Killer Elite Squad: Difference between revisions
m convert special characters (via WP:JWB) |
No edit summary |
||
(16 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown) | |||
Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
|image=Killer Elite Squad.JPG |
|image=Killer Elite Squad.JPG |
||
|caption=(Left to right) [[Lance Archer]] and [[Davey Boy Smith Jr.]] in June 2013 |
|caption=(Left to right) [[Lance Archer]] and [[Davey Boy Smith Jr.]] in June 2013 |
||
|members=[[Davey Boy Smith Jr.| |
|members=[[Davey Boy Smith Jr.|Davey Boy Smith Jr./Harry Smith]]<br />[[Lance Archer|Lance Archer/Lance Hoyt]] |
||
|former_members= |
|former_members= |
||
|names=Killer Elite Squad (K.E.S.) |
|names=Killer Elite Squad (K.E.S.) |
||
|heights=Archer:<br />{{height|m=2.03}}<ref name=ArcherNJPW>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/profile/719 | script-title=ja:ランス・アーチャー | |
|heights=Archer:<br />{{height|m=2.03}}<ref name=ArcherNJPW>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/profile/719 | script-title=ja:ランス・アーチャー | access-date=February 1, 2017 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><br />Smith:<br />{{height|m=1.98}}<ref name=SmithNJPW>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/profile/724 | script-title=ja:デイビーボーイ・スミスJr. | access-date=November 13, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> |
||
|weights={{convert|240|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=ArcherNJPW/><ref name=SmithNJPW/> |
|weights={{convert|240|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=ArcherNJPW/><ref name=SmithNJPW/> |
||
|debut=September 7, 2012<ref name=RoadtoDestruction/> |
|debut=September 7, 2012<ref name=RoadtoDestruction/> |
||
Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
They are seven-time Tag Team Champions between the U.S. and Japan, being former [[List of IWGP Tag Team Champions|three-time]] [[IWGP Tag Team Champions]], two-time [[GHC Tag Team Champions]] and [[List of NWA World Tag Team Champions|two-time]] [[NWA World Tag Team Champions]]. |
They are seven-time Tag Team Champions between the U.S. and Japan, being former [[List of IWGP Tag Team Champions|three-time]] [[IWGP Tag Team Champions]], two-time [[GHC Tag Team Champions]] and [[List of NWA World Tag Team Champions|two-time]] [[NWA World Tag Team Champions]]. |
||
Japanese promotions usually refer to the team only by the initials, while North American promotions use the full name, while sometimes also referring to Archer and Smith by the [[ring name]]s Lance Hoyt and Harry Smith, respectively.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/42184-tues-update-ron-wright-notes-wwe-pc-game-ufc-mobile-game-and-more | |
Japanese promotions usually refer to the team only by the initials, while North American promotions use the full name, while sometimes also referring to Archer and Smith by the [[ring name]]s Lance Hoyt and Harry Smith, respectively.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/42184-tues-update-ron-wright-notes-wwe-pc-game-ufc-mobile-game-and-more | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150518110210/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/42184-tues-update-ron-wright-notes-wwe-pc-game-ufc-mobile-game-and-more | title = Tues. update: Ron Wright notes, WWE PC game, UFC mobile game, and more | last=Bixenspan | first=David | archive-date=May 18, 2015 | date=April 21, 2015 | access-date=May 11, 2015 | work=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> |
||
==History== |
==History== |
||
Line 26: | Line 26: | ||
===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2012–2015)=== |
===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2012–2015)=== |
||
{{Main|Suzuki-gun}} |
{{Main|Suzuki-gun}} |
||
On July 22, 2012, [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) presented a show, during which [[Lance Archer]], member of the [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villainous]] [[Suzuki-gun]] [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]], challenged [[Tencozy]] ([[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]] and [[Satoshi Kojima]]) to a match for the [[IWGP Tag Team Championship]], however, without specifying who his partner would be.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=593&c=4361 | |
On July 22, 2012, [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) presented a show, during which [[Lance Archer]], member of the [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villainous]] [[Suzuki-gun]] [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]], challenged [[Tencozy]] ([[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]] and [[Satoshi Kojima]]) to a match for the [[IWGP Tag Team Championship]], however, without specifying who his partner would be.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=593&c=4361 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130709033538/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=593&c=4361 | title = NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Kizuna Road | archive-date=July 9, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> The partner was eventually revealed on August 13 as [[David Hart Smith|Harry Smith]], best known from the [[WWE]], but who also had worked for NJPW in 2005.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120819000749/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8008 | script-title=ja:次期シリーズにアレックス・シェリー、ドラダ、アベルノが襲来!! ハーリー・スミスも再上陸!! | archive-date=August 19, 2012 | date=August 13, 2012 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> Smith made his debut as a member of Suzuki-gun on September 7 in an eight-man tag team match, where he, Archer, the stable's leader [[Minoru Suzuki]] and [[Taka Michinoku]] were defeated by Tenzan, Kojima, [[Togi Makabe]] and [[Yuji Nagata]] via disqualification.<ref name=RoadtoDestruction>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=609&c=4523 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120913040319/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=609&c=4523 | title = NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Road to Destruction | archive-date=September 13, 2012 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> On September 24, Smith was renamed Davey Boy Smith Jr., after [[Davey Boy Smith|his late father]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_65474.shtml | title=NJPW - Harry Smith name change, U.S. stars in title matches, more | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=September 24, 2012 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> |
||
On October 8 at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2012)|King of Pro-Wrestling]], Archer and Smith, now known collectively as K.E.S. (Killer Elite Squad),<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=608&c=4550 | |
On October 8 at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2012)|King of Pro-Wrestling]], Archer and Smith, now known collectively as K.E.S. (Killer Elite Squad),<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=608&c=4550 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130603212700/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=608&c=4550 | script-title=ja:永田裕志デビュー20周年記念興行 Blue Justice IV ~青義凱旋~ | archive-date=June 3, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> defeated Tencozy to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship, bringing Suzuki-gun its first title.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=619&c=4750 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121011185347/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=619&c=4750 | title = NJPW 40th anniversary King of Pro-Wrestling | archive-date=October 11, 2012 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_65783.shtml | title = Japan News: TNA stars drop Tag Titles, former WWE stars win Tag Titles, Low-Ki recaptures title, more | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=October 8, 2012 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> They made their first successful title defense on November 11 at [[Power Struggle (2012)|Power Struggle]], defeating Tencozy in a rematch.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=625 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121114051112/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=625 | title = NJPW 40th anniversary Power Struggle | archive-date=November 14, 2012 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> From November 20 to December 1, K.E.S. took part in the [[Round-robin tournament|round-robin]] portion of the [[2012 World Tag League]], finishing with a record of four wins and two losses, advancing to the semifinals of the tournament in the second place in their block.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=648 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121122010911/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=648 | title = NJPW 40th anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012 | archive-date=November 22, 2012 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=654 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121205144413/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=654 | title = NJPW 40th anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012 | archive-date=December 5, 2012 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> On December 2, K.E.S. defeated Always Hypers (Togi Makabe and [[Wataru Inoue (wrestler)|Wataru Inoue]]) to advance to the finals of the tournament, where, later that same day, they were defeated by Sword & Guns ([[Hirooki Goto]] and [[Karl Anderson]]).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=656 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121205144435/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=656 | title = NJPW 40th anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012 | archive-date=December 5, 2012 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> This led to a rematch on January 4, 2013, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome]], where K.E.S. successfully defended the IWGP Tag Team Championship against Sword & Guns.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=657 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130107203140/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=657 | script-title=ja:Wrestle Kingdom 7 ~Evolution~ in 東京ドーム | archive-date=January 7, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_67650.shtml | title = Show Results - 1/4 New Japan Tokyo Dome Show: Former WWE stars in undercard matches, Tanahashi vs. Okada, did any titles change hands? | date=January 4, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> |
