El Desperado (wrestler)

{{Short description|Japanese professional and amateur wrestler (born 1983)}} {{Infobox professional wrestler |name = El Desperado |image = El Desperado 2017.jpg |image_size = |alt = |caption = Mikami as El Desperado in May 2017 |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|12|29}}<ref name=NJPW/> |birth_place = Nagaoka, Niigata, Japan<ref name=NJPW/> |death_date = |birth_name = Kyosuke Mikami |death_place = |resides = |names = '''El Desperado''' Kyosuke Mikami Namajague |height = {{height|m=1.77}}<ref name=NJPW/> |weight = {{convert|90|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=NJPW/> |billed = |trainer = NJPW Dojo<ref name=NJPW/> Koji Kanemoto Jado<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tama's Island: Tama's Time As A Young Boy At The NJPW Dojo on Apple Podcasts|url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tamas-time-as-a-young-boy-at-the-njpw-dojo/id1510026530?i=1000474290260|access-date=2021-07-28|website=Apple Podcasts|language=en-US}}</ref> |debut = {{dts|2010|3|7}}<ref name=NJPW/> |retired = }} {{nihongo|'''Kyosuke Mikami'''|三上恭佑|Mikami Kyōsuke|born December 29, 1983}},<ref name=NJPW>{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=562 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225430/http://www.njpw.co.jp/data/detail_profile.php?f=562 | script-title=ja:三上恭佑 | archive-date=March 3, 2016 | access-date=June 15, 2013 | work= New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja}}</ref> better known by his ring name {{nihongo|'''El Desperado'''|エル・デスペラード|Eru Desuperādo}}, is a Japanese ''luchador enmascarado'' (or masked professional wrestler). He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW),<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/34768-sun-update-future-nj-title-scene-strong-update-jim-ross-updae-world-title-change-this-afternoon-flair-at-49ers-game-nxt-talent-on-road-morton-bret-hart | title=Sun. update: Looking ahead at NJPW title scene, Jim Ross broadcasting NBA, Roderick Strong update, world title change this afternoon, Flair at 49ers game, NXT talent on road, Ricky Morton wins a title | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Meltzer | date=January 5, 2014 |access-date=January 29, 2014 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter | quote=El Desperado (Kyosuke Mikami)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/82641/the-lucha-report.html?p=1 | title=The Lucha Report | last=Zellner | first=Kris | date=January 6, 2014 |access-date=January 29, 2014 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider | quote=El Desperado (Namajague)}}</ref> where he is a former five-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and is one-half of the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions with Místico in their first reign as a team and Desperado's fifth individual reign. He was a member of the Suzuki-gun stable from 2014 until its disbandment in 2022.

Mikami was trained by the NJPW dojo and worked for NJPW for two years as a Young Lion. In 2012, he traveled to Mexico for a learning excursion, working for NJPW's Mexican affiliate Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) as the masked character '''Namajague''', a Spanish translation of Namahage, a Japanese folk demon. While in CMLL, he won his first professional wrestling title alongside Okumura, the CMLL Arena Coliseo Tag Team Championship, in March 2013. After being unmasked due to losing a match and briefly working without one, Mikami returned to NJPW in January 2014 and was repackaged under another mask as El Desperado. During his time with Suzuki-gun, he is a former two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and a four-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion (alongside Yoshinobu Kanemaru).

==Early life== Mikami was born and raised in Nagaoka, Niigata, Japan. He later attended Senshu University but dropped out before graduating.<ref name=NJPW/> He pursued both a Judo and an Amateur wrestling career, both in Greco-Roman and in Freestyle wrestling.

==Professional wrestling career== ===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2009–present)===

==== Young Lion (2009–2012) ==== He attended New Japan Pro-Wrestling's (NJPW) annual open try out test in May, 2009. He passed the test and was accepted into the NJPW Dojo.<ref name="NJPW" /> Mikami trained in the same class as King Fale and Hiromu Takahashi who all made their in-ring debut around the same time.

After training in the NJPW Dojo for almost a year Mikami made his debut on March 7, 2010, losing to Ryusuke Taguchi.<ref name=NJPW/> NJPW traditionally requires their rookies (referred to as "Young Lions" in NJPW) to wear simple, generic black trunks and boots and pay their dues by helping to set up the ring etc. while they gain in-ring experience. Mikami would lose at least 31 matches in a row, not uncommon for NJPW dojo graduates, until he was able to beat fellow dojo trainee Hiromu Takahashi in Takahashi's debut match on August 24, 2010 at ''NEVER.1''. He competed in the 2011 "Road to the Super Junior 2Days Tournament" on April 7, but was eliminated in the first round by Ryuichi Sekine.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2011/04/07/results-never-6-part-i-4811-2/ | title=[Results] NEVER.6 Part I, 4/8/11 | date= April 8, 2012 | access-date=October 29, 2012 | work=Strong Style Spirit}}</ref> He would later team up with fellow "Young Lions" Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe to compete in NJPW's "J Sports Crown Openweight 6 Man Tag Tournament". The team lost to Madoka, Shinobu and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi in their first match.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2011/06/21/results-new-japan-62111/ | title=[Results] New Japan, 6/21/11 | date=June 21, 2012 | access-date=October 29, 2012 | work=Strong Style Spirit | archive-date=September 24, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083315/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/2011/06/21/results-new-japan-62111/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> Mikami's last match to date came on January 4, 2012 as he appeared in a dark match before NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome show, the biggest show in NJPW. The match saw Mikami and Tomoaki Honma lose to Tama Tonga and Captain New Japan.<ref name=WKVIResults>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour. レッスルキングダムVI in 東京ドーム|access-date=January 4, 2012|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108044116/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=470|archive-date=January 8, 2012}}</ref> It was later announced that Mikami was injured to take some time off, a storyline to cover for his long-term absence from NJPW.

