By: Shane Doorbeejan
Jinsei Shinzaki’s hard work and dedication have made him an underrated force in today’s wrestling world. His influence can be seen in his work with many legends of today and the future generation of talent. Although he has been under the radar of many pro wrestling fans, his wrestling can be seen as monumental, and worthy of recognition.
Recently, translations of Jinsei’s diaries written by user @BretHUFMW on Twitter have shed light on a sensitive side of Jinsei during his run in America as “Hakushi” in the WWF. Through the diaries, he seems highly conscious of his wrestling skills and the need to improve every time while performing in a western country. It is honest and heart-rendering to know Jinsei was critical of himself during his run in America.
Hayabusa & Jinsei Shinzaki. One of the most visually & stylistically compelling tag teams in modern wrestling history. 👑🔥👑 pic.twitter.com/IHoTp0MzxF
— Vintage Puroresu プロレス (@vintagepuro) November 28, 2022
Shinzaki had memorable battles that made him recognized by many across the world, featuring hardcore matches with death-defying, high-flying action. Whether it was teaming up with Hayabusa or standing across Miasawa, he made himself respected figure in the wrestling industry and is still wrestling today at 56, most recently in Michinoku Pro.
While five of Jinsei’s best matches are featured here, it’s worth advising to look further into the scope of his library of matches as it transcends itself further the more you delve into it. No matter where he goes, he always shines.
5) Jinsei Shinzaki & Hayabusa & Masato Tanaka vs Atsushi Onita & Mr. Gannosuke & Yukihiro Kanemura – FMW, 22.12.97
The best way to start following the work of Shinzaki is to watch his matches in FMW (Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling). He was a standout player in the promotion, allying himself with Hayabusa and having memorable hardcore bouts with Mr. Gannosuke. Jinsei proved himself as a hardcore icon within the promotion, creating memorable moments such as doing his signature taunt, getting in a praying pose while spurting blood. This match is an example of how he became household name in FMW. Jinsei regularly does great spots such as a beautiful dragon leg sweep, and a unique sleeper hold while being handcuffed to the cage. Jinsei elegantly navigates around the cage in this good brawl of a match.
4) Bret Hart vs. Hakushi – WWF In Your House, 05.14.1995
During Jinsei’s tenure in the WWF/E, he had a memorable run with the legendary Bret Hart. Their match together showcased the remarkable skills of both wrestlers, each one outshining the other in a display of exceptional talent. Even to this day, the spots and selling they performed are still captivating to watch. One standout moment includes Hakushi’s power whip that sent Bret Hart sliding out of the ring, wrapping his back around the ring post. Additionally, Jinsei’s flying ability allowed him to gracefully land on Bret, adding a dynamic element to their in-ring chemistry.
This underrated classic served as an introduction to Jinsei for many fans in America and the rest of the world. Jinsei himself reflected on this match in his diaries admitting that he felt nervous leading up to it. He revealed that he did not get enough sleep and that his training had been demanding. In these sections, Jinsei humbly acknowledged his nerves, describing how his legs were shaking during the match. However, he also recognized that despite his apprehension, he delivered a superior performance, and was met with a positive reaction from the crowd.
Bret Hart x Hakushi. Despite wrestling just two televised singles matches, Twitter comments on these posts have consistently shown how huge of an impression this rivalry made on a generation of WWE fans and future stars of the sport. 👑 pic.twitter.com/vmL4Ke2pVQ
— Vintage Puroresu プロレス (@vintagepuro) May 15, 2023
It serves as a testament to his resilience and ability to rise above challenges. Jinsei’s determination to put on a memorable show shines through, and the result is a match that can be cherished and appreciated years later. It is a testament to Jinsei’s skill and the connection he was able to establish with the audience, creating a lasting impact in the hearts of wrestling fans.
3) Mr. Gannosuke vs. Jinsei Shinzaki – FMW, 04.21.98
Another remarkable match in Jinsei’s career took place in FMW, this time in singles action against Gannosuke, culminating their intense year long feud. Jinsei’s ability to captivate and entertain the crowd, regardless of the circumstances, is truly electrifying. His willingness to take incredible bumps and execute breathtaking moves only adds to the excitement for the audience. Throughout the match, the relentless chants of “Jinsei!” reverberate through the arena, a testament to the immense love and support he garnered during his craft in this blood feud.