||
Back in NJPW, Suzuki-gun, K.E.S. included, entered a [[Feud (professional wrestling)|storyline rivalry]] with the [[Chaos (professional wrestling)|Chaos]] stable.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/45405 | script-title=ja:2月シリーズ全対戦カード決定! 2・10広島の前哨戦が熱い! Chaosvs鈴木軍の抗争にも注目! | date=January 15, 2013 | |
Back in NJPW, Suzuki-gun, K.E.S. included, entered a [[Feud (professional wrestling)|storyline rivalry]] with the [[Chaos (professional wrestling)|Chaos]] stable.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/45405 | script-title=ja:2月シリーズ全対戦カード決定! 2・10広島の前哨戦が熱い! Chaosvs鈴木軍の抗争にも注目! | date=January 15, 2013 | access-date=May 12, 2017 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8923 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130201084145/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8923 | script-title=ja:対Chaos、対棚橋、桜庭&柴田...「鈴木みのるが"新日本"を語りまくる!!」 2月より携帯&スマホで集中連載! | archive-date=February 1, 2013 | date=January 30, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> On February 10 at [[The New Beginning (2013)|The New Beginning]], K.E.S. retained the IWGP Tag Team Championship against Tencozy,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=687&c=5087 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130215014450/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=687&c=5087 | title = The New Beginning | archive-date=February 15, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> after which Archer challenged Chaos' [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] to a match for his [[IWGP Intercontinental Championship]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=687&c=5149 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130213074122/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=687&c=5149 | title = The New Beginning | archive-date=February 13, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> Archer went on to fail in his title challenge on March 3 at New Japan's 41st anniversary event.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=691&c=5171 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140819055613/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=691&c=5171 | script-title=ja:旗揚げ記念日 | archive-date=August 19, 2014 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> The rivalry between Suzuki-gun and Chaos continued during the [[2013 New Japan Cup]] with Archer being eliminated in the first round by [[Kazuchika Okada]], while Smith eliminated Nakamura in his first round match.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=695 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130314232613/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=695 | title = New Japan Cup 2013 | archive-date=March 14, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> After defeating another Chaos member, [[Yujiro Takahashi]], in the second round,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=696 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130319210601/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=696 | title= New Japan Cup 2013 | archive-date=March 19, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> Smith was eventually eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals by Hirooki Goto.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=701&c=5185 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130328003620/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=701&c=5185 | title= New Japan Cup 2013 | archive-date=March 28, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2013032301/ | script-title=ja:新日本プロレス「New Japan Cup 2013」優勝決定戦 | date=March 23, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=[[Yahoo!]] | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325081301/http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2013032301 | archive-date=March 25, 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref> 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 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130409064638/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=705&c=5258 | title = Road to Invasion Attack | archive-date=April 9, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | 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=November 11, 2014 | work=Battle News | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130406-00000000-spnavi | script-title=ja:アーチャー&スミス組がV4に成功! オカダはIWGP前哨戦で棚橋に快勝=新日本プロレス | date=April 6, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=[[Yahoo!]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616154426/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/headlines/article/20130406-00000000-spnavi | archive-date=June 16, 2013 }}</ref> Two days later at [[Invasion Attack (2013)|Invasion Attack]], Smith unsuccessfully challenged Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship in a rematch of their New Japan Cup bout.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=706&c=5266 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130409204435/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=706&c=5266 | title = Invasion Attack | archive-date=April 9, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | 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=November 11, 2014 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2013040701/ | script-title=ja:新日本プロレス「Invasion Attack」 | date=April 7, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=[[Yahoo!]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410150342/http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2013040701 | archive-date=April 10, 2013 }}</ref> |
||
Through NJPW's relationship with the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] (NWA), Archer and Smith took part in an NWA event in [[Houston, Texas]] on April 20, 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 | |
Through NJPW's relationship with the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] (NWA), Archer and Smith took part in an NWA event in [[Houston, Texas]] on April 20, 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=November 11, 2014 | 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=November 11, 2014 | work=[[Nikkan Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9406 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130625080409/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9406 | script-title=ja:Kiken!! NWAにKESが参戦! IWGPに続き、NWAタッグ王座も奪取! | archive-date=June 25, 2013 | date=April 22, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | 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 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130506031054/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 | archive-date=May 6, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_70387.shtml | title = Show results - 5/3 NJPW Dontaku PPV: U.S. stars lose titles or title matches, Okada's first IWGP Title defense, more | date=May 4, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On August 11, Archer and Smith faced off during the final day of the [[2013 G1 Climax]]. Smith entered the match with a chance to advance from the block, but was in the end eliminated after being defeated by Archer.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=747&c=5604 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130921094142/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=747&c=5604 | script-title=ja:ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23 | archive-date=September 21, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</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=November 11, 2014 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://battle-news.com/battle/2013/08/001913.php | script-title=ja:大混戦の公式戦を勝ち抜いた内藤が、絶対エースの棚橋を下して涙のG1初制覇!「俺の夢は新日本プロレスの主役になること!」 | date=August 11, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Battle News | language=ja}}</ref> |
||
On November 9 at [[Power Struggle (2013)|Power Struggle]], K.E.S. faced Tencozy and [[The IronGodz]] ([[Jax Dane]] and [[Rob Conway]]) in a two-fall three-way match, contested for both the IWGP Tag Team Championship and the NWA World Tag Team Championship. In the first fall, they lost the NWA World Tag Team Championship to The IronGodz, but came back in the second to defeat Tencozy to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship for the second time.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=772&c=5832 | |
