Masahiro Chôno

1963-09-17 · Seattle, Washington, USA

Biography

Masahiro "Masa" Chono (蝶野正洋, Chōno Masahiro) is an American-born Japanese-American retired professional wrestler and actor best known for his 26 year stint with New Japan Pro-Wrestling . As the leader of nWo Japan, Team 2000 and Black New Japan, he was the promotion's top heel for much of his career, beginning in 1994 when he adopted his Yakuza inspired gimmick. Aside from his work in NJPW, Chono has also made appearances for World Championship Wrestling (WCW), as a member of the New World Order, as well as occasional appearances in All-Japan Pro Wrestling and Osaka Pro Wrestling. Chono holds the record for most wins of the G1 Climax at 5, which has earned him the nicknames "Mr. August" and "Mr. G1". He is a former seven-time IWGP Tag Team Champion, and a former one-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and a former one-time NWA Heavyweight Champion.