Content deleted Content added
Dahumorist (talk | contribs) →Timeline: combined Nosawa and Black Tiger on the timeline (same person) |
JakeDowell (talk | contribs) |
||
| (44 intermediate revisions by 25 users not shown) | |||
Line 12:
|years_active=2011–2022
}}
{{nihongo|'''Suzuki-gun'''|鈴木軍|Suzukigun|literally translated to "Suzuki Army"}} was a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villainous]] [[professional wrestling]] [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]] primarily appearing in the [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]], and making occasional appearances in [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW). The group was founded in December 2010 by [[IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] [[Satoshi Kojima]] as {{nihongo|'''Kojima-gun'''|小島軍|Kojimagun|"Kojima Army"}}, but the members of the stable turned on Kojima and appointed [[Minoru Suzuki]] as their new leader in May 2011. Suzuki-gun
In January 2015, Suzuki-gun, through a partnership between NJPW and [[Pro Wrestling Noah]], took part in a storyline, where the stable invaded Noah, making it their primary promotion. Within two months, Suzuki-gun had captured all four of Noah's championships with Suzuki becoming the [[GHC Heavyweight Champion]], K.E.S. the [[GHC Tag Team Champions]], Taichi the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion]] and [[Kyōsuke Mikami|El Desperado]] and Michinoku the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]]. Suzuki-gun dominated Noah for the rest of 2015 until losing all but the GHC Tag Team Championship at the end of the year. The invasion storyline continued in 2016 with Suzuki-gun adding two new members; Noah originals [[Takashi Sugiura]] and [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]], who quickly brought the GHC Heavyweight and Junior Heavyweight Championships back to the stable. The invasion storyline concluded in December 2016, resulting in the stable's return to NJPW in January 2017
Since their return to New Japan, the stable saw much success, adding [[Zack Sabre Jr.]], who brought the [[RPW British Heavyweight Championship|British Heavyweight Championship]] to the group and won the [[New Japan Cup]] tournament twice in 2018 and 2022. Sabre Jr and now heavyweight Taichi teamed as Dangerous Tekkers, winning the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships on three occasions. Lance Archer captured the [[IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship]] twice. El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru also saw much success in the junior heavyweight division, winning the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships]] four times and Desperado winning the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] two times, including holding both junior titles simultaneously. In September 2021, Suzuki debuted for NJPW's American partner promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and realigned himself with Lance Archer, bringing him back into the stable after he previously departed both it and NJPW in 2020. In AEW's sister promotion [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH), Suzuki won his first American Championship, the [[ROH Television Championship]]. In 2022 at the [[World Tag League (NJPW)|World Tag League]] finals, Suzuki announced that Suzuki-Gun would disband at the end of 2022. The stable's final match, an eight-man tag-team match, between the members took place on December 23, 2022.
==History==
Line 20 ⟶ 22:
[[File:Minoru Suzuki 2017.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Minoru Suzuki]], the leader of Suzuki-gun]]
[[File:Taichi 2017.jpg|upright|thumb|[[Taichi Ishikari|Taichi]], founding member of both Kojima-gun and Suzuki-gun]]
On December 12, 2010, [[Taichi Ishikari|Taichi]] returned to [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) from his latest excursion to [[Mexico|Mexican]] promotion [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] (CMLL), accompanying [[IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] [[Satoshi Kojima]] to a match, where he successfully defended his title against [[Shinsuke Nakamura]].<ref name=NJPW121210>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=117&c=871|title=Circuit2010 New Japan Alive|access-date=August 25, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> Kojima continued teaming with Taichi during the following week's events,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=128&c=886|title=J Sports Crown Dream Match|access-date=August 25, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=129&c=895|title=J Sports Crown Dream Match|access-date=August 25, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> and on December 23, the two were also joined by [[freelancer]] [[Nosawa Rongai]] and [[Kaientai Dojo]]'s [[Taka Michinoku]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=130&c=915|title=Road to Kingdom ～Battle X'mas!～|access-date=August 25, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On January 28, 2011, Kojima officially named the group "Kojima-gun".<ref name=Kojimagun>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=5134|script-title=ja:「これは神様が与えてくれた"運命"であり"試練"」1.30真壁戦へ、その後の小島聡インタビュー!!|date=January 28, 2011|access-date=August 25, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> On February 20 at [[The New Beginning (2011)#February 20|The New Beginning]], the debuting [[Montel Vontavious Porter|MVP]] became the fifth member of Kojima-gun, in storyline being brought to the group by Nosawa using his American connections.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=5152|script-title=ja:悪いヤツはだいたい友達！ Nosawa論外の"コネクション"より、あのMVPの参戦が決定！|date=January 31, 2011|access-date=August 25, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=142&c=982|title=The New Beginning|access-date=August 25, 2012|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|language=ja}}</ref> However, prior to MVP's debut, Nosawa took a hiatus from professional wrestling altogether, after being arrested under suspicion of stealing a taxi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_47873.shtml|title=Japan News: MVP's Japanese wrestling debut hits speed bump - tag partner arrested, replacement match announced|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=February 20, 2011|access-date=August 25, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/f-bt-tp0-20110222-740170.html|script-title=ja:論外タクシー盗む前に酒10杯
===Suzuki-gun===
Line 30 ⟶ 32:
[[File:Taka Michinoku 2017.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Taka Michinoku]], the other founding member of both Kojima-gun and Suzuki-gun]]
On February 12 at [[The New Beginning (2012)|The New Beginning]], the five members of Suzuki-gun took a dominant 5–1 win over [[Yujiro Kushida|Kushida]], [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]], Togi Makabe, [[Wataru Inoue (wrestler)|Wataru Inoue]] and [[Yuji Nagata]] in a ten-man elimination tag team match, after which Archer and Takayama challenged [[Tencozy]] ([[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]] and Satoshi Kojima) to a match for the IWGP Tag Team Championship.<ref name=TheNewBeginning2012>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=513 | title = The New Beginning | access-date=August 25, 2012 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> On February 19 at [[All Together (professional wrestling)|All Together]], a charity event co-produced by NJPW, [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) and Pro Wrestling Noah, AJPW's [[Masayuki Kono]] made a one-time appearance representing Suzuki-gun.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=493&c=3824 | title = 東日本大震災復興支援チャリティープロレス
