19 Facts About Norio Honaga

Norio Honaga was born on August 11,1955 and is a retired Japanese professional wrestler and referee.

Norio Honaga debuted for New Japan Pro-Wrestling on April 25,1980, against Hiro Saito.

In November 1982, after over two years on the undercard, Honaga was sent to on an excursion to Mexico, wrestling for Universal Wrestling Association.

Norio Honaga returned to NJPW in March 1984, but political turmoil within the promotion forced Honaga to leave the promotion six months later.

In July 1985, Norio Honaga won his only title in AJPW, the All Asia Tag Team Championship, with Isamu Teranishi, as Animal Hamaguchi gave his half to Norio Honaga due to injury.

In January 1988, Norio Honaga took part in the first-ever Top of the Super Juniors tournament, but he would place dead last with no points.

Norio Honaga would hold on to the title for nearly a month and a half before losing the title to Liger in June 1991.

In November 1991, Norio Honaga regained the title, defeating Akira Nogami.

Norio Honaga would hold onto the title for exactly three months, before losing the title back to Liger in a match, where Liger's WCW World Light Heavyweight Championship was on the line.

In May 1993, Norio Honaga took part in another TOSJ tournament, in which he placed third place in a tie with Fit Finlay.

In September 1994, Norio Honaga took part in another tournament for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title, as Jyushin Thunder Liger vacated the title due to injury.

Norio Honaga defeated Gran Hamada, Shinjiro Otani and Wild Pegasus to win the title for the third time.

In November 1994, Norio Honaga added another title by defeating El Hijo del Santo to win the UWA World Welterweight Championship, making him a double champion.

In June 1995, Norio Honaga took part in another TOSJ tournament, which had since changed its name to the Best of the Super Juniors tournament; he placed dead last with four points.

Norio Honaga's first retirement match was a loss to Jyushin Thunder Liger; later that night, he and Liger teamed with El Samurai for his second retirement match and defeated Koji Kanemoto, Shinjiro Otani, and Tatsuhito Takaiwa.

Norio Honaga stayed with NJPW until joining Riki Choshu's short-lived Fighting of World Japan Pro Wrestling.

Norio Honaga pulled out of a driveway when he was hit in the driver's door by another car.

Norio Honaga spent 8 days and 16 hours in a coma at the Japanese Hospital.

Since then, Norio Honaga is a born-again Christian and has left the Japanese Wrestling world due to both his physical state, he lost the use of his left leg, and his love for Jesus Christ.