==== Excursion in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2012–2013) ==== NJPW often sends their "Young Lions" on a learning excursion outside Japan, be it the United States, Europe or in particular Mexico, where NJPW has a working relationship with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) which has seen a series of Japanese wrestlers work for CMLL for shorter or longer periods of time. Mikami's "learning excursion" took him to Mexico in early 2012, where he was given a new name, Namajague and a mask that was inspired by the imagery of the Japanese folk demon Namahage. While Mikami had worked primarily as a face, he was given a heel or ''rudo'' character and teamed up with CMLL's resident Japanese worker Okumura.<ref name=Fiebre>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/mas-deportes/lucha-libre/noticias/2012/02/07/okumura-contento-con-la-llegada-de-namajague | title=Okumura contento con la llegada de Namajague | date=February 17, 2012 | access-date=October 28, 2012 | work=MedioTiempo | language=es}}</ref> The two formed a tag team called ''La Fiebre Amarilla'' ("the Yellow Fever"). He made his debut as Namajague on February 2, 2012 teaming with Okumura and Misterioso, Jr., defeating the team of Black Warrior, El Sagrado and Sangre Azteca.<ref name=CMLLDebut>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/imagenes-se-presenta-namajague-y-reaparece-black-warrior-en-la-arena-coliseo-5-de-feb/ | title=Imagenes: Se presentat Namajague y reaparece Black Warrior en la Coliseo 5 def feb | date=February 5, 2012 | access-date=October 28, 2012 | work=Súper Luchas Magazine | language=es}}</ref> The following month Mikami worked CMLL's major spring show ''Homenaje a Dos Leyendas'' where he teamed up with Misterioso, Jr. and Rey Escorpion to defeat the team of Fuego, Titán and Tritón in a Best two-out-of-three falls Six-man tag team match<ref name="Results">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1331401262 |title=Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly |first=Josh |last=Boutwell |date=March 10, 2012 |publisher=Wrestleview.com |access-date=September 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923225345/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1331401262 |archive-date=September 23, 2012 }}</ref> In September 2012 ''La Fiebre Amarilla'' unsuccessfully challenged for the CMLL Arena Coliseo Tag Team Championship as defending champions Fuego and Stuka, Jr. were victorious.<ref name=Coliseo>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/mas-deportes/lucha-libre/noticias/2012/09/10/fuego-y-stuka-siguen-reinando-en-la-coliseo | title= Fuego y Stuka siguen reinando en la Coliseo | date=September 10, 2012 | access-date=October 27, 2012 | work=MedioTiempo | language=es}}</ref> Only weeks later Namajague was part of CMLL's largest annual show as they celebrated the 79th Anniversary of CMLL as he teamed up with Okumura and Taichi, a trio billed as ''La Ola Amarilla'' ("The Yellow Wave"), La Ola was defeated by three of CMLL's top ''tecnicos'', Ángel de Oro, La Sombra and Titán.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/mas-deportes/lucha-libre/noticias/2012/09/14/el-79-aniversario-del-cmll-minuto-a-minuto-en-vivo | title= El 79 aniversario del CMLL ¡Minuto a minuto en vivo! | last=Valdés | first=Apolo | date=September 14, 2012 | access-date=September 15, 2012 | work=Medio Tiempo | language=es}}</ref> In the months following the Anniversary show Namajague and Okumura developed a long running storyline with Stuka, Jr. and Rey Cometa that evolved into the main event of the 2013 ''Homenaje a Dos Leyendas'' show contested under ''Luchas de Apuestas'', or "bet match" rules where Namajague and Stuka, Jr. both risked their masks and Okumura and Rey Cometa would risk their hair on the outcome of the match.<ref name=2LeyendaPress>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmll.com/noticias.htm |title=Candente conferencia en la Arena México |work=Noticias |publisher=Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |date=February 21, 2013 |access-date=February 22, 2013 |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122144736/http://cmll.com/noticias.htm |archive-date=November 22, 2010 }}</ref> On March 3, 2013, Namajague and Okumura defeated Fuego and Stuka, Jr. to win the CMLL Arena Coliseo Tag Team Championship, Mikami's first professional wrestling title.<ref name=ArenaColiseo>{{cite web | url = http://www.mediotiempo.com/mas-deportes/lucha-libre/noticias/2013/03/03/okumura-y-namajague-campeones-de-la-coliseo | title=Okumura y Namajague Campeones de la Coliseo | date=March 3, 2013 | access-date=March 4, 2013 | work=Medio Tiempo | language = es}}</ref> On March 15, 2013 Okumura and Namajague were defeated by Stuka, Jr. and Rey Cometa in the main event of the 2013 ''Homenaje a Dos Leyendas'' show, forcing Okumura to have all his hair shaved off and Namajague was unmasked and had to reveal his real name, Kyosuke Mikami, as per lucha libre traditions.<ref name=HomenajeaDosLeyendas2013CMLL/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9206 | title=CMLL創立８０周年イベント『オメナへ・ア・ドス・レジェンダス』にてOkumuraが坊主、Namahageが素顔に......。 | date=March 18, 2013 | access-date=March 18, 2013 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language = ja}}</ref> The storyline between Namajague and Rey Cometa did not end after the unmasking, instead it switched to an individual storyline between the two, that included Namajague breaking a pane of glass over Rey Cometa's head during a one-on-one match.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/mas-deportes/lucha-libre/noticias/2013/04/13/saco-el-colmillo-atlantis-en-la-gran-alternativa | title=Sacó el colmillo Atlantis en la Gran Alternativa | date=April 13, 2013 | access-date=April 13, 2013 | first=Apolo | last=Valdés | publisher=MSN | work=MedioTiempo | language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226095657/http://www.cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm |archive-date=February 26, 2015 |url=http://www.cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm |title=Mr. Águila va por Shocker y Atlantis y el Hombre Bala Jr a la final Gran Alternativa 2013. |date=April 12, 2013 |access-date=April 13, 2013 |publisher=CMLL |work=Estrellas del Ring |language=es |first=Alexis A. |last=Salazar López |url-status=dead }}</ref> The conflict led to CMLL signing a one-on-one ''Lucha de Apuestas'' between with Cometa and Namajague's hair on the line, to take place on the April 26, 2013 Arena Mexico 57th Anniversary Show.