On November 9 at [[Power Struggle (2013)|Power Struggle]], K.E.S. faced Tencozy and [[The IronGodz]] ([[Jax Dane]] and [[Rob Conway]]) in a two-fall three-way match, contested for both the IWGP Tag Team Championship and the NWA World Tag Team Championship. In the first fall, they lost the NWA World Tag Team Championship to The IronGodz, but came back in the second to defeat Tencozy to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship for the second time.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=772&c=5832 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131109164307/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=772&c=5832 | title = Power Struggle | archive-date=November 9, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | 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 11, 2014 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2013110901/ | script-title=ja:新日本プロレス「Power Struggle」 | date=November 9, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=[[Yahoo!]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109153400/http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2013110901/ | archive-date=November 9, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{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, 2014 | work=Wrestleview}}</ref> On November 24, K.E.S. entered the [[2013 World Tag League]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=10583 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131111133749/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=10583 | script-title=ja:『ワールドタッグ』出場チーム決定!! 内藤&ソンブラ! コンウェイ&ダンも参戦! アンダーソンは"新顔"ドク・ギャローズとタッグ結成!! | archive-date=November 11, 2013 | date=November 11, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> where they won their block with a record of five wins and one loss.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=791 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131212005335/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=791 | title = World Tag League 2013 | archive-date=December 12, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> On December 8, K.E.S. was eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals by their old rival team, Tencozy.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=793 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131212091330/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=793 | title = World Tag League 2013 | archive-date=December 12, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2013120801/ | script-title=ja:新日本プロレス「World Tag League 2013優勝決定戦」 | date=December 8, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=[[Yahoo!]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019055344/http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2013120801/ | archive-date=October 19, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/45433-12-8-njpw-results-nagoya-japan-tag-league-finals | title = 12/8 NJPW Results: Nagoya, Japan (Tag League finals) | last=Namako | first=Jason | date=December 9, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Wrestleview}}</ref> On January 4, 2014, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome]], K.E.S. lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship to the winners of the tournament, [[Bullet Club]] ([[Doc Gallows]] and Karl Anderson).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=781 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140104212559/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=781 | script-title=ja:バディファイトPresents Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 東京ドーム | archive-date=January 4, 2014 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_75461.shtml | title = Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of New Japan's biggest show of the year - four title changes, former WWE/TNA stars featured, more | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=January 4, 2014 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2014010401/ | script-title=ja:新日本プロレス「Wrestle Kingdom 8」 | date=January 4, 2014 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=[[Yahoo!]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019055347/http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2014010401/ | archive-date=October 19, 2014 }}</ref> K.E.S. received a rematch for the IWGP Tag Team Championship on February 9 at [[The New Beginning in Hiroshima]], but were again defeated by Bullet Club.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=810 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140222021327/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=810 | title = The New Beginning in Hiroshima | archive-date=February 22, 2014 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2014020901/ | script-title=ja:新日本プロレス「The New Beginning in Hiroshima」 | date=February 9, 2014 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Sports Navi | publisher=[[Yahoo!]] | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222133950/http://live.sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/live/fight/all/2014020901/ | archive-date=February 22, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_76249.shtml | title = NJPW News: Titles defended at Sunday's "New Beginning" show - IWGP IC Title, IWGP Tag Titles, NWA World Title | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=February 9, 2014 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> |
||
On May 25 at [[Back to the Yokohama Arena]], K.E.S. failed in their attempt to regain the NWA World Tag Team Championship from Tencozy in a three-way match, which also included Rob Conway and [[Wes Brisco]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=842 | |
On May 25 at [[Back to the Yokohama Arena]], K.E.S. failed in their attempt to regain the NWA World Tag Team Championship from Tencozy in a three-way match, which also included Rob Conway and [[Wes Brisco]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=842 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140525195910/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=842 | title = Back to the Yokohama Arena | archive-date=May 25, 2014 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78619.shtml | title = Caldwell's NJPW iPPV results 5/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live show featuring Styles vs. Okada for IWGP World Title, MOTY Contender, NWA Tag Titles, more | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=May 25, 2014 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On June 21 at [[Dominion 6.21]], K.E.S. received another shot at the NWA World Tag Team Championship, this time in a regular tag team match, but were again defeated by Tencozy.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=853 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140624013755/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=853 | title = Dominion 6.21 | archive-date=June 24, 2014 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_79157.shtml|title = NJPW news: Key results from Saturday's "Dominion" PPV featuring U.S. stars in top title matches | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=June 21, 2014 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Yet another match between the two teams took place on October 13 at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2014)|King of Pro-Wrestling]], where K.E.S. finally defeated Tencozy to win the NWA World Tag Team Championship for the second time.<ref name=KingofProWrestling2014>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=889&c=6737 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141015145042/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=889&c=6737 | title = King of Pro-Wrestling | archive-date=October 15, 2014 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_81243.shtml | title = PPV results - 10/13 New Japan in Tokyo, Japan: Styles drops IWGP World Hvt. Title to Tanahashi, more title changes, former WWE star returns to New Japan, more | date=October 13, 2014 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> From November 22 to December 5, K.E.S. took part in the [[2014 World Tag League]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12707 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141112222204/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12707 | script-title=ja:『World Tag League 2014』出場チーム&公式戦が決定! 棚橋はヨシタツとタッグ結成! 桜庭、AJ、柴田、ROH、NWAも参戦! | archive-date=November 12, 2014 | date=November 11, 2014 | access-date=December 5, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> Finishing their block with a record of four wins and three losses, the two failed to advance to the finals due to losing to [[Kazushi Sakuraba]] and Toru Yano on the final day.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=912 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141210130824/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=912 | title = World Tag League 2014 | archive-date=December 10, 2014 | access-date=December 5, 2014 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> |
||
===Independent circuit (2013–2015)=== |
===Independent circuit (2013–2015)=== |
||
On January 18, 2013, Killer Elite Squad made their North American debut for [[Hart Legacy Wrestling]] (HLW) in [[Calgary |
On January 18, 2013, Killer Elite Squad made their North American debut for [[Hart Legacy Wrestling]] (HLW) in [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]], [[Canada]]. After their original tag team match against Team Body Guys ([[Bobby Lashley]] and [[Chris Masters]]) was thrown out due to outside interference, they teamed with [[Lance Storm]] to defeat Lashley, Masters and [[Johnny Devine]] in a six-man tag team match.<ref name=HLW>{{cite web | url = http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/01/19/pf-20509161.html | archive-url = https://archive.today/20180106202834/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/01/19/pf-20509161.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = January 6, 2018 | title = Action speaks loudly at Hart Legacy Wrestling | last=Clevett | first=Jason | date=January 19, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2014 | work=Slam! Sports | publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On November 15, 2014, at [[House of Hardcore]] VII, K.E.S. were defeated by [[Team 3D]] ([[Bully Ray]] and [[D-Von Dudley|Devon]]) in a non-title match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=89604&p=3|title=HOH on TV? Complete House of Hardcore VII coverage|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=November 15, 2014|access-date=May 3, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> |
||
On April 4, 2015, K.E.S. made their debut for the American [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) promotion as part of a storyline, where they were brought in by [[Michael Elgin]] to take care of [[ |
On April 4, 2015, K.E.S. made their debut for the American [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) promotion as part of a storyline, where they were brought in by [[Michael Elgin]] to take care of [[The Viking Raiders|War Machine]] ([[Ivar (wrestler)|Hanson]] and [[Erik (wrestler)|Raymond Rowe]]).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/elgin-bringing-kes-take-out-war-machine | title = Elgin is bringing in K.E.S. to take out War Machine | date=March 24, 2015 | access-date=March 25, 2015 | work=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref> Their debut match against War Machine ended in a [[No contest (combat sports)|no contest]].<ref name=ROH040415>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_84292.shtml | title = Show results - 4/4 ROH in San Antonio, Tex.: Major title change & debut (contains spoilers for upcoming TV episodes) | date=April 4, 2015 | access-date=April 5, 2015 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> |