[[File:Killer Elite Squad.JPG|thumb|left|(Left to right) [[Lance Archer]] and [[Davey Boy Smith Jr.]], who formed the [[Killer Elite Squad]] as part of Suzuki-gun, pictured as the [[NWA World Tag Team Champions]] in June 2013]]
Line 41 ⟶ 43:
[[File:Shelton X Benjamin.JPG|upright|thumb|[[Shelton X Benjamin]], who joined the stable in April 2013]]
On April 5, K.E.S. made their fourth successful defense of the IWGP Tag Team Championship against Chaos representatives Shinsuke Nakamura and [[Tomohiro Ishii]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=705&c=5258 | title = Road to Invasion Attack | access-date=April 5, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/battle/2013/04/001771.php | script-title=ja:ファンの後押しを受けてタッグ王座に挑戦した石井だが、無念の撃沈！荒ぶるデヴィットがシェリーを踏みつける！ | date=April 5, 2013 | access-date=April 6, 2013 | work=Battle News | language=ja}}</ref> The rivalry between Suzuki-gun and Chaos continued two days later at [[Invasion Attack (2013)|Invasion Attack]], where Suzuki first defeated Toru Yano to avenge his loss from the second round of the New Japan Cup,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=706&c=5263 | title=Invasion Attack | access-date=April 7, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> and then Smith unsuccessfully challenged Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=706&c=5266 | title=Invasion Attack | access-date=April 7, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> The event concluded with Suzuki confronting new IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada, seemingly as his first challenger for the title.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game2.php?e=706&c=5276 | title=Invasion Attack | access-date=April 7, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_69827.shtml | title=Caldwell's New Japan "Invasion Attack" iPPV report 4/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of new IWGP World champion, U.S. stars in title matches, more | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=April 7, 2013 | access-date=April 7, 2013 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Following the event, Taka Michinoku announced that Suzuki-gun had recruited a new member to take on Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, noting that he was suitable to challenge for said title.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9317 | title=５.3『レスリングどんたく』絶賛発売中!! オカダvs鈴木！棚橋vsアンダーソン! 後藤vs柴田！中邑の相手"X"とは？ | date=April 16, 2013 | access-date=April 20, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> On April 20, the newest member was revealed as former multi-time [[WWE Intercontinental Champion]] [[Shelton X Benjamin]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=710 | title=Road to レスリングどんたく 2013 | date=April 20, 2013 | access-date=April 20, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> Later that same day, Archer and Smith took part in a [[National Wrestling Alliance]] (NWA) event in [[Houston, Texas]], where they defeated The Kingz of the Underground (Ryan Genesis and Scot Summers) to not only retain the IWGP Tag Team Championship, but to also win the [[NWA World Tag Team Championship]].<ref name=NWAHouston042013>{{cite web | url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_70136.shtml | title=Show Results - 4/20 NWA Houston Parade of Champions: Caldwell's in-person report on Conway vs. Masters for NWA Title, Hoyt & Archer defend IWGP Tag Titles, three title changes | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=April 20, 2013 | access-date=April 21, 2013 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/p-bt-tp0-20130422-1116001.html | script-title=ja:ＩＷＧＰ王者スミス組が２冠／ＮＷＡ | date=April 22, 2013 | access-date=April 22, 2013 | work=[[Nikkan Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref> On May 3 at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2013]], K.E.S. lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship back to Tencozy in a four-way match, which also included the Chaos team of [[Takashi Iizuka]] and Toru Yano, and Muscle Orchestra ([[Manabu Nakanishi]] and [[Jon Andersen|Strong Man]]), ending their reign at 207 days.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=708&c=5315 | script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2013 | access-date=May 3, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> Later in the event, Shelton X Benjamin unsuccessfully challenged Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=708&c=5322 | script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2013 | access-date=May 3, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130504-00000000-spnavi_nm | title=中邑がV8
Suzuki then got involved in a rivalry with Chaos member Tomohiro Ishii,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=729&c=5474 | title = Dominion 6.22 | access-date=July 20, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=730&c=5486 | title = 吉野家Presents Kizuna Road 2013 | access-date=July 20, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> which built to a singles match between the two on July 20 at the Kizuna Road 2013 pay-per-view, where Suzuki was victorious.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=738&c=5511 | title = 吉野家Presents Kizuna Road 2013 | access-date=July 20, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> That same event, Taichi and Michinoku unsuccessfully challenged Chaos members [[Forever Hooligans]] ([[Alex Koslov]] and [[Rocky Romero]]) for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=738&c=5509 | title = 吉野家Presents Kizuna Road 2013 | access-date=July 20, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/42741-7-20-njpw-results-akita-japan-devitt-vs-okada | title = 7/20 NJPW iPPV Results: Akita, Japan (Devitt vs. Okada) | last=Namako | first=Jason | date=July 20, 2013 | access-date=July 20, 2013 | work=Wrestleview}}</ref> From August 1 to 11, Suzuki, Archer, Benjamin and Smith took part in the [[2013 G1 Climax]], with Archer and Smith wrestling in block A and Benjamin and Suzuki in block B.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9857 | title=ブ『G1 Climax 23』出場メンバー発表!! 飯伏幸太、石井智宏が初出場!! 柴田勝頼が9年ぶりエントリー!! | date=July 5, 2013 | access-date=August 11, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706145439/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9857 | archive-date=July 6, 2013 }}</ref> Both Suzuki and Smith entered the final day with a chance to advance to the final, however, Suzuki was eliminated after losing to Toru Yano, while Smith was eliminated after a loss against Archer.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=747 | title = ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23 | access-date = August 11, 2013 | work = [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language = ja | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130816170459/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=747 | archive-date = August 16, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_72623.shtml | title = Live results - New Japan's G1 Climax Finals 8/11: Caldwell's complete coverage of Sunday's event featuring Naito vs. Tanahashi, Shelton, Hoyt, Bulldog, Jr., Devitt, more | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=August 11, 2013 | access-date=August 11, 2013 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On October 14 at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2013)|King of Pro-Wrestling]], Taichi and Michinoku won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship for the first time, when they, replacing Kushida and the injured [[Alex Shelley]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=10392 | title = アレックス・シェリーが負傷欠場、10月14日両国大会のIWGPジュニアタッグはTaka&タイチが挑戦へ!! | date=October 7, 2013 | access-date=October 14, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> who had earlier defeated them in a number one contender's match,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=759&c=5734 | title=Destruction | access-date=October 14, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> defeated the Forever Hooligans for the title.