Black Buffalo

The Buffalo Bills Are Back: The Rise and Fall of Keisuke Yamada's Wrestling Career

Keisuke Yamada, better known to wrestling fans as Black Buffalo, is a name that often gets lost in the shuffle when discussing the history of professional wrestling. But for those who have had the pleasure of watching him take to the ring, they know that Black Buffalo was a force to be reckoned with.

Standing at 5'9" and weighing in at 210 pounds, Black Buffalo's diminutive stature belied his technical prowess and unrelenting aggression. A judo practitioner by trade, Yamada brought a unique set of skills to the ring, one that allowed him to seamlessly transition from grappling to high-flying acrobatics.

Early Years

Born on July 6th, 1974 in Tottori, Japan, Black Buffalo's wrestling journey began in the early 90s. With a first match date of May 12th, 1993, Yamada quickly made a name for himself as a singles wrestler in Osaka Pro Wrestling.

Over the years, Black Buffalo would go on to work in various promotions, including New Japan Pro Wrestling, Extreme Championship Wrestling, Pro Wrestling NOAH, All Japan Pro Wrestling, and DragonGate Japan Pro-Wrestling. Each stop along the way saw Yamada refine his craft, incorporating new moves and strategies into his repertoire.

The Signature Moves

One of Black Buffalo's most iconic moves was the Buffalo Slicer, a devastating apron legdrop that left opponents reeling. But he also had a few tricks up his sleeve, including the Buffalo Driver, Lariat, and Churrasco (Triangle Hold).

As Tactical Violence, Black Buffalo's reputation as a hard-hitting, technical wrestler spread far and wide. Fans loved him for his unapologetic aggression and willingness to push the envelope in the ring.

The Championships

Throughout his career, Black Buffalo would go on to win several championships, including the DDT Iron Man Heavy Metal Championship, Osaka Pro Championship, Dove Pro Heavyweight Championship, King Of FREEDOM Tag Team Championship, and VKF King Of Wrestle Naniwa Championship. These accolades cemented his status as one of Japan's most beloved and respected wrestlers.

Legacy

Despite a relatively short career, Black Buffalo left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. His influence can be seen in the many wrestlers who have followed in his footsteps, incorporating his signature moves into their own arsenal.

As we look back on the storied career of Keisuke Yamada, aka Black Buffalo, one thing is clear: this Japanese wrestler may not have received the same level of recognition as some of his contemporaries, but he remains an integral part of wrestling history.