Akira Tozawa
This high-flying Japanese wrestler brought a unique blend of intense martial arts spirit and comedic timing to WWE's global stage.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Japanese professional wrestler·Birthday: July 22·Millennials
Biography
Akira Tozawa carved his path in the hard-hitting world of Japanese independent wrestling before catching the eye of WWE. Known for his explosive style, he built a reputation in promotions like Dragon Gate, where his technical skill and fearless diving attacks made him a standout. His move to WWE in 2016 introduced his energetic persona and piercing battle cry to a worldwide audience. While his serious in-ring prowess earned him the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, Tozawa also displayed a surprising flair for comedy, most notably during his record-setting 16 reigns as the often-absurd 24/7 Champion. His later alignment with the Alpha Academy stable showcased his versatility, serving as both a fierce competitor and a loyal, if occasionally exasperated, teammate. Tozawa's journey reflects the global reach of modern wrestling, blending the discipline of puroresu with the sports-entertainment spectacle of WWE.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Akira was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Akira Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Akira's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became a one-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion in 2017, defeating Neville on an episode of Monday Night Raw.
- Held the WWE 24/7 Championship a record 16 times, often in quick, chaotic backstage segments.
- Was a cornerstone of the Dragon Gate promotion in Japan, winning its Open the Brave Gate and Triangle Gate championships.
- Successfully transitioned from the Japanese independent scene to a lasting role on WWE's main roster programming.
Did You Know?
His signature move is the diving senton, which he calls the 'Senton Bomb.'
He is known for his loud, distinctive shout (a sharp 'Ah!') before executing a move.
Before wrestling, he worked in a factory making plastic parts for cars.
He is a trained practitioner of Shorinji Kempo, a Japanese martial art.
“I will fight until my body breaks, because this ring is my home.”