<ref name=KingofProWrestling2013>{{cite web |url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=762&c=5743 | title = King of Pro-Wrestling | access-date=October 14, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> Meanwhile, after avenging his G1 Climax loss against Toru Yano that same event,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=762&c=5744 | title = King of Pro-Wrestling | access-date=October 14, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> Suzuki made a challenge for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship with the added stipulation that should Shinsuke Nakamura lose the title to him, he would have to join Suzuki-gun.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=762&c=5750 | title = King of Pro-Wrestling | access-date=October 14, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/f-bt-tp0-20131015-1204277.html | script-title=ja:中邑、防衛成功「イヤァオ！」／新日本 | date=October 15, 2013 | access-date=October 14, 2013 | work=[[Nikkan Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/battle/2013/10/001993.php | title = オカダに敗れた棚橋「さらばだ、IWGP！」丸藤を撃破した中邑に鈴木が「俺と闘え！たぎるぜ」永田と桜庭が合体してグレイシー狩りへ | date=October 15, 2013 | access-date=October 15, 2013 | work=Battle News | language=ja}}</ref> After a reign of 26 days, Taichi and Michinoku lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship to [[The Young Bucks]] (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) on November 9 at [[Power Struggle (2013)|Power Struggle]].<ref name=PowerStruggle2013>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=772&c=5837 | title = Power Struggle | access-date = November 9, 2013 | work = [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language = ja | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131109172415/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=772&c=5837 | archive-date = November 9, 2013 }}</ref><ref name=PowerStruggle2013WV>{{cite web | url = http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/44882-11-9-njpw-ippv-results-osaka-japan-okada-anderson | title = 11/9 NJPW iPPV Results: Osaka, Japan (Okada/Anderson) | last=Namako | first=Jason | date=November 11, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2013 | work=Wrestleview}}</ref> Later that same event, K.E.S. took part in a two-fall three-way match against Tencozy and [[The IronGodz]] ([[Jax Dane]] and [[Rob Conway]]). In the first fall, they lost the NWA World Tag Team Championship to The IronGodz, but came back in the second to defeat Tencozy for the IWGP Tag Team Championship.<ref name=PowerStruggle2013WV/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=772&c=5832 | title = Power Struggle | access-date=November 9, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_74458.shtml | title = NJPW news: Double title change in IWGP Tag Title vs. NWA Tag Title match, Young Bucks add Tag Title gold | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=November 9, 2013 | access-date=November 9, 2013 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Also during the event, Suzuki failed in his IWGP Intercontinental Championship challenge against Nakamura.<ref name=PowerStruggle2013WV/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=772&c=5785 | title = Power Struggle | access-date=November 9, 2013 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref>
Line 52 ⟶ 54:
====Pro Wrestling Noah invasion (2015–2016)====
The day after Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome, Suzuki-gun declared war on Naomichi Marufuji and TMDK for them coming to Yano's aid at the event.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=920&c=7000 | title = New Year Dash !! | access-date=January 10, 2015 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> On January 10, the entire Suzuki-gun made a surprise appearance for Pro Wrestling Noah, occupying the ring after the main event where Marufuji had successfully defended his [[GHC Heavyweight Championship]]. While Suzuki hit Marufuji with his finishing move, the ''[[Gotch-Style Piledriver]]'', his stablemates attacked everyone who tried to enter the ring to stop him, including new [[GHC Tag Team Champions]] TMDK and [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion]] [[Atsushi Kotoge]].<ref name=Noah011015>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=13158 | title = 衝撃! なんと鈴木軍フルメンバーがノアのリングを占拠!
[[File:Yoshihiro Takayama 2011.JPG|thumb|upright|left|[[Yoshihiro Takayama]], who turned on Suzuki-gun during the stable's invasion of [[Pro Wrestling Noah]]]]
Suzuki-gun's dominance led to a storyline, where all of Noah's stables, villainous ones included, came together in order to reclaim the titles.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/378226/ | script-title=ja:４大王座失ったノア勢が「対鈴木軍」で団結 | date=March 17, 2015 | access-date=March 17, 2015 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref> As part of the storyline, Yoshihiro Takayama officially broke off his affiliation with Suzuki-gun by announcing his loyalty to Noah on March 28.<ref>{{cite web | url
On June 9, Suzuki-gun produced their own show in [[Korakuen Hall]], entitled ''We Are Suzuki-gun'', where K.E.S. made their third successful defense of the NWA World Tag Team Championship against Tencozy.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=14171 | title = 鈴木軍興行はまさかのバッドエンド...!? 素顔となったマイバッハがみのるに大逆襲! K.E.Sがテンコジ相手にNWAタッグ防衛!! | date=June 9, 2015 | access-date=June 9, 2015 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/?p=10026 | title = 鈴木軍興行6.9後楽園大会
Through late July and early August, both El Desperado and Michinoku took part in the [[2015 Global Junior Heavyweight League]], wrestling in separate blocks. Although both managed to secure early wins, losses on the final day of the tournament prevented them from making it to the final. The winner, Daisuke Harada, issued a challenge to Taichi afterwards.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://noah.co.jp/league20150718.php | script-title=ja:グローバル・ジュニア・ヘビー級リーグ戦2015 | access-date=August 6, 2015 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language=ja | archive-date=August 10, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810164148/http://www.noah.co.jp/league20150718.php | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=14591 | script-title=ja:「これが最後の旗揚げ記念日だ!」鈴木が杉浦を挑発!! 「グローバル・ジュニア」優勝者・原田がタイチに再挑戦!! 9.19大阪決戦、待ったなし!!【8.5ノア・ディファ有明大会】 | date=August 6, 2015 | access-date=August 6, 2015 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> On September 19, after Suzuki had made his fourth successful defense of the GHC Heavyweight Championship against Takashi Sugiura,<ref>{{cite web | url
[[File:Takashi Sugiura.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Takashi Sugiura]], who held the [[GHC Heavyweight Championship]] twice as a member of Suzuki-gun]]
