瞬馬＆MaovsKudo＆坂口征夫＆高梨将弘 | date=June 26, 2017 | accessdate=June 25, 2017 | work=Battle News | language=Japanese}}</ref> But they would vacate the titles due to Kudo sufering a concusion after he and Takanashi lost to HARASHIMA and [[Naomichi Marufuji]] on October 10. Following Kudo's return, Shuten-dōji won the title for the seventh time by defeating All Out (Akito, Diego and Konosuke Takeshita) on December 10.<ref name="DDT121017">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/52707/ | script-title=ja:レスリングとんこつ2017 | accessdate=December 10, 2017 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On March 25. 2018 They lost the titles to [[Kota Umeda]], [[Yuki Ueno]] and [[Koju Takeda]].

==Personal life==
Prior to his start in professional wrestling, Kudo had a sports background in kickboxing and shooto.<ref name="DDTArchive2004" />

==In wrestling==
*'''Finishing moves'''
**Diving double knee drop,<ref name="IWAMS090905" /><ref name="2006TagWorldGrandPrixN1" /> sometimes to a tree of woe hung opponent or to the shoulders of a standing opponent<ref name="DDT" /><ref name="PuroCentral" />
*'''Signature moves'''
**''8×4'' (Sliding elbow smash to an opponent leaning against the ropes)<ref name="DDT" />
**Brainbuster
**Double knee drop,<ref name="DDT" /> sometimes preceded by a handstand<ref name="PuroCentral" />
**''Machu Picchu'' (Rope hung reverse surfboard)<ref name="DDT" />
**Multiple kick variations
***Drop<ref name="IWCNoExcuses" /><ref name="IWAMS090905" />
***Enzuigiri<ref name="IWAMS090905" /><ref name="InternationalInvasion1st" />
***High speed roundhouse to the head of a seated, kneeling or rising opponent<ref name="2006TagWorldGrandPrixN1" />
***Spin<ref name="2006TagWorldGrandPrixN1" /><ref name="IWAMSStPatricks" />
**Snap suplex
*'''Nicknames'''
**"Yellow Dragon"<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/33603/ | script-title=ja:東京・両国国技館「両国ピーターパン2016～世界でいちばん熱い夏～」 | accessdate=August 7, 2016 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref>
*'''Entrance themes'''
**"Shaolin Soccer"<ref name="DDTArchive2007">{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/allstars/profile.cgi?_v=1079717216 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070203102150/http://www.ddtpro.com/cgi-bin/allstars/profile.cgi?_v=1079717216 | title = Kudo | archivedate=February 3, 2007 | accessdate=September 30, 2012 | work=[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[Dramatic Dream Team|Dramatic Dream Team / DDT Pro-Wrestling]]'''
**[[Jiyugaoka Six-Person Tag Team Championship]] ([[Jiyugaoka Six-Person Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Antonio Honda]] and [[Yasu Urano]]<ref name="DDT" />
**[[Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship]] ([[Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship#Title history|3 times]], current)<ref name="DDT" />
**[[KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] ([[KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship#Title history|7 times]]) – with [[Masa Takanashi|Masa/Masahiro Takanashi]] and [[Yukio Sakaguchi]]<ref name="DDT050414" /><ref name="DDT072014" /><ref name="DDT021515" /><ref name="DDT032115" />
**[[KO-D Openweight Championship]] ([[KO-D Openweight Championship#Title history|4 times]])<ref name="DDT" />
**[[KO-D Tag Team Championship]] ([[KO-D Tag Team Championship#Title history|4 times]]) – with [[HARASHIMA|Hero!]] (2), Yasu Urano (1), and [[Makoto Oishi]] (1)<ref name="DDT" />
**[[King of DDT]] (2005, 2011)<ref name="DDT" />
**[[KO-D Tag League]] (2004) – Hero!<ref name="WhosGonnaTop2004" />
**Puroresu Koshien (2003)<ref name="DDT" />
**Takechi Six Man Tag Scramble Cup (2006) – with [[MIKAMI]] and Shiima Xion<ref name="DDT2006Purolove" />
**MAGP Award (February 17, 2013)<ref name="MAGP021713" />
*'''''Pro Wrestling Illustrated'''''
**PWI ranked him #'''299''' of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2015<ref>{{cite web | url = http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2015.html | title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2015 | accessdate=October 7, 2015 | work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*[http://www.ddtpro.com/superstars/kudo/ DDT Pro-Wrestling profile]
*[http://ameblo.jp/kudosora/ Official blog]

[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Masked wrestlers]]
[[Category:Wrestlers]]