||
On August 21, 2015, K.E.S. made their debut for [[Global Force Wrestling]] (GFW), where they took part in a tournament to crown the inaugural [[GFW Tag Team Championship (2014–2017)|GFW Tag Team Champions]], losing to Bullet Club (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson) in the quarterfinals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=129707|title=GFW Amped-Tapings| |
On August 21, 2015, K.E.S. made their debut for [[Global Force Wrestling]] (GFW), where they took part in a tournament to crown the inaugural [[GFW Tag Team Championship (2014–2017)|GFW Tag Team Champions]], losing to Bullet Club (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson) in the quarterfinals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=129707|title=GFW Amped-Tapings|access-date=April 23, 2016|work=Cagematch}}</ref> On October 10, 2015, at an NWA Mid South event, K.E.S. lost the NWA World Tag Team Championship to the Heatseekers (Elliott Russell and Sigmon) in a three-way match, also involving the Illuminati ([[Chase Owens]] and Chris Richards).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://nwamidsouth.com/2015/10/glory-lasts-forever-results-for-october-10-2015/ | title = "Glory Lasts Forever" Results for October 10, 2015 | date = October 11, 2015 | access-date = October 24, 2015 | work = NWA Mid South | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151012111259/http://nwamidsouth.com/2015/10/glory-lasts-forever-results-for-october-10-2015/ | archive-date = October 12, 2015 | url-status = dead }}</ref> |
||
===Pro Wrestling Noah (2015–2016)=== |
===Pro Wrestling Noah (2015–2016)=== |
||
On January 10, 2015, K.E.S., along with the rest of Suzuki-gun, took part in a major storyline, where the stable invaded a [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] show. During the attack, K.E.S. beat down [[GHC Tag Team Champions]] [[The Mighty Don't Kneel|TMDK]] ([[Mikey Nicholls]] and [[Shane Haste]]).<ref name=Noah011014>{{cite web | url = http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=6799 | script-title=ja:「New Year Navig. 2015」1月10日(土)後楽園ホール大会 試合後コメント | date=January 11, 2015 | |
On January 10, 2015, K.E.S., along with the rest of Suzuki-gun, took part in a major storyline, where the stable invaded a [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] show. During the attack, K.E.S. beat down [[GHC Tag Team Champions]] [[The Mighty Don't Kneel|TMDK]] ([[Mikey Nicholls]] and [[Shane Haste]]).<ref name=Noah011014>{{cite web | url = http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=6799 | script-title=ja:「New Year Navig. 2015」1月10日(土)後楽園ホール大会 試合後コメント | date=January 11, 2015 | access-date=January 11, 2015 | work=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20150111-00000101-spnavi-fight |script-title=ja:丸藤V6もみのるが襲撃 鈴木軍がノアに宣戦布告 |date=January 11, 2015 |access-date=January 11, 2015 |work=Sports Navi |publisher=[[Yahoo!]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111160357/http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20150111-00000101-spnavi-fight |archive-date=January 11, 2015 }}</ref> This led to a match on February 11, where K.E.S. defeated TMDK with help from Suzuki-gun stablemate [[Kyōsuke Mikami|El Desperado]] to become the new GHC Tag Team Champions – and when added with their NWA World Tag Team title, making them double champions.<ref name=Noah021115>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=13380 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150212120756/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=13380 | script-title=ja:アーチャー&スミスがTMDKを下し、GHCタッグを初戴冠! 3.15有明コロシアムでリマッチ実現!!【2.11ノア名古屋大会】 | archive-date=February 12, 2015 | date=February 12, 2015 |access-date=February 12, 2015 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_83260.shtml | title = Japan news: KES captures major Tag Titles, New Japan's "New Beginning" viewing schedule, Mason Ryan & MMA fighter heading to Inoki's IGF promotion | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=February 11, 2015 | access-date=February 11, 2015 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/366500/ | script-title=ja:"鈴木軍"がGHCタッグを強奪 | date=February 12, 2015 | access-date=February 12, 2015 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref> A rematch between the two teams took place on March 15, which saw K.E.S. make their first successful defense of the GHC title.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=13567 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150321032851/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=13567 | script-title=ja:鈴木みのる、丸藤に無法勝利でGHCヘビーを強奪! 鈴木軍は4大GHC王座を総ざらいで、ノアマット風雲急!!【3.15ノア有明大会結果2】 | archive-date=March 21, 2015 | date=March 16, 2015 | access-date=March 16, 2015 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/377783/ | script-title=ja:TMDK 屈辱のGHCタッグ王座奪還失敗 | date=March 16, 2015 | access-date=March 16, 2015 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref> From April 19 through May 4, K.E.S. took part in the [[2015 Global Tag League]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://noah.co.jp/league20150413.php | title = Global Tag League 2015 | access-date = May 3, 2016 | work = [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language = ja | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150425043003/http://www.noah.co.jp/league20150413.php | archive-date = April 25, 2015 | url-status = dead }}</ref> where they made it to the finals where they were defeated by [[Masato Tanaka]] and [[Takashi Sugiura]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=13920 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150505074420/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=13920 | script-title=ja:「グローバル・タッグリーグ」決勝でK.E.Sが敗戦!弾丸ヤンキースが2連覇達成! みのるは丸藤を激しく挑発!【ノア5.4後楽園結果】 | archive-date=May 5, 2015 | date=May 5, 2015 | access-date=May 5, 2015 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_84800.shtml | title = Noah news: Global Tag League concludes - K.E.S., Hero & Cabana, Shelton, more | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=May 4, 2015 | access-date=May 4, 2015 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> K.E.S. held the GHC Tag Team Championship for the rest of 2015 and into 2016, setting a new record for most successful defenses.<ref name=V11TS/> From April 21 to May 4, K.E.S. took part in the [[2016 Global Tag League]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/11/noah-announces-global-tag-league-teams-including-new-japan-stars/ | title = Noah announces Global Tag League teams, including New Japan stars | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=April 11, 2015 | access-date=May 4, 2016 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> again making it to the finals, where they were defeated by [[Naomichi Marufuji]] and Toru Yano.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/04/final-result-noahs-global-tag-league-tournament/ | title = Final Result of Noah's Global Tag League tournament | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=May 4, 2016 | access-date=May 4, 2016 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On May 28, K.E.S. lost the GHC Tag Team Championship to Marufuji and Yano in their 11th defense.<ref name=V11TS>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/546612/ | script-title=ja:丸藤、矢野組がGHCタッグ新王者に | date=May 30, 2016 | access-date=May 30, 2016 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=16567 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160624160233/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=16567 | script-title=ja:矢野&丸藤がGHCタッグ獲得! GHC王者へ返り咲いた潮崎にベンジャミンが挑戦表明! 邪道&外道が復活! GHC Jr.タッグ挑戦へ!【5月28日(土)ノア大阪・試合結果】 | archive-date=June 24, 2016 | date=May 29, 2016 | access-date=May 29, 2016 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> Their 15-month title reign was the second longest in Noah history.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/05/28/528-noah-great-voyage-results-two-big-title-changes-former-wwe-star-next-ghc-hvt-title-contender-k-e-s-historical-title-reign/ | title = 5/28 Noah "Great Voyage" Results – Two big title changes, former WWE star next GHC Hvt. Title contender, K.E.S. historical title reign, more | date=May 28, 2016 | access-date=May 28, 2016 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> K.E.S. regained the GHC Tag Team Championship from Marufuji and Yano on November 23.<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=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/620814/ | script-title=ja:【ノア】丸藤組王座陥落!KESがGHCタッグ新王者に | date=November 24, 2016 | access-date=November 24, 2016 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=November 25, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125043219/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/620814/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> They lost the title to [[Go Shiozaki]] and [[Maybach Taniguchi]] on December 3.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1708 | title = One Night Cruise 2016 in Differ | access-date = December 3, 2016 | work = [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] | language = ja | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170215124923/http://noah.co.jp/result.php?tour_id=1708 | archive-date = February 15, 2017 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Two days later, it was announced that Suzuki-gun was gone from Noah, concluding the invasion storyline.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/625105/ | script-title=ja:【ノア】鈴木軍撤退で方舟マットどうなる? | date=December 5, 2016 | access-date=December 5, 2016 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=December 6, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206095015/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/625105/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> |
||
===Return to NJPW (2017–2019)=== |
===Return to NJPW (2017–2019)=== |
||
[[File:K.E.S. Killer Bomb.JPG|thumb|Archer and Smith performing the ''Killer Bomb'' on [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]]]] |
[[File:K.E.S. Killer Bomb.JPG|thumb|Archer and Smith performing the ''Killer Bomb'' on [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]]]] |
||