From October 16 to November 6, five members of Suzuki-gun took part in the [[2015 Global League]]. In block A, Archer and Smith both finished their tournament with a record of three wins and four losses with Smith winning the head-to-head match between the K.E.S. members. In block B, Iizuka finished with a record six losses and one draw, wrestled against Suzuki on the final day, which eliminated Suzuki from advancing to the final with a record of five wins and two draws. Instead, Benjamin won the block and advanced to the final with a record of six wins and one draw, wrestled against Suzuki.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://noah.co.jp/league20151016.php | title = Global League 2015 | access-date = November 6, 2015 | work = [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language = ja | archive-date = November 1, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151101161643/http://www.noah.co.jp/league20151016.php | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=15207 | script-title=ja:「俺には、優勝しなきゃいけない義務がある！」『グローバル・リーグ戦』決勝に勝ち上がったのは、丸藤とベンジャミン！【ノア11.6新潟結果】 | date=November 7, 2015 | access-date=November 7, 2015 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> On November 8, Benjamin was defeated in the final of the tournament by Naomichi Marufuji.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=15212 | script-title=ja:ベンジャミンの"猛攻"を凌いで、丸藤が「グローバル・リーグ戦」に悲願の初優勝！ 12月23日大田区大会で鈴木と最終決戦へ！ | date=November 9, 2015 | access-date=November 9, 2015 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/470083/ | script-title=ja:丸藤１２・２３ＧＨＣヘビー最後の挑戦 | date=November 9, 2015 | access-date=November 9, 2015 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref> Noah ended their 2015 on December 23 with the promotion's 15h anniversary event, ''Destiny 2015'', where all members of Suzuki-gun were involved in big matches. The stable's members were defeated in both junior heavyweight title matches with El Desperado and Michinoku failing to regain the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship from Kotoge and Harada,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=15536 | script-title=ja:原田＆小峠がTaka＆デスぺラードに王座防衛！ 杉浦が飯塚に、中嶋がベンジャミンに勝利！ 潮崎は谷口に激勝！【12.23ノア大田区結果2】 | date=December 24, 2015 | access-date=December 23, 2015 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> while Taichi lost the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship to Taiji Ishimori, ending his nine-month reign in his fifth defense. Out of the six matches they were involved in, Suzuki-gun won only one, which saw K.E.S. make their fifth successful defense of the GHC Tag Team Championship against Big in USA. In the main event, with Noah's future supposedly on the line, Suzuki lost the GHC Heavyweight Championship back to Global League winner Naomichi Marufuji in his fifth official title defense. During Marufuji's victory celebration, Takashi Sugiura turned on him and Noah and joined Suzuki-gun.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=15537 | script-title=ja:丸藤が鈴木を下し、悲願のGHC王座奪還！ しかし杉浦が衝撃の鈴木軍入り！ KESはタッグ王座死守、タイチはJr.王座陥落！【12.23ノア大田区結果1】 | date=December 24, 2015 | access-date=December 23, 2015 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/487268/ | script-title=ja:【ノア】杉浦
[[File:Yoshinobu Kanemaru Mar 2017.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]], who joined Suzuki-gun during its time in [[Pro Wrestling Noah]]]]
On January 31, 2016, Sugiura defeated Marufuji with help from Archer and Suzuki to bring the GHC Heavyweight Championship back to Suzuki-gun.<ref name=Noah013116>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=15781 | script-title=ja:鈴木軍の無法行為で杉浦がGHCヘビー強奪！ 金丸がまさかの鈴木軍入り！ 潮崎、マスクを脱いだ谷口が丸藤と合流！【1・31ノア横浜大会・試合結果（1）】 | date=February 1, 2016 | access-date=January 31, 2016 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2016/02/01/0008767772.shtml | script-title=ja:杉浦が盟友のアシストを受けて新王者に | date=February 1, 2016 | access-date=February 1, 2016 | work=Daily Sports Online | publisher=[[Kobe Shimbun]] | language=ja}}</ref> Prior to the event, Suzuki teased the possibility of there being another traitor within Noah.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/500640/ | script-title=ja:みのるが潮﨑豪を"劣化版小橋"と一刀両断 | date=January 30, 2016 | access-date=January 31, 2016 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref> During his match with [[Go Shiozaki]], [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] revealed himself as the traitor by turning on Shiozaki, helping Suzuki win the match and joining Suzuki-gun.<ref name=Noah013116/><ref>{{cite web | url
The following month, five members of Suzuki-gun took part in the [[2016 Global League]] with Suzuki, Archer and Iizuka in block A and Smith and Sugiura in block B. Suzuki advanced to the final of the tournament by winning his block with a record of six wins and one loss, while Archer finished with a record of four wins and three losses and Iizuka with one win and six losses. Meanwhile, both Smith and Sugiura finished their block with a record of four wins and three losses.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=9280 | script-title=ja:「グローバル・リーグ戦2016」最新得点状況！優勝決定戦は鈴木みのるvsマサ北宮！【11/22終了時点】 | date=November 22, 2016 | access-date=November 22, 2016 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language=ja}}</ref> On November 23, K.E.S. regained the GHC Tag Team Championship from Naomichi Marufuji and Toru Yano.<ref name=Noah112316>{{cite web | url = http://pwinsider.com/article/106164/pro-wrestling-noah-news-and-notes.html?p=1 | title = Pro Wrestling Noah news and notes | last=Crockett | first=Paul | date=November 23, 2016 | access-date=November 24, 2016 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url
====Return to NJPW (
[[File:Zack Sabre Jr at Smash.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Zack Sabre Jr.]], the first British member of Suzuki-gun]]
On January 5, 2017, Suzuki-gun made its return to NJPW after two years away with all eight members attacking the ring following a ten-man tag team match between the Chaos stable and NJPW's main army. The attack saw K.E.S. target IWGP Tag Team Champions Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano and concluded with Suzuki laying out IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada with the ''Gotch-Style Piledriver''. Suzuki then declared war on all of NJPW, including top stables Chaos, Bullet Club, and ''[[Los Ingobernables de Japón]]'', stating that Suzuki-gun was going to take over all of the promotion's championships.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/79443 | script-title=ja:戦国炎舞 -Kizna- Presents New Year Dash !! | access-date=January 5, 2017 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/news/njpw-new-years-dash-results-return-suzuki-gun-never-six-man-titles-line-227721 | title = NJPW New Year's Dash results: The return of Suzuki-gun | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=January 5, 2017 | access-date=January 5, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> The angle led to multiple title matches the following month. On February 5 at [[The New Beginning in Sapporo (2017)|The New Beginning in Sapporo]], Michinoku and Taichi unsuccessfully challenged [[Roppongi Vice]] ([[Trent Barreta|Beretta]] and Rocky Romero) for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.<ref name=TheNewBeginninginSapporoWON>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-new-beginning-sapporo-live-results-okada-vs-suzuki-229561 | title = NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo live results: Okada vs. Suzuki | last1=Meltzer | first1=Dave | author-link1=Dave Meltzer | last2=Currier | first2=Joseph | date=February 4, 2017 | access-date=February 5, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/648494/ | script-title=ja:【新日本】ロメロ組がＩＷＧＰジュニアタッグＶ１ | date=February 6, 2017 | access-date=February 6, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref> Later that same event, K.E.S. unsuccessfully challenged Ishii and Yano for the IWGP Tag Team Championship in a three-way match, also involving Togi Makabe and [[Tomoaki Honma]].<ref name=TheNewBeginninginSapporoWON/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/648504/ | script-title=ja:【新日本】矢野組 "頭"でＩＷＧＰタッグ初防衛 | date=February 6, 2017 | access-date=February 6, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref> In the main event of the show, Suzuki unsuccessfully challenged Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.<ref name=TheNewBeginninginSapporoWON/><ref>{{cite web | url