Right from the start, this explosive match kicks off with a wild brawl on the outside, highlighting the deep-rooted animosity between Jinsei and Gannosuke. The strikes and grapples exchanged between them demonstrate the sheer intensity of their shared history. Within the first five minutes, Jinsei endures a brutal powerbomb on a table, folding him in a way that sends shockwaves through the crowd.
Undeterred, Jinsei pushes himself to the extreme, determined to bring an end to this compelling storyline. He showcases his mastery of high-flying manoeuvres, executing beautiful double stomps that leave the audience in awe. What is truly remarkable is his impeccable landing and seamless rolls after each aerial assault, displaying a newfound confidence and precision in his performance. It is as if after his run in the WWF, Jinsei discovered a renewed sense of confidence that allowed him to shine and truly find his footing.
This match not only serves as a thrilling climax to the feud with Gannosuke but also represents a turning point in Jinsei’s career. It showcases his resilience, ability to connect with the crowd, and remarkable athleticism. Jinsei’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience for the fans is palpable throughout this intense encounter.
2) The Great Muta vs Jinsei Shinzaki – New Japan Battle Formation, 04.29.96
This match is undoubtedly a significant moment in Jinsei’s career. As a contracted wrestler with WWF, he faced off against Great Muta in Japan, and the encounter left an indelible mark on him. In his diaries, Jinsei explains how his Hakushi character died that night, leaving him feeling like a new person but with an inexplicable void following him. This experience was the catalyst that led Jinsei to leave the company.
Opening seconds of the Great Muta vs Jinsei Shinzaki. #njpw pic.twitter.com/0NSdBpB3sN
— cozy superkick ♻️ (@cozysuperkick) February 11, 2019
The match itself is a breathtaking showcase of the incredible talents of both wrestlers. It also highlights the evolution that Jinsei went through as a young wrestler travelling between America and Japan. The visuals of Muta and Jinsei clashing are striking and provide an unforgettable experience for the fans. The pace of the match is incredibly fast, and Jinsei’s skills are on full display as he takes on the legendary Muta. In the beginning of the match, Jinsei expertly avoids a mist, showcasing his incredible reflexes. The match ends with an incredible shot of Jinsei doing his praying taunt with the lettering on his body as he spouts blood out of his mouth.
This battle between Jinsei and Muta is a prime example of Jinsei’s ability to evolve with the times and his unwavering confidence. This newfound confidence was the key to his future success and allowed him to improve his craft. This is evident in his diaries as he reflects on his experiences and decides to leave the company.
Years later, the two legends would face each other again during The Great Muta’s retirement tour in Pro Wrestling NOAH. This time, they were joined by the likes of Sting, Darby Allin, AKIRA, and Naomichi Marufuji, making for an even more epic encounter that harkened back to their previous match almost mirroring it many years later.
1) Jinsei Shinzaki and Hayabusa vs. Toshiaki Kawada & Akira Taue – AJPW, 11.23.97
This match fully highlights the reason fans genuinely love Jinsei and highlights his unwavering dedication to his work. Teaming up once again with the legendary Hayabusa, they face off against the formidable duo of Kawada and Taue, known in tandem as the Holy Demon Army and two of the “Four Pillars of Heaven”. From the very beginning, the bout captivates the audience with its sheer brilliance. It is a mesmerizing display of athleticism, skill, and showmanship as all four contenders leave no stone unturned in their quest to entertain the audience.
Toshiaki Kawada gives Jinsei Shinzaki a taste of the AJPW style, but Shinzaki is a more than worthy foe. (1997) 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Z2mDh0rDYc
— Vintage Puroresu プロレス (@vintagepuro) November 12, 2022
The pace of the match is exhilarating, with each participant firing on all cylinders. Their seamless coordination and chemistry create an electric atmosphere, drawing the crowd into a state of pure excitement. They move effortlessly together, executing perfectly timed and flawlessly executed maneuvers that defy gravity. Even to this day, their performance remains a testament to their exceptional abilities and leaves an impression on anyone fortunate enough to witness it.
Jinsei’s evolution as a performer is evident throughout this match. With each passing moment, his growth and connection with the crowd becomes apparent. His character development can be traced back to specific moments in his life and within matches like this. Whether it is in Japan or even in America, Jinsei’s impact is undeniable.
In hindsight, Jinsei Shinzaki is an overlooked figure in puroresu, making it a must to appreciate and consider Jinsei’s contributions to the world of professional wrestling. He has consistently delivered underrated moments and matches that have resonated with many fans. His dedication and ability to create unforgettable experiences both in and out of the ring warrants more recognition from the wrestling community.
Date:
May 20, 2023
Category:
The Midcard