On January 5, 2017, K.E.S., along with the rest of Suzuki-gun, returned to NJPW, attacking the Chaos stable with Archer and Smith targeting IWGP Tag Team Champions Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/79443 | script-title=ja:戦国炎舞 -Kizna- Presents New Year Dash !! | |
On January 5, 2017, K.E.S., along with the rest of Suzuki-gun, returned to NJPW, attacking the Chaos stable with Archer and Smith targeting IWGP Tag Team Champions Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano.<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> On February 5 at [[The New Beginning in Sapporo (2017)|The New Beginning in Sapporo]], 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>{{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> Following the event, Archer was sidelined with a herniated disc in his lower back, which would require surgery and sideline him for a significant amount of time. Prior to the injury, K.E.S. were primed for a run as NJPW's top foreign tag team.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-lance-archer-out-action-rock-ufc-news-229876 | title = Daily Update: Lance Archer out of action, The Rock, UFC news | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Meltzer | date=February 10, 2017 | access-date=February 10, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Archer returned from his injury on August 13, when he and Smith attacked IWGP Tag Team Champions War Machine and [[Guerrillas of Destiny]] ([[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]]).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-g1-climax-27-finals-live-results-tetsuya-naito-vs-kenny-omega-240871 | title = NJPW G1 Climax 27 finals live results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Kenny Omega | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=August 12, 2017 | access-date=August 13, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2017/08/14/0010461062.shtml | script-title=ja:新日本・アーチャー&スミスJr.復活!IWGPタッグ戦後に乱入し王座奪回宣言 | date=August 14, 2017 | access-date=August 14, 2017 | work=Daily Sports Online | publisher=[[Kobe Shimbun]] | language=ja}}</ref> On the following tour, K.E.S., War Machine and Guerrillas of Destiny were booked in three three-way matches for the IWGP Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/news/njpw-announces-destruction-cards-king-pro-wrestling-matches-241361 | title = NJPW announces Destruction cards, King of Pro wrestling matches | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=August 21, 2017 | access-date=September 10, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> The first two matches on September 10 at [[Destruction in Fukushima]] and September 16 at [[Destruction in Hiroshima (2017)|Destruction in Hiroshima]] were won by War Machine.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-destruction-fukushima-results-minoru-suzuki-vs-michael-elgin-242591 | title = NJPW Destruction in Fukushima results: Minoru Suzuki vs. Michael Elgin | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=September 10, 2017 | access-date=September 10, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/761416/ | script-title=ja:【新日本】IWGPタッグ選手権 王者ロウ&ハンソン組が3Wayマッチ第1R制す | date=September 11, 2017 | access-date=September 11, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-destruction-hiroshima-results-tanahashi-vs-zack-sabre-jr-242931 | title = NJPW Destruction in Hiroshima results: Tanahashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr. | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=September 16, 2017 | access-date=September 16, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> The third match, contested under [[Professional wrestling tag team match types#Tornado tag team match|tornado tag team match]] rules, on September 24 at [[Destruction in Kobe (2017)|Destruction in Kobe]] was won by K.E.S., who became the new IWGP Tag Team Champions, winning the title for the first time in three years and eight months.<ref>{{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 「タッグは俺たちが仕切る」 | date=September 25, 2017 | access-date=September 25, 2017 | work=Daily Sports Online | publisher=[[Kobe Shimbun]] | language=ja}}</ref> At the end of the year, K.E.S. took part in the [[G1 Tag League#2017|2017 World Tag League]], where they finished with a record of five wins and two losses, failing to advance to the finals due to losing to block winners Guerrillas of Destiny in their head-to-head match.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-world-tag-league-finals-are-set-247706 | title = NJPW World Tag League: The finals are set | last=Renner | first=Ethan | date=December 9, 2017 | access-date=December 10, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/853933/ | script-title=ja:【新日】タマ・トンガ&タンガ・ロアがWTL優勝決定戦へ | date=December 10, 2017 | access-date=December 10, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=December 10, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123628/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/853933/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> On January 4, 2018, at [[Wrestle Kingdom 12 in Tokyo Dome]], K.E.S. lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship to the winners of the World Tag League, ''[[Los Ingobernables de Japón]]'' ([[Evil (wrestler)|Evil]] and [[Seiya Sanada|Sanada]]).<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-12-live-results-okada-naito-omega-jericho-249171 | title = NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 live results: Okada-Naito, Omega-Jericho | last1=Renner | first1=Ethan | last2=Currier | first2=Joseph | date=January 3, 2018 | access-date=January 4, 2018 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On June 15, 2019, it was reported that Smith would no longer be wrestling for NJPW.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-davey-boy-smith-jr-finished-njpw| title = Report: Davey Boy Smith Jr Finished With NJPW {{!}} Fightful News}} </ref> |
||
==Championships and accomplishments== |
==Championships and accomplishments== |
||
Line 58: | Line 58: | ||
**[[NWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of NWA World Tag Team Champions|2 times]])<ref name=NWAHouston042013/><ref name=KingofProWrestling2014/> |
**[[NWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of NWA World Tag Team Champions|2 times]])<ref name=NWAHouston042013/><ref name=KingofProWrestling2014/> |
||
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]''' |
*'''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]''' |
||
**[[IWGP Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Tag Team Champions|3 times]])<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/iwgp-2tag | title = IWGP heavy tag weight class | |
**[[IWGP Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Tag Team Champions|3 times]])<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/iwgp-2tag | title = IWGP heavy tag weight class | access-date=February 1, 2017 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=ja}}</ref> |
||
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' |
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''''' |
||
**Ranked Archer No. 92 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the ''[[PWI 500]]'' in 2015<ref name=PWI5002015>{{cite web | url = http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2015.html | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2015 | |
**Ranked Archer No. 92 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the ''[[PWI 500]]'' in 2015<ref name=PWI5002015>{{cite web | url = http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2015.html | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2015 | access-date=February 20, 2017 | work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref> |
||
**Ranked Smith Jr. No. 81 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the ''PWI 500'' in 2015<ref name=PWI5002015/> |
**Ranked Smith Jr. No. 81 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the ''PWI 500'' in 2015<ref name=PWI5002015/> |
||
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]''' |
*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]''' |
||
**[[GHC Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name=Noah021115/><ref name=Noah112316/> |
**[[GHC Tag Team Championship]] ([[GHC Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name=Noah021115/><ref name=Noah112316/> |
||
==See also== |
|||
*[[Puroresu]] |
|||
*[[Suzuki-gun]] |
|||
==References== |
==References== |
||
{{Reflist|30em}} |
{{Reflist|30em}} |
||
{{navboxes |
|||
|list1= |
|||
{{GHC Tag Team Championship}} |
{{GHC Tag Team Championship}} |
||
⚫ | |||
{{IWGP Tag Team Championship}} |
{{IWGP Tag Team Championship}} |
||
⚫ | |||
{{NWA World Tag Team Championship}} |
{{NWA World Tag Team Championship}} |
||
{{Suzuki-gun}} |
{{Suzuki-gun}} |
||
}} |
|||
[[Category:Global Force Wrestling teams and stables]] |
[[Category:Global Force Wrestling teams and stables]] |
||
[[Category:National Wrestling Alliance teams and stables]] |
|||
[[Category:New Japan Pro-Wrestling teams and stables]] |
[[Category:New Japan Pro-Wrestling teams and stables]] |
||
[[Category:Pro Wrestling Noah teams and stables]] |
|||
[[Category:Independent promotions teams and stables]] |
[[Category:Independent promotions teams and stables]] |
||
[[Category:Ring of Honor teams and stables]] |
[[Category:Ring of Honor teams and stables]] |
Latest revision as of 14:01, 2 October 2024
This article needs to be updated.(May 2019) |
Killer Elite Squad | |
---|---|
Tag team | |
Members | Davey Boy Smith Jr./Harry Smith Lance Archer/Lance Hoyt |
Name(s) | Killer Elite Squad (K.E.S.) |
Billed heights | Archer: 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in)[1] Smith: 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)[2] |
Combined billed weight | 240 kg (530 lb)[1][2] |
Debut | September 7, 2012[3] |
Disbanded | June 15, 2019 |
Years active | 2012–2019 |
Killer Elite Squad, often abbreviated to K.E.S., was the professional wrestling tag team of Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Lance Archer. The team made its debut in the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) promotion in September 2012 and have since worked together also in North America, most notably for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). In Japan, they have worked as part of the larger Suzuki-gun stable ever since being put together by NJPW.