On March 6 at NJPW's 45th anniversary show, Kanemaru and Taichi defeated Roppongi Vice to become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.<ref name=45thAnniversary>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-45th-anniversary-show-live-results-okada-vs-tiger-mask-w-231266 | title = NJPW 45th Anniversary show live results: Okada vs. Tiger Mask W | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=March 6, 2017 | access-date=March 6, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Later that same event, Suzuki and Smith helped [[Zack Sabre Jr.]] defeat [[Katsuyori Shibata]] for [[Revolution Pro Wrestling]]'s [[RPW British Heavyweight Championship|British Heavyweight Championship]] with Sabre becoming the newest member of Suzuki-gun in the process.<ref name=45thAnniversary/> The following day, Sabre was set up as the next challenger for Hirooki Goto's [[NEVER Openweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-45th-anniversary-show-results-lij-vs-chaos-six-man-main-event-231366 | title = NJPW 45th Anniversary show results: LIJ vs. Chaos six-man main event | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=March 7, 2017 | access-date=April 27, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Sabre went on to fail in that challenge on April 9, despite help from El Desperado and Minoru Suzuki, the latter of whom afterwards brawled with Goto.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-sakura-genesis-live-results-okada-vs-shibata-233351 | title = NJPW Sakura Genesis live results: Okada vs. Shibata | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=April 8, 2017 | access-date=April 27, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> This led to Suzuki defeating Goto on April 27 to become the new NEVER Openweight Champion, winning his first ever singles title in NJPW.<ref name=RoadtoWrestlingDontaku2017PWI>{{cite web | url = http://pwinsider.com/article/109290/427-njpw-road-to-wrestling-dontaku-in-hiroshima-report.html?p=1 | title = 4/27 NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku in Hiroshima report | last=Macklin | first=Matthew | date=April 27, 2017 | access-date=April 28, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/679867/ | script-title=ja:【新日本】みのるがＮＥＶＥＲ王座奪取！新日侵略再開だ | date=April 28, 2017 | access-date=April 28, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref> That same day, Taichi and Kanemaru lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship back to Roppongi Vice in their second defense.<ref name=RoadtoWrestlingDontaku2017>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/85477?showResult=1 | script-title=ja:Road to レスリングどんたく 2017 ～安芸の国 戦国絵巻～ | access-date=April 27, 2017 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/679870/ | script-title=ja:【新日本】「六本木ヴァイス」がＩＷＧＰジュニアタッグ奪還 | date=April 28, 2017 | access-date=April 28, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref> During the following summer, Suzuki and Sabre represented Suzuki-gun in the [[2017 G1 Climax]], wrestling in separate blocks. Both failed to advance to the final with Suzuki finishing with a record of four wins, four losses and one draw and Sabre finishing with five wins and four losses.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/12/2017-new-japan-g1-climax-results/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170813060704/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/12/2017-new-japan-g1-climax-results/ | title = 2017 New Japan G1 Climax Standings, Results, Viewing Guide | archive-date=August 13, 2017 | date=August 12, 2017 | access-date=August 12, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On September 24 at [[Destruction in Kobe (2017)|Destruction in Kobe]], K.E.S. won the IWGP Tag Team Championship for the first time in three years and eight months by defeating [[War Machine (professional wrestling)|War Machine]] ([[Hanson (wrestler)|Hanson]] and [[Raymond Rowe]]) and [[Guerrillas of Destiny]] ([[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]]) in a [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Tornado tag team match|tornado tag team match]].<ref name=DestructioninKobe2017>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-destruction-kobe-live-results-kenny-omega-vs-juice-robinson-243361 | title = NJPW Destruction in Kobe live results: Kenny Omega vs. Juice Robinson | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=September 23, 2017 | access-date=September 24, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2017/09/25/0010585853.shtml | script-title=ja:ＫＥＳが約３年８カ月ぶりにＩＷＧＰタッグ王座を奪回
On September 17 at [[Destruction (2018)|Destruction in Beppu]], Taichi defeated Hirooki Goto to win the NEVER Openweight Championship, his first singles title in NJPW.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/161766|title=DESTRUCTION in BEPPU – 大分・別府ビーコンプラザ – 第8試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-05-03}}</ref> At the same event, Suzuki was defeated by Tetsuya Naito in a special singles rematch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/161770|title=DESTRUCTION in BEPPU – 大分・別府ビーコンプラザ – 第9試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-05-03}}</ref> On November 3 at [[Power Struggle (2018)|Power Struggle]], Taichi lost the NEVER Openweight Championship back to Goto in his first defense, ending his reign at 47 days.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/168095|title=POWER STRUGGLE – 大阪・大阪府立体育会館（エディオンアリーナ大阪）第6試合＿NEVER無差別級選手権試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-05-03}}</ref> From November 17 to December 9, three Suzuki-Gun teams would participate in the [[World Tag League (NJPW)#2018|World Tag League]], K.E.S, Suzuki and Iizuka and Taichi and Sabre. With each team finishing the single block tournament with 18, 10 and 16 points respectively,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/158853|title=WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018 – 秋田・ナイスアリーナ（由利本荘アリーナ）|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-05-03}}</ref> with K.E.S narrowly missing the final after a head-to-head loss against Evil and Sanada.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/172242|title=WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018 – 秋田・ナイスアリーナ（由利本荘アリーナ） – 第7試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-05-03}}</ref>
==== Championship success (2019–2021) ====