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/rey-cometa-vs-namajague-por-las-cabelleras-este-26abril13/ | title=Rey Cometa vs. Namajague por las cabelleras este 26/Abril/13 | date=April 18, 2013 | access-date=April 18, 2013 | work=Súper Luchas| language=es}}</ref> Rey Cometa won the ''Luchas de Apuestas'', two falls to one, to have all of Namajague's hair shaved off after the match.<ref name=SLCometaNamajagueHair/> On November 3, Namajague and Okumura lost the Arena Coliseo Tag Team Championship to Delta and Guerrero Maya, Jr.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cmll.com/02_resultados/dom_coliseo/dom_coliseo.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014173234/http://www.cmll.com/02_resultados/dom_coliseo/dom_coliseo.htm |title=Resultados Arena Coliseo Domingo 3 de Noviembre '13 |first=Alexis A. |last=Salazar López |archive-date=October 14, 2013 |date=November 4, 2013 |access-date=November 4, 2013 |work=Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |language=es |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==== Suzuki-Gun (2014–2022) ==== {{See also|Suzuki-gun}}thumb|Mikami as El Desperado in March 2014. On December 9, 2013, NJPW announced the upcoming debut of a new masked wrestler named "El Desperado".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=10740|title=【WK8】1月5日（日）後楽園大会にて、テンコジがコンウェイ＆ダンのNWAタッグ王座に挑戦!! "謎のマスクマン"エル・デスペラードがデビュー!!|date=December 9, 2013|access-date=January 4, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}</ref> Mikami returned to his home promotion on January 4, 2014, at Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome. Wearing a new white mask and a black suit and carrying a guitar case, similar to the character El Mariachi from the Mexico Trilogy films, he entered the ring after Kota Ibushi had become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and gave him a bouquet of flowers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=781&c=5940|title=バディファイトPresents Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 東京ドーム|access-date=January 4, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/220650/|script-title=ja:飯伏"三度目の正直"でＩＷＧＰジュニア奪還|date=January 5, 2014|access-date=January 5, 2014|work=Tokyo Sports|language=ja|archive-date=January 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106034256/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/220650/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In storyline, El Desperado is Mexican, but has a Japanese father and can therefore speak Japanese.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=804&c=6035|title=NJPW Presents CMLL Fantastica Mania 2014|access-date=January 19, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}</ref> El Desperado made his in-ring debut the following day, teaming with Jyushin Thunder Liger in a tag team match, where they defeated Ibushi and Bushi, with him pinning Bushi for the win.<ref name=NYDash>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=806&c=6009|title=New Year Dash !!|access-date=January 5, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}</ref> The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match between El Desperado and Ibushi took place on February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka and saw Ibushi retain his title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=811 |title=The New Beginning in Osaka |access-date=February 11, 2014 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222022825/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=811 |archive-date=February 22, 2014 }}</ref> On March 6 at New Japan's 42nd anniversary event, El Desperado started a new feud with Jyushin Thunder Liger. After a brawl following a six-man tag team match, Liger challenged El Desperado to a Mask vs. Mask match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=812&c=6095|script-title=ja:旗揚げ記念日|access-date=March 6, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}</ref> On April 6 at Invasion Attack 2014, El Desperado teamed up with Kota Ibushi to unsuccessfully challenge The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=827|title=Invasion Attack 2014|access-date=April 6, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}</ref> From May 30 to June 6, El Desperado took part in the 2014 Best of the Super Juniors tournament, where he finished with a record of three wins and four losses, failing to advance from his block.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=843|title=Best of the Super Jr.XXI|access-date=June 6, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=849|title=Best of the Super Jr.XXI|access-date=June 6, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}</ref> On July 4, El Desperado turned heel and joined the '''Suzuki-gun''' stable, while also setting his sights on the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=856 | title=Kizuna Road 2014 | access-date=July 4, 2014 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja}}</ref> On September 23 at Destruction in Okayama, El Desperado and Suzuki-gun stablemate Taichi received a shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, but were defeated by the Time Splitters (Alex Shelley and Kushida).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=888|title=Destruction in Okayama|access-date=September 23, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}</ref> On October 13 at King of Pro-Wrestling, El Desperado unsuccessfully challenged Ryusuke Taguchi for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=889 |title=King of Pro-Wrestling |access-date=October 13, 2014 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017231408/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=889 |archive-date=October 17, 2014 }}</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=October 13, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> El Desperado then began chasing Jyushin Thunder Liger for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result_game.php?e=918&c=6953|title=Road to Tokyo Dome|access-date=December 21, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}</ref> leading to a title match between the two on January 5, 2015, where Liger retained his title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=920|title=New Year Dash !!|access-date=January 5, 2015|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}</ref>