They are seven-time Tag Team Champions between the U.S. and Japan, being former three-time IWGP Tag Team Champions, two-time GHC Tag Team Champions and two-time NWA World Tag Team Champions.
Japanese promotions usually refer to the team only by the initials, while North American promotions use the full name, while sometimes also referring to Archer and Smith by the ring names Lance Hoyt and Harry Smith, respectively.[4]
History
[edit]New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2012–2015)
[edit]On July 22, 2012, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) presented a show, during which Lance Archer, member of the villainous Suzuki-gun stable, challenged Tencozy (Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima) to a match for the IWGP Tag Team Championship, however, without specifying who his partner would be.[5] The partner was eventually revealed on August 13 as Harry Smith, best known from the WWE, but who also had worked for NJPW in 2005.[6] Smith made his debut as a member of Suzuki-gun on September 7 in an eight-man tag team match, where he, Archer, the stable's leader Minoru Suzuki and Taka Michinoku were defeated by Tenzan, Kojima, Togi Makabe and Yuji Nagata via disqualification.[3] On September 24, Smith was renamed Davey Boy Smith Jr., after his late father.[7]
On October 8 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Archer and Smith, now known collectively as K.E.S. (Killer Elite Squad),[8] defeated Tencozy to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship, bringing Suzuki-gun its first title.[9][10] They made their first successful title defense on November 11 at Power Struggle, defeating Tencozy in a rematch.[11] From November 20 to December 1, K.E.S. took part in the round-robin portion of the 2012 World Tag League, finishing with a record of four wins and two losses, advancing to the semifinals of the tournament in the second place in their block.[12][13] On December 2, K.E.S. defeated Always Hypers (Togi Makabe and Wataru Inoue) to advance to the finals of the tournament, where, later that same day, they were defeated by Sword & Guns (Hirooki Goto and Karl Anderson).[14] This led to a rematch on January 4, 2013, at Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome, where K.E.S. successfully defended the IWGP Tag Team Championship against Sword & Guns.[15][16]
Back in NJPW, Suzuki-gun, K.E.S. included, entered a storyline rivalry with the Chaos stable.[17][18] On February 10 at The New Beginning, K.E.S. retained the IWGP Tag Team Championship against Tencozy,[19] after which Archer challenged Chaos' Shinsuke Nakamura to a match for his IWGP Intercontinental Championship.[20] Archer went on to fail in his title challenge on March 3 at New Japan's 41st anniversary event.[21] The rivalry between Suzuki-gun and Chaos continued during the 2013 New Japan Cup with Archer being eliminated in the first round by Kazuchika Okada, while Smith eliminated Nakamura in his first round match.[22] After defeating another Chaos member, Yujiro Takahashi, in the second round,[23] Smith was eventually eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals by Hirooki Goto.[24][25] 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.[26][27][28] Two days later at Invasion Attack, Smith unsuccessfully challenged Nakamura for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship in a rematch of their New Japan Cup bout.[29][30][31]
Through NJPW's relationship with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), Archer and Smith took part in an NWA event in Houston, Texas on April 20, 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.[32][33][34] 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 Strong Man), ending their reign at 207 days.[35][36] On August 11, Archer and Smith faced off during the final day of the 2013 G1 Climax. Smith entered the match with a chance to advance from the block, but was in the end eliminated after being defeated by Archer.[37][38][39]
On November 9 at Power Struggle, K.E.S. faced Tencozy and The IronGodz (Jax Dane and Rob Conway) in a two-fall three-way match, contested for both the IWGP Tag Team Championship and the NWA World Tag Team Championship. In the first fall, they lost the NWA World Tag Team Championship to The IronGodz, but came back in the second to defeat Tencozy to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship for the second time.[40][41][42][43] On November 24, K.E.S. entered the 2013 World Tag League,[44] where they won their block with a record of five wins and one loss.[45] On December 8, K.E.S. was eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals by their old rival team, Tencozy.[46][47][48] On January 4, 2014, at Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome, K.E.S. lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship to the winners of the tournament, Bullet Club (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson).[49][50][51] K.E.S. received a rematch for the IWGP Tag Team Championship on February 9 at The New Beginning in Hiroshima, but were again defeated by Bullet Club.[52][53][54]
On May 25 at Back to the Yokohama Arena, K.E.S. failed in their attempt to regain the NWA World Tag Team Championship from Tencozy in a three-way match, which also included Rob Conway and Wes Brisco.[55][56] On June 21 at Dominion 6.21, K.E.S. received another shot at the NWA World Tag Team Championship, this time in a regular tag team match, but were again defeated by Tencozy.[57][58] Yet another match between the two teams took place on October 13 at King of Pro-Wrestling, where K.E.S. finally defeated Tencozy to win the NWA World Tag Team Championship for the second time.[59][60] From November 22 to December 5, K.E.S. took part in the 2014 World Tag League.[61] Finishing their block with a record of four wins and three losses, the two failed to advance to the finals due to losing to Kazushi Sakuraba and Toru Yano on the final day.[62]
Independent circuit (2013–2015)
[edit]On January 18, 2013, Killer Elite Squad made their North American debut for Hart Legacy Wrestling (HLW) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. After their original tag team match against Team Body Guys (Bobby Lashley and Chris Masters) was thrown out due to outside interference, they teamed with Lance Storm to defeat Lashley, Masters and Johnny Devine in a six-man tag team match.[63] On November 15, 2014, at House of Hardcore VII, K.E.S. were defeated by Team 3D (Bully Ray and Devon) in a non-title match.[64]
On April 4, 2015, K.E.S. made their debut for the American Ring of Honor (ROH) promotion as part of a storyline, where they were brought in by Michael Elgin to take care of War Machine (Hanson and Raymond Rowe).[65] Their debut match against War Machine ended in a no contest.[66]
On August 21, 2015, K.E.S. made their debut for Global Force Wrestling (GFW), where they took part in a tournament to crown the inaugural GFW Tag Team Champions, losing to Bullet Club (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson) in the quarterfinals.[67] On October 10, 2015, at an NWA Mid South event, K.E.S. lost the NWA World Tag Team Championship to the Heatseekers (Elliott Russell and Sigmon) in a three-way match, also involving the Illuminati (Chase Owens and Chris Richards).[68]
Pro Wrestling Noah (2015–2016)
[edit]On January 10, 2015, K.E.S., along with the rest of Suzuki-gun, took part in a major storyline, where the stable invaded a Pro Wrestling Noah show. During the attack, K.E.S. beat down GHC Tag Team Champions TMDK (Mikey Nicholls and Shane Haste).[69][70] This led to a match on February 11, where K.E.S. defeated TMDK with help from Suzuki-gun stablemate El Desperado to become the new GHC Tag Team Champions – and when added with their NWA World Tag Team title, making them double champions.[71][72][73] A rematch between the two teams took place on March 15, which saw K.E.S. make their first successful defense of the GHC title.[74][75] From April 19 through May 4, K.E.S. took part in the 2015 Global Tag League,[76] where they made it to the finals where they were defeated by Masato Tanaka and Takashi Sugiura.[77][78] K.E.S. held the GHC Tag Team Championship for the rest of 2015 and into 2016, setting a new record for most successful defenses.[79] From April 21 to May 4, K.E.S. took part in the 2016 Global Tag League,[80] again making it to the finals, where they were defeated by Naomichi Marufuji and Toru Yano.[81] On May 28, K.E.S. lost the GHC Tag Team Championship to Marufuji and Yano in their 11th defense.[79][82] Their 15-month title reign was the second longest in Noah history.[83] K.E.S. regained the GHC Tag Team Championship from Marufuji and Yano on November 23.[84][85] They lost the title to Go Shiozaki and Maybach Taniguchi on December 3.[86] Two days later, it was announced that Suzuki-gun was gone from Noah, concluding the invasion storyline.[87]
Return to NJPW (2017–2019)
[edit]On January 5, 2017, K.E.S., along with the rest of Suzuki-gun, returned to NJPW, attacking the Chaos stable with Archer and Smith targeting IWGP Tag Team Champions Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano.[88][89] On February 5 at The New Beginning in Sapporo, 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.[90] Following the event, Archer was sidelined with a herniated disc in his lower back, which would require surgery and sideline him for a significant amount of time. Prior to the injury, K.E.S. were primed for a run as NJPW's top foreign tag team.[91] Archer returned from his injury on August 13, when he and Smith attacked IWGP Tag Team Champions War Machine and Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa).[92][93] On the following tour, K.E.S., War Machine and Guerrillas of Destiny were booked in three three-way matches for the IWGP Tag Team Championship.[94] The first two matches on September 10 at Destruction in Fukushima and September 16 at Destruction in Hiroshima were won by War Machine.[95][96][97] The third match, contested under tornado tag team match rules, on September 24 at Destruction in Kobe was won by K.E.S., who became the new IWGP Tag Team Champions, winning the title for the first time in three years and eight months.[98][99] At the end of the year, K.E.S. took part in the 2017 World Tag League, where they finished with a record of five wins and two losses, failing to advance to the finals due to losing to block winners Guerrillas of Destiny in their head-to-head match.[100][101] On January 4, 2018, at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in Tokyo Dome, K.E.S. lost the IWGP Tag Team Championship to the winners of the World Tag League, Los Ingobernables de Japón (Evil and Sanada).[102] On June 15, 2019, it was reported that Smith would no longer be wrestling for NJPW.[103]