On January 4, 2019, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 13]], Desperado and Kanemaru lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship to Bushi and [[Shingo Takagi]], in a 3 way rematch which also included Roppongi 3K.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/171960|title=WRESTLE KINGDOM 13 in 東京ドーム – 東京・東京ドーム – 第2試合Jrタッグ|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref> At the same event, Sabre defeated [[Tomohiro Ishii]] to win back the British Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/176958|title=WRESTLE KINGDOM 13 in 東京ドーム – 東京・東京ドーム – 第3試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref> The following day at New Years Dash, Suzuki-Gun faced ''Los ingobernables de Japon'' in a ten man tag team match, which was won by Suzuki-Gun after Taichi pinned the newly crowned IWGP Intercontinental champion Tetsuya Naito, and immediately challenged him for the title afterward. Backstage, Suzuki & Sabre also issued a challenge to [[Evil (wrestler)|Evil]] and [[Sanada (wrestler)|Sanada]] for the IWGP Tag Team Championship, while Desperado and Kanemaru followed suit and demanded a rematch against Bushi and Takagi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/179993|title=NEW YEAR DASH!! – 東京・後楽園ホール 2019 1/5（土） – 第6試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref> All three title matches took place on the second night of [[NJPW The New Beginning|The New Beginning in Sapporo]] on February 3 , where all of Suzuki-Gun were defeated in their respective title matches.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/180210|title=THE NEW BEGINNING in SAPPORO ～雪の札幌2連戦～ – 北海道・北海道立総合体育センター 北海きたえーる 2019 2/3（日） – 第6試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/180211|title=THE NEW BEGINNING in SAPPORO ～雪の札幌2連戦～ – 北海道・北海道立総合体育センター 北海きたえーる 2019 2/3（日） – 第7試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/180212|title=THE NEW BEGINNING in SAPPORO ～雪の札幌2連戦～ – 北海道・北海道立総合体育センター 北海きたえーる 2019 2/3（日） – 第8試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref>
On January 7, 2019, NJPW Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi announced that Takashi Iizuka would retire from professional wrestling the following month in a press conference, with his retirement match taking place on February 21.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/41979|title="Takashi Iizuka Retirement Match" has been confirmed for 21st February (Thurs.) during "NEW JAPAN ROAD" in Korakuen Hall {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|last=NJPW|website=NJPW|language=en|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref> During this period, [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]], whom Iizuka turned on in 2008, made repeated attempts to reform Iizuka back to his normal self, failing to do so each time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/180192|title=THE NEW BEGINNING in OSAKA – 大阪・大阪府立体育会館（エディオンアリーナ大阪） 2019 2/11 – 第1試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/180207|title=THE NEW BEGINNING in SAPPORO ～雪の札幌2連戦～ – 北海道・北海道立総合体育センター 北海きたえーる 2019 2/3（日） – 第3試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref> Despite this setback, Tenzan declared that he was not going to settle until Iizuka's final match. On February 21, at New Japan Road, Tenzan, along with Toru Yano and Kazuchika Okada, defeated the team of Suzuki, Taichi and Iizuka in Iizuka's retirement match, with Tenzan pinning Iizuka with the Moonsault for the victory. Post match, Tenzan made one final effort to bring the old Iizuka back momentarily, which resulted in Iizuka giving in and shook his hand for a mere second. Only to be attacked by Iizuka and the rest of Suzuki-Gun immediately afterward. Iizuka then hit Tenzan with his signature iron glove for the final time before leaving it in the ring and storming off. At the end of the event, Iizuka's iron glove would be adopted by Taichi, who then left the ring with the glove and claiming it for himself.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/176181|title=NEW JAPAN ROAD – 東京・後楽園ホール 2019/2/21|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/185630|title=NEW JAPAN ROAD – 東京・後楽園ホール 2019/2/21 – 第7試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref>
Line 84 ⟶ 86:
On March 8, Archer, Sabre, Smith, Suzuki, and Taichi all entered the 2019 edition of the [[New Japan Cup]]. With Smith being eliminated in the first round (in what would ultimately end up being his final tour with New Japan, leaving the company and by extension the stable in June),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/187189|title=NEW JAPAN CUP 2019 – 香川・高松市総合体育館・第1競技場 – 第6試合 「NEW JAPAN CUP 2019」1回戦|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref> Archer, Suzuki, and Taichi eliminated in the second<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/187197|title=NEW JAPAN CUP 2019 – 奈良・なら100年会館 – 第7試合「NEW JAPAN CUP 2019」2回戦|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/187204|title=NEW JAPAN CUP 2019 – 東京・後楽園ホール 3/17（日） – 第8試合「NEW JAPAN CUP 2019」2回戦|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/187193|title=NEW JAPAN CUP 2019 – 岡山・ジップアリーナ岡山 – 第8試合 「NEW JAPAN CUP 2019」2回戦|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref> while Sabre Jr managed to secure a spot into the quarter-finals, only to defeated by Hiroshi Tanahashi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/187209|title=NEW JAPAN CUP 2019 – 静岡・アクトシティ浜松 – 第8試合「NEW JAPAN CUP 2019」準々決勝戦|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref> Sabre would go on to face Tanahashi once more at [[G1 Supercard]], this time with the British Heavyweight Championship on the line. At the event, Sabre successfully retained the title against Tanahashi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/191710|title=G1 SUPERCARD – アメリカ・マディソン・スクエア・ガーデン 2019/04/06 – 第7試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref> On May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku, Taichi defeated [[Jeff Cobb]] to win the NEVER Openweight Championship for the second time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/193375|title=濵かつ Presents レスリングどんたく 2019 – 福岡・福岡国際センター 2019/5/3 – 第7試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref> The following night on May 4, Taichi would nominate Tomohiro Ishii as the next challenger for his title,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/197002|title=濵かつ Presents レスリングどんたく 2019 – 福岡・福岡国際センター 2019/5/4 – 第7試合終了後|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-06-04}}</ref>
On May 10, 2019, El Desperado was pulled from the Annual Best of the Super Juniors Tournament due to injury, and Taichi revealed Suzuki-gun's newest member Douki to take his place. Douki would finish with only 2 points in the Tournament. Kanemaru and Taka Michinoku would also participate in the Tournament. Kanemaru finishing with
6 points, and Taka finishing with 0 after suffering an injury.
Line 91 ⟶ 93:
At [[King of Pro Wrestling]], El Desperado returned from injury and along with Kanemaru would defeat Roppongi 3K, Suzuki would defeat [[Jushin Thunder Liger]] in a singles match and Archer would defeat [[Juice Robinson]] to win the [[IWGP United States Championship]]. At [[Wrestle Kingdom 14]], Archer would lose the United States Championship to [[Jon Moxley]], Taichi, Kanemaru, and Desperado would fail to win the [[NEVER Openweight 6 Man Tag Team Championship]] in a gauntlet match, Sabre would defeat SANADA to retain the British Heavyweight Championship, and Suzuki would attack Moxley after he defeated Juice Robinson, challenging him to a title match. Throughout [[NJPW The New Beginning]] tour, Suzuki-Gun would be in multiple big matches, with Sabre defeating [[Will Ospreay]] to retain the British Heavyweight Championship, Taichi losing to Kazuchika Okada in a singles match, Desperado and Kanemaru unsuccessfully challenging Roppongi 3K for the Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, and Suzuki unsuccessfully challenging Moxley for the United States Championship. Sabre would lose the British Heavyweight Title to Ospreay in a rematch.
