1. Akira Raijin is a two-time holder of the Gaora TV Championship.
17 Facts About Akira Raijin
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Akira Raijin is best known for his work in All Japan Pro Wrestling under the ring name Akira Raijin and is known for working in North America for the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling promotion under the ring names Kiyoshi and Suicide.
3.
Akira Raijin Kawabata was born on July 17,1978, in Takarazuka, Hyogo.
4.
On June 17,2005, Akira Raijin teamed with Nobukazu Hirai in a tournament to determine the number one conders for the All Asia Tag Team Championship but lost to Katsuhiko Nakajima and Tomoaki Honma.
5.
Akira Raijin returned to All Japan on June 22,2008, but just three months later it was announced that he would be travelling back to North America, to work for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, who had signed him to a contract.
6.
On September 13,2009, Akira Raijin made a one-night return to All Japan, teaming up with Great Muta in a winning effort against Suwama and Shuji Kondo.
7.
On March 21,2010, Akira Raijin made another return to All Japan, now using his TNA ring name Kiyoshi, he teamed up with Bushi to defeat the tag team of Chessman and Dark Ozz.
8.
Akira Raijin defeated Rene Dupree and Suwama, but lost to Taiyo Kea and Masakatsu Funaki in the round robin stage of the tournament, finished third in his block and did not advance to the semifinals.
9.
Akira Raijin left Japan to live in Windsor, Ontario, Canada with Scott D'Amore to gain "learning experience" in North America.
10.
Akira Raijin would go on to work for various promotions within Canada and eventually branched off into the United States.
11.
Akira Raijin wrestled for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, teaming with Brute Issei and losing to Havok and Martyr in a tryout dark match on July 15,2007, prior to the Victory Road pay-per-view.
12.
Akira Raijin teamed with Brute Issei in the 8 Team Tag Team Elimination match for the JCW Tag Team Championship, becoming the fifth team eliminated in the match.
13.
Akira Raijin debuted as Kowabata, being managed by "The Guidance Counselor" Scott D'Amore.
14.
Akira Raijin took part in two BSE Pro tournaments which included Adrenaline Cup and the Sudbury Scramble Cup, both of which he did not win.
15.
On March 13,2010, Akira Raijin took on Kevin Steen for the Capital City Championship Combat Championship and lost.
16.
Akira Raijin was given a heel gimmick, Kiyoshi, which resembled his mentor Great Muta, together with similar face paint and mannerisms.
17.
On February 29,2012, All Japan Pro Wrestling announced that Akira Raijin would be returning to the promotion from his American excursion on March 20.