Also in January 2015, Suzuki-gun entered a storyline, where the entire stable invaded the Pro Wrestling Noah promotion.<ref>{{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! みのるが宣戦布告! 小島はGHCに手が届かず......丸藤の前に轟沈!【1.10ノア結果】 | date=January 11, 2015 | access-date=March 15, 2015 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja}}</ref> As part of the storyline, El Desperado and Taka Michinoku won the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship on March 15 by defeating Choukibou-gun (Hajime Ohara and Kenoh) and No Mercy (Daisuke Harada and Genba Hirayanagi) in a three-way match.<ref name=Noah031515>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1397|title=Great Voyage 2015 in Tokyo|access-date=March 15, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Noah|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315012750/http://noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1397|archive-date=March 15, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> In July, El Desperado entered the 2015 Global Junior Heavyweight League. After a record of four wins and one loss, El Desperado entered the final day on August 5 with a chance to reach the finals, but a loss to Daisuke Harada meant that Harada instead advanced from the block.<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-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810164148/http://www.noah.co.jp/league20150718.php|archive-date=August 10, 2015|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> The following month, El Desperado and Michinoku made it to the finals of the 2015 NTV G+ Cup Junior Heavyweight Tag League, but were defeated there by Harada and Atsushi Kotoge.<ref name=Noah092215>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/news_detail.php?news_id=7528|script-title=ja:「第9回日テレG+杯争奪ジュニア・ヘビー級タッグリーグ戦」9月22日(火)後楽園ホール大会試合後コメント|date=September 22, 2015|access-date=September 22, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Noah|language=ja}}</ref> On October 4, El Desperado and Michinoku lost the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship to Harada and Kotoge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1473|script-title=ja:Great Voyage 2015 in Nagoya～青柳政司引退セレモニー～|access-date=October 4, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Noah|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925100558/http://www.noah.co.jp/tour_detail.php?tour_id=1473|archive-date=September 25, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following the loss, El Desperado was sidelined with a neck injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=14964|script-title=ja:【お知らせ】エル・デスペラード選手が、首の負傷により、ノア次期シリーズ欠場。復帰時期は未定|date=October 5, 2015|access-date=October 5, 2015|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}</ref> After his return, El Desperado was forced to put his spot in Suzuki-gun on the line, but managed to retain his membership by defeating stablemate Takashi Iizuka by disqualification on March 17, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/519748/|script-title=ja:デスペラード飯塚に執念の勝利で鈴木軍残留|date=March 18, 2016|access-date=March 19, 2016|work=Tokyo Sports|language=ja|archive-date=March 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320190835/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/519748|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Suzuki-gun Noah invasion storyline concluded in December 2016,<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> which led to the stable returning to NJPW on January 5, 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/13462?showResult=1 | 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> In May and June, El Desperado took part in the 2017 Best of the Super Juniors, where he finished last in his block with a record of three wins and four losses.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/86370?showResult=1 | script-title=ja:鉄拳7 Presents Best of the Super Jr.24 | access-date=June 1, 2017 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja}}</ref> Because of his win over Kushida during the tournament, El Desperado was granted a shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on September 16 at Destruction in Hiroshima, but was defeated by Kushida.<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> On March 6, El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship in a 3-way involving Roppongi 3K and Los Ingobernables de Japón. Desperado's first title in NJPW. In May 2018, he entered the Best of the Super Juniors tournament. He finished the tournament with 3 wins and 4 losses, failing to advance to the finals. Because of his win over eventual tournament winner and new champion Hiromu Takahashi during the tournament, El Desperado was granted a shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on June 18 Kizuna Road Show, but was defeated by Takahashi.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/151512|title=共闘ことばRPG コトダマン Presents Kizuna Road 2018 – 東京・後楽園ホール 6/18（月） – 第7試合|access-date=2018-07-08|language=ja-JP}}</ref> From October 16 to November 1, 2018, Desperado and Kanemaru participated in the 2018 Super Junior Tag Tournament, where they topped the block with a record of five wins and two losses, advancing into the finals, but were defeated by Roppongi 3K in a triple threat match which also included Los Ingobernables de Japón (Bushi and Shingo Takagi).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/168097|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5試合＿「Super Jr. Tag League 2018」優勝決定戦|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-01-12}}</ref> On January 4, 2019, at Wrestle Kingdom 13, Desperado and Kanemaru lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship to Bushi and Takagi, in a three-way rematch which also included Roppongi 3K, ending their reign at 304 days.<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=2019-01-12}}</ref>