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b ランス・アーチャー. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved February 1, 2017.
- ^ a b デイビーボーイ・スミスJr.. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved November 13, 2014.
- ^ a b "NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Road to Destruction". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on September 13, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Bixenspan, David (April 21, 2015). "Tues. update: Ron Wright notes, WWE PC game, UFC mobile game, and more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 11, 2015.
- ^ "NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Kizuna Road". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 9, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 次期シリーズにアレックス・シェリー、ドラダ、アベルノが襲来!! ハーリー・スミスも再上陸!!. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). August 13, 2012. Archived from the original on August 19, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Caldwell, James (September 24, 2012). "NJPW - Harry Smith name change, U.S. stars in title matches, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 永田裕志デビュー20周年記念興行 Blue Justice IV ~青義凱旋~. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 3, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "NJPW 40th anniversary King of Pro-Wrestling". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 11, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Caldwell, James (October 8, 2012). "Japan News: TNA stars drop Tag Titles, former WWE stars win Tag Titles, Low-Ki recaptures title, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "NJPW 40th anniversary Power Struggle". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 14, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "NJPW 40th anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 22, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "NJPW 40th anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 5, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "NJPW 40th anniversary Tour World Tag League 2012". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 5, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Wrestle Kingdom 7 ~Evolution~ in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 7, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "Show Results - 1/4 New Japan Tokyo Dome Show: Former WWE stars in undercard matches, Tanahashi vs. Okada, did any titles change hands?". Pro Wrestling Torch. January 4, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 2月シリーズ全対戦カード決定! 2・10広島の前哨戦が熱い! Chaosvs鈴木軍の抗争にも注目!. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). January 15, 2013. Retrieved May 12, 2017.
- ^ 対Chaos、対棚橋、桜庭&柴田...「鈴木みのるが"新日本"を語りまくる!!」 2月より携帯&スマホで集中連載!. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). January 30, 2013. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "The New Beginning". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 15, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "The New Beginning". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 13, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 旗揚げ記念日. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "New Japan Cup 2013". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 14, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "New Japan Cup 2013". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 19, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "New Japan Cup 2013". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 28, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 新日本プロレス「New Japan Cup 2013」優勝決定戦. Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. March 23, 2013. Archived from the original on March 25, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "Road to Invasion Attack". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 9, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 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!. Battle News (in Japanese). April 5, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ アーチャー&スミス組がV4に成功! オカダはIWGP前哨戦で棚橋に快勝=新日本プロレス. Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. April 6, 2013. Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "Invasion Attack". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 9, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Caldwell, James (April 7, 2013). "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". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 新日本プロレス「Invasion Attack」. Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. April 7, 2013. Archived from the original on April 10, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ a b Caldwell, James (April 20, 2013). "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". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ IWGP王者スミス組が2冠/NWA. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). April 22, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Kiken!! NWAにKESが参戦! IWGPに続き、NWAタッグ王座も奪取!. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). April 22, 2013. Archived from the original on June 25, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ レスリングどんたく 2013. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on May 6, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "Show results - 5/3 NJPW Dontaku PPV: U.S. stars lose titles or title matches, Okada's first IWGP Title defense, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. May 4, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Caldwell, James (August 11, 2013). "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". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 大混戦の公式戦を勝ち抜いた内藤が、絶対エースの棚橋を下して涙のG1初制覇!「俺の夢は新日本プロレスの主役になること!」. Battle News (in Japanese). August 11, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "Power Struggle". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Caldwell, James (November 9, 2013). "NJPW news: Double title change in IWGP Tag Title vs. NWA Tag Title match, Young Bucks add Tag Title gold". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 新日本プロレス「Power Struggle」. Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. November 9, 2013. Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Namako, Jason (November 11, 2013). "11/9 NJPW iPPV Results: Osaka, Japan (Okada/Anderson)". Wrestleview. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 『ワールドタッグ』出場チーム決定!! 内藤&ソンブラ! コンウェイ&ダンも参戦! アンダーソンは"新顔"ドク・ギャローズとタッグ結成!!. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). November 11, 2013. Archived from the original on November 11, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "World Tag League 2013". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 12, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "World Tag League 2013". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 12, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 新日本プロレス「World Tag League 2013優勝決定戦」. Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. December 8, 2013. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Namako, Jason (December 9, 2013). "12/8 NJPW Results: Nagoya, Japan (Tag League finals)". Wrestleview. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ バディファイトPresents Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 4, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Caldwell, James (January 4, 2014). "Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of New Japan's biggest show of the year - four title changes, former WWE/TNA stars featured, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 新日本プロレス「Wrestle Kingdom 8」. Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. January 4, 2014. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "The New Beginning in Hiroshima". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 新日本プロレス「The New Beginning in Hiroshima」. Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. February 9, 2014. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Caldwell, James (February 9, 2014). "NJPW News: Titles defended at Sunday's "New Beginning" show - IWGP IC Title, IWGP Tag Titles, NWA World Title". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "Back to the Yokohama Arena". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on May 25, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Caldwell, James (May 25, 2014). "Caldwell's NJPW iPPV results 5/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live show featuring Styles vs. Okada for IWGP World Title, MOTY Contender, NWA Tag Titles, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "Dominion 6.21". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 24, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Caldwell, James (June 21, 2014). "NJPW news: Key results from Saturday's "Dominion" PPV featuring U.S. stars in top title matches". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ a b "King of Pro-Wrestling". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 15, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ "PPV results - 10/13 New Japan in Tokyo, Japan: Styles drops IWGP World Hvt. Title to Tanahashi, more title changes, former WWE star returns to New Japan, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. October 13, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ 『World Tag League 2014』出場チーム&公式戦が決定! 棚橋はヨシタツとタッグ結成! 桜庭、AJ、柴田、ROH、NWAも参戦!. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). November 11, 2014. Archived from the original on November 12, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
- ^ "World Tag League 2014". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 10, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
- ^ Clevett, Jason (January 19, 2013). "Action speaks loudly at Hart Legacy Wrestling". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on January 6, 2018. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
- ^ Johnson, Mike (November 15, 2014). "HOH on TV? Complete House of Hardcore VII coverage". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
- ^ "Elgin is bringing in K.E.S. to take out War Machine". Ring of Honor. March 24, 2015. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
- ^ "Show results - 4/4 ROH in San Antonio, Tex.: Major title change & debut (contains spoilers for upcoming TV episodes)". Pro Wrestling Torch. April 4, 2015. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
- ^ "GFW Amped-Tapings". Cagematch. Retrieved April 23, 2016.
