Shoya Sato (佐藤翔也 Sato Shoya, born August 8, 1992), is a retired Japanese professional wrestler best known for his time in Dragon Gate (DG).
Professional Wrestling Career[]
Dragon Gate (2021–2022)[]
Sato, an accomplished judoka and former high school physical education teacher, went on to train for his professional wrestling career in Dragon Gate. After a long series of exhibitions bouts against other people in his class (known as Dragon Gate Future), he made his official debut on November 28, 2021, facing Ben-K in a losing effort. As is customary for most professional wrestlers, Sato spent most of his matches losing to other, more experienced wrestlers, which would help put over other wrestlers while at the same time give him some in-ring experience.
On May 15, 2022, after an absence of three months from in-ring competition, it was announced that due to a worsening of his herniated lower back injury, it was recommended by doctors for Sato to refrain from in-ring competition. His retirement match took place on May 24, 2022, in his hometown of Nanyo, teaming with his Dragon Gate Future classmates Takuma Fujiwara, Ishin Iihashi, and Minorita, in a losing effort against Ryo Saito, Susumu Mochizuki, Masaaki Mochizuki, and Don Fujii.
In wrestling[]
- Signature moves
- Cross armbreaker
- Multiple judo throw variants
- Harai goshi
- Ipponzeoi
- Triangle choke
- Entrance themes
- "Future Dreams" by Yatsuka Nakagawa