In January 2019, Mikami briefly revived his '''Namajague''' character from CMLL for their cross promotional Fantastica Mania tour with NJPW.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1082591441681956864|user=njpw1972|title=【『FANTASTICA MANIA 2019』に緊急参戦！】かつて、CMLLで猛威を奮った覆面レスラー“ナマハゲ”が新日本マットに初上陸！未知のベールに包まれた、その試合スタイルは要注目…!! ☆『FANTASTICA MA… |accessdate=2019-01-12|language=ja|date=2019-01-08}}</ref> Namajague made his debut on January 11, 2019, teaming with Bárbaro Cavernario and Carístico in a six-man tag team match, where they defeated Kushida, Volador Jr and Soberano Jr.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/180241|title=NJPW Presents CMLL Fantastica Mania 2019 – 大阪・大阪府立体育会館・第2競技場（エディオンアリーナ大阪） – 第5試合|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2019-01-12}}</ref>

On September 11, 2020, Desperado and Kanemaru won a tournament by beating Bushi and Hiromu Takahashi to win the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Championship once again.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1304395807366418434|user=njpw1972|title=ヒロム＆BUSHIは悲願のジュニアタッグ王座戴冠ならず…！デスペラード＆金丸が“無法勝利”でベルト強奪！【9.11後楽園結果】 ★試合の詳細は新日本プロレス・スマホサイトで速報中！… |date=11 September 2020}}</ref> In November, Desperado participated in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament where he scored 14 points advancing to the finals. In the finals, he faced Hiromu Takahashi; during the match, half of his mask was ripped off by Takahashi, which led to Desperado taking off the rest and revealing his face for the first time since 2010. Desperado would go on to lose the match. While Kanemaru and Desperado lost the titles against Bullet Club (Taiji Ishimori and El Phantasmo) on January 23, they regained them one month later.<ref>{{cite web|last=NJPW|title=NJPW Road to The New Beginning Day 5 Results {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/85463?showResult=1|accessdate=January 23, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/88360?showResult=1|title = 2021.02.25 Road to CASTLE ATTACK | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING}}</ref> On February 28 at Castle Attack, Desperado won his first major singles title when he won the vacant IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship in a triple threat match involving Bushi and El Phantasmo, making him a double champion. The next day, NJPW announced that El Desperado will wrestle Kota Ibushi on their 49th Anniversary show on March 4, to determine the inaugural IWGP World Heavyweight Champion in a match that Desperado ultimately lost. Desperado and Kanemaru lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships to Roppongi 3K at Sakura Genesis,<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=306431| title = NJPW Sakura Genesis 2021 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref> ending his run as a double champion. After a scheduled title match against YOH was postponed due to a COVID outbreak in the locker room, he finally made his first successful defense of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title at Dominion. At Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome on July 25, El Desperado lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship to Robbie Eagles via submission, ending his reign at 147 days. After defeating Eagles at the G1 Climax, however, El Desperado would go on to win back the championship at Power Struggle on November 6.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/310397?showResult=1 | title=Power Struggle – 大阪・大阪府立体育会館（エディオンアリーナ大阪） 2021/11/6 }}</ref> In November, Desperado entered the Best of the Super Juniors tournament, narrowly missing out on a chance to make the finals, finishing with 13 points.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-best-super-juniors-28-finals-set-362386 | title=NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 28 finals set | newspaper=Won/F4W | date=11 December 2021 }}</ref> At Wrestle Kingdom 16 in January, Desperado defeated tournament winner Hiromu Takahashi, to retain the Junior Heavyweight title.<ref>{{cite news | 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 | newspaper=Won/F4W | date=4 January 2022 }}</ref>