After Hiroshi Tanahashi and [[Kota Ibushi]] won the [[IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]], Sabre and Taichi would attack Tanahashi and Ibushi, setting themselves up as the next challengers. It was also during this time that Archer would quietly leave Suzuki-Gun and New Japan as a whole to move to [[All Elite Wrestling]]. Suzuki, Sabre, Taichi, Desperado, and Kanemaru all entered the 2020 New Japan Cup, with Suzuki losing to [[Yuji Nagata]] in the first round, Sabre losing to Kota Ibushi in the first round, Desperado losing to Tomohiro Ishii in the first round, Kanemaru defeating [[Yuya Uemura]] in the first round, before losing to [[Taiji Ishimori]] in the second, and Taichi making it the farthest, defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi in the first round, Ibushi in the second, before losing to SANADA in the quarter
==== Expansion to All Elite Wrestling and disbandment (2021–2022) ====
At All Elite Wrestling's [[All Out (2021)|All Out]] on September 5, Suzuki made his AEW debut by confronting Jon Moxley. On the episode of [[AEW Dynamite|Dynamite]] following All Out on September 8, Moxley beat Suzuki in his debut match for the promotion. The next day, it was announced that he would reunite with Lance Archer under the Suzuki-gun name to confront Moxley again on the 15 September episode of Dynamite, thus bringing Archer back into the stable.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=All Elite Wrestling |user=AEW |number=1436066190795984896 |date=September 9, 2021 |title=The legend @suzuki_D_minoru + his protege & longtime partner #LanceArcher were both furious about preferential hometown treatment @JonMoxley received last night at #AEWDynamite! We’ll hear from Suzuki-gun NEXT WEDNESDAY on #AEWDynamite, where they’ll issue a new challenge to Mox! |language=en |access-date=September 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909231305/https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1436066190795984896 |archive-date=September 9, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> On the September 29 episode of ''[[AEW Rampage|Rampage]]'', Archer and Suzuki lost to the team of [[Eddie Kingston]] and Moxley in a [[Unsanctioned match|lights out tag-team match]], after the interruption of [[Homicide (wrestler)|Homicide]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/eddie-kingston-and-jon-moxley-vs-suzuki-gun-set-headline-1127-njpw-strong | title=Eddie Kingston and Jon Moxley vs. Suzuki-Gun Set to Headline 11/27 NJPW STRONG | Fightful News }}</ref> Archer and Suzuki faced the duo again the following month on [[NJPW Strong]] in a [[Hardcore wrestling|Philledelphia Street Fight]], where they were victorious.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-strong-results-moxley-kingston-vs-suzuki-archer-360941|title=NJPW Strong results: Moxley & Kingston vs. Suzuki & Archer|date=28 November 2021 |author=Justin Knipper|website=f4wonline.com|access-date=2023-03-23}}</ref> On January 4 at [[Wrestle Kingdom 16]], El Desperado, successfully retained the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against Hiromu Takahashi and Suzuki won the [[KOPW (professional wrestling championship)|Provisional KOPW 2022 trophy]], although Dangerous Tekkers lost the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team titles to [[Chaos (professional wrestling)|Bishoman]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-16-night-one-live-results-shingo-vs-okada-364406|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 night one live results: Shingo vs. Okada|date=4 January 2022|author=Chick Fritts|website=f4wonline.com|access-date=2023-03-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/new-japan-results-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-16-night-two-live-results-okada-vs-ospreay-364666 |title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 night two live results: Okada vs. Ospreay NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 night two live results|date=5 January 2022|author=Chick Fritts|website=f4wonline.com|access-date=2023-03-23}}</ref>
In February during the NJPW New Years Golden Series, Suzuki lost the Provisional KOPW title to [[Toru Yano]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/109708?showCards=1 | title=2022.02.20 New Years Golden Series | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref> In March, Sabre Jr defeated Tetsuya Naito in the [[New Japan Cup#2022|New Japan Cup 2022]] final, to win his second New Japan Cup for the group, however, he once again lost to [[IWGP World Heavyweight Champion]] Kazuchika Okada at [[Hyper Battle '22|Hyper Battle]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2022/03/27/zack-sabre-jr-wins-2022-new-japan-cup/ | title=Zack Sabre Jr. Wins 2022 New Japan Cup | date=27 March 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/04/10/4-9-njpw-hyper-battle-results-vetters-review-of-kazuchika-okada-vs-zack-sabre-jr-for-the-iwgp-heavyweight-championship-el-desperado-vs-sho-for-the-iwgp-jr-heavyweight-title-yoshi-hoshi-and-hi/ | title=4/9 NJPW Hyper Battle results: Vetter's review of Kazuchika Okada vs. Zack Sabre Jr. For the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, el Desperado vs. Sho for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title, Yoshi-Hoshi and Hirooki Goto vs. Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Titles, Hiromu Takahashi vs. Evil | date=10 April 2022 }}</ref> In April at [[Ring of Honor|Ring of Honor's]] [[Supercard of Honor XV]], Suzuki defeated [[Rhett Titus]] to win the [[ROH World Television Championship]], his first American Professional Wrestling Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/new-roh-television-champion-crowned-roh-supercard-honor?amp|title=Minoru Suzuki Wins ROH TV Title At ROH Supercard Of Honor | Fightful News|website=www.fightful.com|accessdate=11 March 2023}}</ref> Suzuki lost the belt 12 days later to [[Samoa Joe]] on [[AEW Dynamite]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/ring-honor-world-television-championship-changes-hands-413-aew-dynamite | title=Ring of Honor World Television Championship Changes Hands on 4/13 AEW Dynamite | Fightful News }}</ref> In May at [[Wrestling Dontaku 2022|Wrestling Dontaku]], Desperado lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship to Taiji Ishimori.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/338245?showResult=1 | title=WRESTLING DONTAKU 2022 – 福岡PayPayドーム }}</ref> Desperado attempted to rebound in the [[Best of the Super Juniors#2022|Best of the Super Juniors]], where he competed in the B Block.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/1293450-njpw-best-of-super-juniors-29-lineup-announced-including-champions-from-roh-impact-gleat | title=NJPW Best of Super Juniors 29 Lineup Announced, Including Champions from ROH, IMPACT & GLEAT | date=May 2022 }}</ref> Desperado finished top of his block, with 12 points. However, in the finals, Desperado once again lost to Hiromu Takahashi.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/njpw-best-of-the-super-juniors-29-finals-results-hiromu-takahashi-wins-for-third-time-sanada-returns/#:~:text=wrestling%20%2F%20News-,NJPW%20Best%20of%20the%20Super%20Juniors%2029%20Finals%20Results%3A%20Hiromu,For%20Third%20Time%2C%20SANADA%20Returns&text=New%20Japan%20Pro%20Wrestling%20held,was%20newsworthy%20for%20multiple%20reasons | title=411Mania }}</ref> In June at [[AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door]], El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru lost to Swerve in our Glory's [[Keith Lee (wrestler)|Keith Lee]] and [[Swerve Strickland]] and Lance Archer defeated [[Nick Comoroto]] on the buy-in. On the main show, Suzuki teamed with the [[Jericho Appreciation Society|Jericho Appreciation Society's]], [[Chris Jericho]] and [[Sammy Guevara]] to defeat the team of [[Eddie Kingston]], [[Wheeler Yuta]] and [[Shota Umino]] and [[Zack Sabre Jr]] lost to [[Claudio Castagnoli]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/26/aew-njpw-forbidden-door-buy-in-pre-show-results-swerve-strickland-and-keith-lee-vs-yoshinobu-kanemaru-and-el-desperado-max-caster-austin-gunn-colten-gunn-and-billy-gunn-vs-the-dkc-kevin-knight/ | title=AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door Buy-In pre-show results: Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru and el Desperado, Max Caster, Austin Gunn, Colten Gunn, and Billy Gunn vs. The DKC, Kevin Knight, Alex Coughlin, and Yuya Uemura, and Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi vs. QT Marshall and Aaron Solo | date=26 June 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/26/aew-njpw-forbidden-door-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-for-the-interim-aew-world-title-jay-white-vs-kazuchika-okada-vs-hangman-page-vs-adam-cole-for-the-iw/ | title=AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the Interim AEW World Title, Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada vs. Hangman Page vs. Adam Cole for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title, Thunder Rosa vs. Toni Storm for the AEW Women's Title, Will Ospreay vs. Orange Cassidy for the IWGP U.S. Title | date=26 June 2022 }}</ref> In July, Archer, Sabre Jr and Taichi all competed in the [[G1 Climax 32]] tournament, competing in the A, C and B blocks respectively, though no men were able to advance to the semi-final round.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-g1-climax-32-block-winners-determined-semifinals-set|title=NJPW G1 Climax 32 block winners determined, semifinals set. The G1 Climax 32 continued on Tuesday from Nagano|date=16 August 2022|author=Ian Carey|website=f4wonline.com|access-date=2023-03-23}}</ref> In October, Sabre Jr competed in a tournament to crown the inaugural [[NJPW World Television Championship]], he defeated [[Alex Zayne]], [[David Finlay (wrestler)|David Finlay]] and [[Evil (wrestler)|Evil]] to advance to the tournament finals, where he will face [[Ren Narita]] at [[Wrestle Kingdom 17]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-battle-autumn-in-osaka-live-results-ospreay-vs-naito-us-title-match|title=NJPW Battle Autumn in Osaka live results: Ospreay vs. Naito US title match|date=5 November 2022|author=Chick Fritts|website=f4wonline.com|access-date=2023-03-23}}</ref> In November, Archer and Suzuki teamed together in the [[World Tag League (NJPW)#2022|World Tag League]], where they finished with 8 points failing to advance to the finals.
