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Keiji Muto trained in the New Japan Dojo with Jushin Liger, and Masahiro Chono, before making his pro debut in 1984. After training he went to the US and bounced between Texas, Puerto Rico, and Florida. Until he went to WCW in the late 80's and created the "Great Muta" character. Muto returned to New Japan in April, 1990 , defeating Chono in his return match. His greatest match with Chono came in the 1991 G1 Climax final, when the two brought Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan to it's feet in a thriller that helped make them superstars. His first IWGP Heavyweight Title reign was as Muta, with legend, Riki Choshu, losing to a moonsault in August, 1992, and Muta would hold the belt for a year before dropping it to fellow Shinya Hashimoto. For much of the decade, Muto dominated New Japan, enjoying two more reigns as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, many IWGP Tag Team Title reigns, and his one and only G1 Climax victory in 1995. Because of the New Japan/All Japan alliance at the time, Muto was able to venture into All Japan, where he scored a big win over Toshiaki Kawada, then made history when he defeated Genichiro Tenryu to capture All Japan's prestigious Triple Crown.
At one point, in October, 2001, he held SIX belts, the Triple Crown (three), AJPW World Tag Team Title (two), and IWGP Tag Team Title (one). In early January, 2002, he shocked the world by quitting New Japan, ending his 17+ year career there, and becoming a full-time All Japan wrestler, taking Satoshi Kojima and Kendo Kashin with him. He quickly became the ace and lead figure of All Japan, and later in 2002 succeeded Motoko Baba as president of the company. With so many titles and tournament victories to his name, Keiji Muto is a legend and icon in wrestling, and perhaps the most recognizable Japanese wrestler on western shores too. After many successful years in New Japan, Muto now leads All Japan against his old haunt, and remains one of the most popular wrestlers in the country.
A great thing about Muto is how he has adapted his style throughout the years to adapt to his messed up knees(due mostly to moonsaults) Keiji Muto is a Legend of The Ring!
Muta Red Mists Liger circa 1996
Muta with a trademark Moonsault