In February, Desperado retained the Junior Heavyweight title against Master Wato at NJPW New Years Golden Series.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/109702?showResult=1 | title=2022.02.11 New Years Golden Series | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref> The Following month, despite being a junior heavyweight, Desperado entered the New Japan Cup, but was eliminated in the first round by Kazuchika Okada.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-new-japan-cup-night-one-live-results-okada-vs-el-desperado | title=NJPW New Japan Cup night one live results: Okada vs. El Desperado | newspaper=Won/F4W | date=2 March 2022 }}</ref> In April, Desperado defeated Sho to retain the Junior Heavyweight Championship once more, at Hyper Battle.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/336018?showResult=1 | title=Hyper Battle'22 – 東京・両国国技館 }}</ref> In May, Desperado lost the Junior Heavyweight Championship to Taiji Ishimori at Wrestling Dontaku, ending his reign at 176 days.<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, 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> At Dominion 6.12 in Osaka-jo Hall, Desperado and Kanemaru teamed with Suzuki-gun stablemate Zack Sabre Jr to take on NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions Evil, Yujiro Takahashi and Sho, for the titles, but failed to win.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/118463?showResult=1 | title=2022.06.12 DOMINION 6.12 in OSAKA-JO HALL | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref> Desperado made a special appearance on the June 15th special Road Rager episode of ''Dynamite'', where he and Lance Archer represented Suzuki-gun aiding the Jericho Appreciation Society, by attacking Jon Moxley, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Wheeler Yuta, Eddie Kingston and Ortiz, promoting stable leader Minoru Suzuki and the JAS teaming at Forbidden Door.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/news-chris-jericho-recruits-top-members-legendary-faction-attacks-jon-moxley-8-time-world-champion-aew-dynamite | title=Chris Jericho recruits top members from legendary faction, attacks Jon Moxley and 8-time world champion on AEW Dynamite | date=16 June 2022 }}</ref> At the show, Desperado and Kanemaru teamed on the Buy-in, losing to Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland.<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> Desperado returned to the US the following month, making his NJPW Strong debut, defeating Hiromu Takahashi and Blake Christian in a three-way match.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/new-matches-announced-for-njpw-strong-high-alert | title=New matches announced for NJPW Strong High Alert | newspaper=Won/F4W | date=5 July 2022 }}</ref> At Music City Mayhem, Desperado lost to Jon Moxley in a No Disqualification match.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-music-city-mayhem-live-results-jon-moxley-vs-el-desperado | title=NJPW Music City Mayhem live results: Jon Moxley vs. El Desperado | newspaper=Won/F4W | date=30 July 2022 }}</ref>

In December, at the World Tag League & Best of the Super Juniors finals, Minoru Suzuki announced the disbandment of Suzuki-gun by the end of the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpws-suzuki-gun-stable-to-disband-at-the-end-of-2022 |title=Suzuki Gun stable to disband at the end of 2022|date=14 December 2022 |publisher=f4wonline.com|access-date=31 March 2023}}</ref> The final match between the faction took place on December 23, where the team of Taichi, Sabre Jr, Kanemaru and Douki defeated Suzuki, Archer, Desperado and Michinoku. After the match, each of the Suzuki-gun members spoke about their memories as a part of the group and thanked leader Suzuki. 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://www.postwrestling.com/2022/12/23/suzuki-gun-bids-farewell-on-new-japans-final-event-of-the-year/ | title=Suzuki-gun bids farewell on New Japan's final event of the year | date=23 December 2022 }}</ref>

==== Championship reigns (2023–present) ==== On January 4, 2023 at Wrestle Kingdom 17, Desperado competed in a four-way match for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against Master Wato, Hiromu Takahashi and champion Taiji Ishimori, in a losing effort after the match was won by Hiromu Takahashi.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wrestlingheadlines.com/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-17-results/ | title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 Results | date=4 January 2023 }}</ref> Later in the month, Desperado appeared at Night 2 of Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Yokohama Arena, defeating Pro Wrestling Noah's Yo-Hey.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/137919?showResult=1 | title=2023.01.21 WRESTLE KINGDOM 17 in YOKOHAMA ARENA | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref> Following the event, Desperado continued to ally with Minoru Suzuki, eventually adding Ren Narita to the partnership, forming a trio. In February at The New Beginning in Osaka, The trio defeated House of Torture to win the Never Openweight 6 man tag-team championships. After the match Suzuki officially named the trio '''Strong Style'''.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-the-new-beginning-in-osaka-live-results-okada-vs-shingo | title=NJPW the New Beginning in Osaka live results: Okada vs. Shingo | newspaper=Won/F4W | date=11 February 2023 }}</ref>