On December 14, 2022, at the [[Super Junior Tag League]] & World Tag League Finals, Suzuki announced that Suzuki-gun will disband by the end of the year. At JTO 50th Anniversary for TakaTaichi Together, Taichi told his valet and long Suzuki-gun affiliate Miho Abe, "There is no need for you to stand next to such a pathetic man anymore," ending their relationship and her affiliation to the group prior to the group's disbandment. Suzuki-gun's final match as a faction took place on December 23, where the team of Douki, Kanemaru, Sabre, and Taichi defeated Archer, Desperado, Michinoku, and Suzuki.<ref>{{Cite web |last=NJPW |title=2022.12.23 Road to TOKYO DOME {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/134267 |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=NJPW |language=en}}</ref> After the match, all members spoke about their memories as a part of the group and thanked leader Suzuki. Sabre Jr. specifically mentioned that this would be the end of the Dangerous Tekkers tag team too. The night ended with all members posing with the Suzuki-gun flag, only to be interrupted by former member [[Takashi Iizuka]], causing all 9 men to pose in the ring, behind the Suzuki-gun flag.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2022/12/23/a-suzuki-gun-sayonara-at-wrestle-kingdom-go-home-show/ | title=A Suzuki-gun sayōnara at Wrestle Kingdom go-home show }}</ref>
==Members==
Line 113 ⟶ 108:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|
|
|leader
|}
Line 133 ⟶ 128:
|{{dts|2012|09|07}} – {{dts|2019|06|16}}
|-
|{{sortname||Douki}}
|
|{{dts|2019|05|10}} – {{dts|2022|12|23}}
Line 141 ⟶ 136:
|{{dts|2014|07|04}} – {{dts|2022|12|23}}
|-
|{{sortname|Hiro
|
|{{dts|2013|02|02}} – {{dts|2013|02|12}}
Line 151 ⟶ 146:
|{{sortname|Lance|Archer}}
|
|{{dts|2011|05|15}} – February 24, 2020<br />September 15, 2021 – {{dts|2022|12|23}}
|-
|{{sortname|Shelton X|Benjamin}}
Line 216 ⟶ 210:
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea = left:100 bottom:60 top:5 right:
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Line 275 ⟶ 269:
==Sub-groups==
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
Line 283 ⟶ 277:
!Type
!Promotion(s)
|-▼
|[[Killer Elite Squad]]▼
|[[Lance Archer]]<br />[[Davey Boy Smith Jr.]]▼
|2012–2019▼
|[[Tag team]]▼
|-
|Dangerous Tekkers || [[Taichi (wrestler)|Taichi]]<br />[[Zack Sabre Jr.]]
|
|[[New Japan Pro Wrestling|NJPW]]
|-
|[[El Desperado (wrestler)|El Desperado]] and [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] || [[El Desperado (wrestler)|El Desperado]]<br />[[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]] ||
|[[New Japan Pro Wrestling|NJPW]]
|-
▲|-
▲|[[Killer Elite Squad]]
▲|[[Lance Archer]]<br />[[Davey Boy Smith Jr.]]
▲|2012–2019
▲|Tag team
|}
Line 327 ⟶ 311:
**[[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions#Reigns|6 times]]) – Taichi and Michinoku (1),<ref name=KingofProWrestling2013/> Kanemaru and Taichi (1),<ref name=45thAnniversary/> and Desperado and Kanemaru (4)
**[[IWGP Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Tag Team Champions|6 times]]) – Archer and Smith (3),<ref name=KingofProWrestling2012/><ref name=PowerStruggle2013/><ref name=DestructioninKobe2017/> Sabre and Taichi (3)
**[[IWGP United States Championship]] ([[IWGP United States Championship#
**[[NEVER Openweight Championship]] ([[List of NEVER Openweight Champions|4 times]]) – Suzuki (2) and Taichi (2)<ref name=RoadtoWrestlingDontaku2017/>
**[[G1 Tag League]] ([[G1 Tag League#2011|2011]]) – Archer and Suzuki<ref name=G1Tag2011/>
Line 355 ⟶ 339:
*'''[[Professional Wrestling Just Tap Out]]'''
**Only Give Up Tournament (2020)
**King of JTO (1 time, inaugural)
*'''[[Revolution Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[RPW British Heavyweight Championship|British Heavyweight Championship]] ([[RPW British Heavyweight Championship#Title history|5 times]]) – Sabre (4),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/52025|title=2019.09.15 DESTRUCTION in BEPPU {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|last=NJPW|website=NJPW|language=en|access-date=2019-09-21}}</ref> Suzuki (1)
**[[RPW Undisputed British Tag Team Championship|Undisputed British Tag Team Championship]] ([[British Tag Team Championship (RevPro)|1 time]])
*'''[[Ring of Honor]]'''
**[[ROH World Television Championship]] ([[ROH World Television Championship#Reigns|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1272|title=ROH World Television Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 1, 2022|access-date=April 2, 2022}}</ref>
*'''Taka & Taichi Box Office'''
**Suzuki-gun Super J-Cup Qualifying League (2016) – Kanemaru and Taichi<ref name=SuzukigunSuperJ/>
Line 380 ⟶ 364:
*{{Official website|http://suzukigun.jp/}} {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://www.piledriver.jp/ Official shop] {{in lang|ja}}
* [https://www.cagematch.net/?id=29&nr=1089 Cagematch profile]
{{S-start}}
Line 405 ⟶ 390:
{{IWGP Tag Team Championship}}
{{G1 Tag League}}
▲{{New Japan Pro Wrestling personnel}}
{{RPW Undisputed British Tag Team Championship}}
{{Suzuki-gun}}
Line 413 ⟶ 397:
[[Category:Japanese promotions teams and stables]]
[[Category:Pro Wrestling Noah teams and stables]]
[[Category:All Elite Wrestling teams and stables]]
| |||