- ^ ""Glory Lasts Forever" Results for October 10, 2015". NWA Mid South. October 11, 2015. Archived from the original on October 12, 2015. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
- ^ 「New Year Navig. 2015」1月10日(土)後楽園ホール大会 試合後コメント. Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). January 11, 2015. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
- ^ 丸藤V6もみのるが襲撃 鈴木軍がノアに宣戦布告. Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. January 11, 2015. Archived from the original on January 11, 2015. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
- ^ a b アーチャー&スミスがTMDKを下し、GHCタッグを初戴冠! 3.15有明コロシアムでリマッチ実現!!【2.11ノア名古屋大会】. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). February 12, 2015. Archived from the original on February 12, 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ^ Caldwell, James (February 11, 2015). "Japan news: KES captures major Tag Titles, New Japan's "New Beginning" viewing schedule, Mason Ryan & MMA fighter heading to Inoki's IGF promotion". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
- ^ "鈴木軍"がGHCタッグを強奪. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). February 12, 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2015.
- ^ 鈴木みのる、丸藤に無法勝利でGHCヘビーを強奪! 鈴木軍は4大GHC王座を総ざらいで、ノアマット風雲急!!【3.15ノア有明大会結果2】. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). March 16, 2015. Archived from the original on March 21, 2015. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
- ^ TMDK 屈辱のGHCタッグ王座奪還失敗. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). March 16, 2015. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
- ^ "Global Tag League 2015". Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on April 25, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
- ^ 「グローバル・タッグリーグ」決勝でK.E.Sが敗戦!弾丸ヤンキースが2連覇達成! みのるは丸藤を激しく挑発!【ノア5.4後楽園結果】. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). May 5, 2015. Archived from the original on May 5, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
- ^ Caldwell, James (May 4, 2015). "Noah news: Global Tag League concludes - K.E.S., Hero & Cabana, Shelton, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved May 4, 2015.
- ^ a b 丸藤、矢野組がGHCタッグ新王者に. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). May 30, 2016. Retrieved May 30, 2016.
- ^ Caldwell, James (April 11, 2015). "Noah announces Global Tag League teams, including New Japan stars". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved May 4, 2016.
- ^ Caldwell, James (May 4, 2016). "Final Result of Noah's Global Tag League tournament". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved May 4, 2016.
- ^ 矢野&丸藤がGHCタッグ獲得! GHC王者へ返り咲いた潮崎にベンジャミンが挑戦表明! 邪道&外道が復活! GHC Jr.タッグ挑戦へ!【5月28日(土)ノア大阪・試合結果】. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). May 29, 2016. Archived from the original on June 24, 2016. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
- ^ "5/28 Noah "Great Voyage" Results – Two big title changes, former WWE star next GHC Hvt. Title contender, K.E.S. historical title reign, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. May 28, 2016. Retrieved May 28, 2016.
- ^ a b Crockett, Paul (November 23, 2016). "Pro Wrestling Noah news and notes". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
- ^ 【ノア】丸藤組王座陥落!KESがGHCタッグ新王者に. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). November 24, 2016. Archived from the original on November 25, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
- ^ "One Night Cruise 2016 in Differ". Pro Wrestling Noah (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 15, 2017. Retrieved December 3, 2016.
- ^ 【ノア】鈴木軍撤退で方舟マットどうなる?. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). December 5, 2016. Archived from the original on December 6, 2016. Retrieved December 5, 2016.
- ^ 戦国炎舞 -Kizna- Presents New Year Dash !!. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- ^ Rose, Bryan (January 5, 2017). "NJPW New Year's Dash results: The return of Suzuki-gun". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
- ^ Meltzer, Dave; Currier, Joseph (February 4, 2017). "NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo live results: Okada vs. Suzuki". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
- ^ Meltzer, Dave (February 10, 2017). "Daily Update: Lance Archer out of action, The Rock, UFC news". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved February 10, 2017.
- ^ Rose, Bryan (August 12, 2017). "NJPW G1 Climax 27 finals live results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Kenny Omega". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
- ^ 新日本・アーチャー&スミスJr.復活!IWGPタッグ戦後に乱入し王座奪回宣言. Daily Sports Online (in Japanese). Kobe Shimbun. August 14, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
- ^ Rose, Bryan (August 21, 2017). "NJPW announces Destruction cards, King of Pro wrestling matches". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved September 10, 2017.
- ^ Rose, Bryan (September 10, 2017). "NJPW Destruction in Fukushima results: Minoru Suzuki vs. Michael Elgin". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved September 10, 2017.
- ^ 【新日本】IWGPタッグ選手権 王者ロウ&ハンソン組が3Wayマッチ第1R制す. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). September 11, 2017. Retrieved September 11, 2017.
- ^ Rose, Bryan (September 16, 2017). "NJPW Destruction in Hiroshima results: Tanahashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved September 16, 2017.
- ^ Rose, Bryan (September 23, 2017). "NJPW Destruction in Kobe live results: Kenny Omega vs. Juice Robinson". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
- ^ KESが約3年8カ月ぶりにIWGPタッグ王座を奪回 「タッグは俺たちが仕切る」. Daily Sports Online (in Japanese). Kobe Shimbun. September 25, 2017. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
- ^ Renner, Ethan (December 9, 2017). "NJPW World Tag League: The finals are set". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
- ^ 【新日】タマ・トンガ&タンガ・ロアがWTL優勝決定戦へ. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). December 10, 2017. Archived from the original on December 10, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
- ^ Renner, Ethan; Currier, Joseph (January 3, 2018). "NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 live results: Okada-Naito, Omega-Jericho". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
- ^ "Report: Davey Boy Smith Jr Finished With NJPW | Fightful News".
- ^ "IWGP heavy tag weight class". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved February 1, 2017.
- ^ a b "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2015". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved February 20, 2017.