The following day, Desperado appeared at Pro Wrestling Noah's Noah Great Voyage in Osaka, teaming with Nosawa Rongai to defeat Yo-Hey and Yasutaka Yano.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pwmania.com/pro-wrestling-noah-great-voyage-in-osaka-results-february-12-2023 | title=Pro Wrestling Noah Great Voyage in Osaka Results – February 12, 2023 - PWMania - Wrestling News | date=13 February 2023 | access-date=31 May 2023 | archive-date=19 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319220135/https://www.pwmania.com/pro-wrestling-noah-great-voyage-in-osaka-results-february-12-2023 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Back in NJPW, Strong Style retained their titles against House of Torture in a rematch in April. Desperado appeared at Capital Collision, losing to Tomohiro Ishii.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/04/15/4-15-njpw-capital-collision-results-mcguires-in-person-report-on-motor-city-machine-guns-vs-aussie-open-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-and-kazuchika-okada-in-a-three-way-for-the-njpw-strong-openweight-tag/ | title=4/15 NJPW Capital Collision results: McGuire's in-person report on Motor City Machine Guns vs. Aussie Open vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada in a three-way for the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Titles, Kenta vs. Eddie Edwards for the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship, Hiromu Takahashi and Tetsuya Naito vs. Sanada and Yoshinobu Kanemaru | date=16 April 2023 }}</ref> In May at Wrestling Dontaku, Strong Style lost the Never Openweight 6 man tag-team championships, to Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada and Tomohiro Ishii.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/142301?showCards=1 | title=2023.05.03 Wrestling Dontaku 2023 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING }}</ref> The following week, Desperado competed in the B block of the 2023 Best of the Super Juniors tournament.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2023/05/03/complete-lineups-for-best-of-the-super-juniors-tournament/ | title=Complete lineups for Best of the Super Juniors tournament | date=3 May 2023 }}</ref> Desperado finished joint top of his block, advancing to the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/njpw-best-of-the-super-juniors-tournament-update-semi-finals-set | title=NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Tournament Update: Semi-Finals Set | date=26 May 2023 }}</ref> In the semi-final round, Desperado lost to Titán.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/finals-set-for-njpw-best-of-the-super-juniors-30 | title=Finals set for NJPW Best of the Super Juniors 30 | newspaper=Won/F4W | date=26 May 2023 }}</ref> After being called out by Hiromu Takahashi following Takahashi's victory over Taiji Ishimori at Power Struggle, Desperado (who had been guest commentator at the event) accepted the former's challenge for an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match at Wrestle Kingdom 18. Desperado noted that he required eye surgery to correct his vision before the event, but he would be ready to compete on January 4, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Suit |date=2023-11-05 |title=NJPW Power Struggle 2023 (November 4) Results & Review |url=https://www.voicesofwrestling.com/2023/11/05/njpw-power-struggle-2023-november-4-results-review/ |access-date=2023-12-27 |website=Voices of Wrestling |language=en-US}}</ref>

At the event, Desperado defeated Takahashi to win his third IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/titles-change-hands-at-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-18 | title=Titles change hands at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 | date=4 January 2024 }}</ref>On February 23, 2024 at The New Beginning in Sapporo, Desperado to Sho,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/njpw-the-new-beginning-live-results-finlay-vs-nemeth-global-title-match|title=NJPW The New Beginning live results: Finlay vs. Nemeth Global title match|publisher=Wrestling Observer Newslette|access-date=February 23, 2024}}</ref> but regained it on June 16 at New Japan Soul to begin his fourth reign. On July 5, Desperado lost his title to Douki,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/07/05/new-japan-soul-douki-shocks-the-world/|title=New Japan Soul: DOUKI shocks the world|work=Slam Wrestling|first=Joseph|last=Casciaro|date=July 5, 2024|access-date=July 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706112500/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/07/05/new-japan-soul-douki-shocks-the-world/|archive-date=July 6, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> but would regain the title for a fifth time at January 4, 2025, at Wrestle Kingdom 19, via referee stoppage after Douk injured his arm while performing a diving senton to the outside of the ring.<ref>{{cite web|first=Doc-Chris|last=Mueller|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19 Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10149473-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-19-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights|website=Bleacher Report|access-date=2025-01-04}}</ref> On October 6, Desperado lost the title to Douki.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=DOUKI Wins IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title At NJPW Road To King of Pro-Wrestling|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/douki-wins-iwgp-junior-heavyweight-title-at-njpw-road-to-king-of-pro-wrestling/|date=October 6, 2025|access-date=October 6, 2025|work=Fightful}}</ref> On Night 2 of Wrestling Dontaku on May 4, 2026, Desperado teamed with Místico to defeat Ichiban Sweet Boys (Robbie Eagles and Kosei Fujita) to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, marking Desperado's fifth reign with title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=May 4, 2026 |title=Místico & El Desperado Capture IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles At NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2026 |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mistico-el-desperado-capture-iwgp-junior-heavyweight-tag-team-titles-at-njpw-wrestling-dontaku-2026/ |access-date=4 May 2026 |website=Fightful}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Michaels |first=Corey |date=May 4, 2026 |title=NJPW Wrestling Dontaku night two live results: Callum Newman vs Shingo Takagi |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/new-japan-results/njpw-wrestling-dontaku-night-two-live-results-callum-newman-vs-shingo-takagi/ |access-date=May 4, 2026 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref>

