Shoichi Funaki
- January 5, 2024
- Wrestler
Quick Facts
Shoichi Funaki Biography
| Name | Shoichi Funaki |
| Birthday | Aug 24 |
| Birth Year | 1968 |
| Place Of Birth | Tokyo |
| Birth Country | Japan |
| Birth Sign | Leo |
Shoichi Funaki is one of the most popular and richest Wrestler who was born on August 24, 1968 in Tokyo, Japan. Professional wrestler with the WWE who was a former Cruiserweight Champion and Hardcore Champion. He was a color commentator in the year 2016 and provides the Japanese commentary at WWE events.
He was trained informally with the help of the professional Japanese wrestling champion He was formally trained by professional Japanese wrestler Yoshiaki Fujiwara..
Funaki started as a shoot style wrestler in Yoshiaki Fujiwara’s Pro Wrestling Fujiwara Gumi promotion and moved to its successor promotion, Battlarts. He later found the lucha libre style more to his liking, so he moved to The Great Sasuke’s promotion, Michinoku Pro Wrestling. In that promotion, he joined with Taka Michinoku, Dick Togo, Men’s Teioh and Shiryu in the Kai En Tai stable. Funaki also wrestled in the Universal Wrestling Association (UWA) where he won the UWA World Middleweight Championship from El Pantera on March 19, 1997, in Japan.
Michinoku eventually turned villainous and joined the group. At SummerSlam 1998, Kai En Tai lost to Oddities members Kurrgan, Giant Silva and Golga in a handicap match. Over time, the stable turned into a tag team, as in 1999, Teioh and Togo (and manager Yamaguchi-san) were given their releases. Michinoku and Funaki were often used for comedic purposes, often having their pre-match promos dubbed—while Michinoku would “deliver” the majority of dialogue for the duo, Funaki would “respond” strongly with a simple “INDEED”.
His birthplace was in Tokyo, Japan and later relocated into San Antonio, Texas. He speaks six different languages.
Shoichi Funaki Net Worth
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
| Source Of Income | Wrestler |
| House | Living in own house. |
Shoichi Funaki is one of the richest Wrestler from Japan. According to our analysis, Wikipedia, Forbes & Business Insider, Shoichi Funaki 's net worth $5 Million. (Last Update: December 11, 2023)
He made his debut in wrestling in 1990.
He launched an educational facility at San Antonio, Texas.
Shoichi Funaki (船木 勝一 , Funaki Shōichi) (born August 24, 1968) is a Japanese professional wrestler and color commentator signed to WWE, where he is a one- time Cruiserweight Champion and a one-time Hardcore Champion. He currently works for WWE as a Japanese-language play-by-play commentator.
Height, Weight & Body Measurements
| Height | 5 ft 7 in |
Shoichi Funaki height 5 ft 7 in Shoichi weight Not Known & body measurements will update soon.
Who is Shoichi Funaki Dating?
According to our records, Shoichi Funaki is possibily single & has not been previously engaged. As of December 1, 2023, Shoichi Funaki’s is not dating anyone.
Relationships Record : We have no records of past relationships for Shoichi Funaki. You may help us to build the dating records for Shoichi Funaki!
On the March 4, 2004 episode of SmackDown!, Funaki lost to Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero in a non-title match. On the March 11 episode of SmackDown!, Funaki participated in an 8-man cruiserweight tag team match teaming with fellow cruiserweights Rey Mysterio, Último Dragón and Billy Kidman against Tajiri, Akio, Sakoda and Jamie Noble. At WrestleMania XX, Funaki participated in a Cruiserweight Open for the Cruiserweight Championship but was pinned by Jamie Noble.
Facts & Trivia
Shoichi Ranked on the list of most popular Wrestler. Also ranked in the elit list of famous people born in Japan. Shoichi Funaki celebrates birthday on August 24 of every year.
On the December 9 episode of SmackDown!, Funaki won a cruiserweight over the top rope number one contender’s battle royal which included Chavo Guerrero, Paul London, Billy Kidman, Akio, Shannon Moore and Nunzio. At Armageddon 2004, Funaki defeated Spike Dudley to win the Cruiserweight Championship. Funaki successfully defended the title against Spike Dudley, Akio and Nunzio. His last successful title defense was against Chavo Guerrero on the February 10, 2005 episode of SmackDown!, notably held in Funaki’s birth country, Japan.
Top Facts about Shoichi Funaki
- Shoichi Funaki is a retired Japanese professional wrestler.
- He was born on August 24, 1968 in Tokyo, Japan.
- Funaki began his wrestling career in 1985.
- He wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling and WWE.
- Funaki won the WWE Cruiserweight Championship twice.
- He also held the WWE Tag Team Championship once.
- After retiring from wrestling, he became a commentator for NJPW and WWE.
- Funaki is known for his signature move “The Tornado”.
- He was trained by legendary wrestler Antonio Inoki.
- Funaki has appeared in several movies and TV shows as an actor or stuntman.