==Championships and accomplishments== *'''Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre''' **CMLL Arena Coliseo Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Okumura<ref name=ArenaColiseo/> *'''New Japan Pro-Wrestling''' **IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship (5 times)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=146|title=IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 28, 2021|access-date=November 6, 2021}}</ref> **IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (5 times, current) – with Yoshinobu Kanemaru (4)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=147|title=IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 6, 2018|access-date=November 6, 2021}}</ref>, and Místico (1, current)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=2026-05-04 |title=Místico & El Desperado Capture IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles At NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2026 |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mistico-el-desperado-capture-iwgp-junior-heavyweight-tag-team-titles-at-njpw-wrestling-dontaku-2026?xv=20260504084053 |access-date=2026-05-04 |website=Fightful {{!}} WWE News, AEW News, Pro Wrestling Backstage News |language=en-US}}</ref> **NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Minoru Suzuki and Ren Narita<ref>{{Cite web |title=New champions crowned at NJPW The New Beginning in Osaka |date=11 February 2023 |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/new-champions-crowned-at-njpw-the-new-beginning-in-osaka |publisher=Wrestling Observer}}</ref> **Best of the Super Juniors (2024) **Super Junior Tag League (2021) — with Yoshinobu Kanemaru<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=6552&page=2|title=Super Junior Tag League (2021)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=September 11, 2020|access-date=November 6, 2021}}</ref> *'''''Pro Wrestling Illustrated''''' ** Ranked No. 39 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''PWI 500'' in 2022 and 2025<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2022.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2022|work=profightdb.com|access-date=October 7, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2025 |url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2025.html |website=profightdb.com}}</ref> *'''Pro Wrestling Noah''' **GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Taka Michinoku<ref name=Noah031515/>

==Luchas de Apuestas record== {{see also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}} {|class="wikitable" width=100% |- !width=20%|Winner (wager) !width=20%|Loser (wager) !width=20%|Location !width=20%|Event !width=15%|Date !width=5%|Notes |- |Stuka, Jr. (mask) and Rey Cometa (hair) || ''La Fiebre Amarilla'' (Okumura (hair) and Namajague (mask)) || Mexico City, Mexico || 2013 ''Homenaje a Dos Leyendas'' || {{dts|2013|3|15}} || <ref name=HomenajeaDosLeyendas2013CMLL>{{cite web|url=http://cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420065053/http://cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm |title=Resultados Arena México |archive-date=April 20, 2013 |date=March 15, 2013 |access-date=March 17, 2013 |work=Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |language=es |url-status=dead }}</ref> |- |Rey Cometa (hair) || Namajague (hair) || Mexico City, Mexico || Arena Mexico 57th Anniversary Show || {{dts|2013|4|26}}|| <ref name=SLCometaNamajagueHair>{{cite web | url=http://superluchas.com/namajague-nipon-pelon/ | title=Namajague... ¡nipón pelón! | date=April 26, 2013| access-date=April 27, 2013 | work=Súper Luchas| publisher=SuperLucha Magazine | language=es}}</ref> |}

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} *[http://suzukigun.jp/member/el_desperado/ Suzuki-gun profile] {{in lang|ja}} * {{Professional wrestling profiles|cagematch=9038|wrestlingdata=16367|iwd=el-desperado-6109}} * {{IMDb name|nm9362814|Kyosuke Mikami}} * {{Twitter | ElDesperado5 | El Desperado}}

{{Navboxes| |list1= {{CMLL Arena Coliseo Tag Team Championship}} {{GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}} {{IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship}} {{IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship}}{{Super Jr. Tag Tournament}} {{NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship}} {{Best of the Super Juniors}} {{New Japan Pro Wrestling personnel}} {{Suzuki-gun}} }}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Desperado, El}} Category:1983 births Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers Category:Living people Category:Masked wrestlers Category:People from Nagaoka, Niigata Category:Sportspeople from Niigata Prefecture Category:Suzuki-gun members Category:CMLL Arena Coliseo Tag Team Champions Category:GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Category:IWGP Junior Heavyweight champions Category:IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Category:NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers Category:21st-century Japanese professional wrestlers Category:Best of the Super Juniors winners Category:Super Junior Tag League winners