Back on March 23rd, 2024, I attended the first official 1UP Wrestling event in Syracuse, NY at Sharkeys Bar & Grill. For nearly a decade, Syracuse hadn’t had a prominent independent wrestling promotion since the closure of Squared Circle Wrestling (2CW) in December 2015. Despite 2CW’s closure, there were several 2CW alum at the 1UP show including the likes of Brute Van Slyke, Steve McKenzie, Isys Ephex, Mike Skyros (Guy Sunshine) and Slyck Wagner Brown.
Of course, 1UP also used many wrestlers who have established themselves on the independent scene since 2CW’s closure. One of the wrestlers that most stood out to me at the event was a wrestler known as Ichiban. Admittedly, heading into the event I hadn’t been made aware of Ichiban. Prior to his appearance at 1UP, Ichiban had found success in Major League Wrestling (MLW) raking up an undefeated streak through the fall and winter of 2023. Just over a month before his showing at 1UP, Ichiban challenged Rocky Romero for the MLW World Middleweight Championship at the ECW Arena.
As I’ve been venturing into educating myself on the independent wrestling scene for Wrestling Recaps, one of the first people I thought about was Ichiban. I remember being impressed by Ichiban’s style in the ring and coming across as a confident performer and his high flying offense was a highlight of the entire show.
I reached out to the Number One Dojo, and a representative was able to provide some history for Ichiban and pass along some matches that Ichiban is most proud of that are available on YouTube.
Ichiban was trained by Slyck Wagner Brown out of the Test of Strength Wrestling (TOS) in East Hartford, CT. As of 2026, Ichiban actively competes for TOS, which is available on YouTube. On October 4th, 2025, Ichiban won the K-1 Classic and TOS Heavyweight Championships winning a four way ladder match that involved Sammy Diaz (heavyweight champ), SWB (K-1 champ), and Bobby Ocean.
A main goal for Ichiban is to travel around the world to wrestle and learn from the best in the industry. In 2026, Ichiban looks to continue to work towards his goal of wrestling in all 50 states and has accomplished 17 states to this point (January 2026). Ichiban is also seeking to win more championships.
One of Ichiban’s greatest inspirations to become a professional wrestler was Low Ki. Ichiban considers Low Ki to be one of the absolute best to ever compete, and had the honor to wrestle Low Ki at TOS Fight For Your Dreams 5. That match will be highlighted later on in this article.
Along with the match with Low Ki, the representative from Number One Dojo passed along several matches to watch that Ichiban is fond of. It was noted that Brad Hollister, whom Ichiban wrestled at Wrestle Open 100 to crown the inaugural Wrestling Open Championship, is Ichiban’s greatest rival.
So, lets get into the matches. This is the first time I’ve watched the matches and my review are genuine whether they be good, bad, or indifferent.
K-1 CLASSIC CHAMPION ICHIBAN VS. LOW KI — TOS FIGHT FOR YOUR DREAMS 5
At the time, Low Ki was wrestling in Hitman (the video game) attire. Before the match, Ki takes off that attire and reveals a more modern wrestling Low Ki attire as if you play mind games with Ichiban. The crowd is heavily behind both men, but Ichiban edges out with the crowd support a little bit. Ki backs Ichiban into a corner, but Ichiban gets into the ropes to break the advantage. Ichiban tries for a takedown, but Ki avoids the takedown by holding the ropes causing a rope break. Ichiban backs Ki into another corner, but backs off cleanly again. Ki gains the advantage in a test of strength bridging Ichiban and leaping onto Ichiban as Ichiban bridges up with his head. Ki tries for an arm bar, but Ichiban scrambles to the ropes to break the submission attempt. Ichiban gets control on the mat, but Ki counters by getting a leg submission twisting Ichiban’s ankle. Ichiban breaks and Ki remains seated trying to avoid any offense. Ichiban puts a headlock on Ki to keep the momentum. Ki backs Ichiban against the ropes and breaks away cleanly.
Ichiban backs Ki into the corner, but Ki quickly puts an arm bar over the ropes until he’s forced to let go by the referee. Ichiban quickly grabs his left arm in discomfort. Ichiban takes Ki down to the mat with a wrist lock on the mat to regain control of the match. Ki controls Ichiban on the mat for a moment and continues to wrench on the arm, but Ichiban reaches the ropes to break the hold. Ichiban takes Ki down to the mat with a waist lock and gets a near fall, but Ki switches to a front face lock and releases the hold without incident. Ki takes Ichiban down to the mat with wrist control. Ki casually presses his foot into Ichiban’s face, but Ichiban backs Ki against the ropes and taunts Ki right in his face before backing off. Ki backs Ichiban against the ropes and into the corner. Ichiban taunts Ki again, but Ki smiles and chops Ichiban to the mat. Ki continues with a chop in several corners. Ki sends Ichiban to the floor and sits Ichiban on a chair to deliver a chop in the front row. Ki breaks the count and elbow strikes Ichiban over the face. Ichiban fights back with strikes in the crowd and chops Ki. Ichiban sits Ki on a chair and pummels Ki with right hands.
Ichiban rolls Ki back into the ring and tries for a cover, but Ki kicks out at one. Ichiban keeps Ki on the mat with a sleeper for a moment. Ichiban puts a top wrist lock on Ki while putting a body scissors on to trap Ki in the middle of the ring, but Ki is able to reach the ropes to break the hold. Ichiban delivers a suplex for a two count and goes back to a sleeper. Ki chops Ichiban against the ropes, and Ki delivers a kick to the chest to drop Ichiban to the mat. Ki snapmares Ichiban and comes off the ropes to deliver an elbow drop for a two count. Ki elbow strikes Ichiban over the face. Ichiban strikes Ki and tries for a backdrop, but Ki counters with a sunset flip and double stomps Ichiban for a two count. Ki locks in an abdominal stretch in the middle of the ring. Ki strikes Ichiban over the head for a near fall. Ki controls Ichiban with a waist lock on the mat. Ichiban tries to break free, but Ki delivers a back suplex for a two count. Ki goes back with a body scissors in the middle of the ring, but Ichiban refuses to submit.
Ichiban bridges backward, but Ki kicks out at two and kicks Ichiban on the chest. Ki tries for another cover, but Ichiban kicks out at two. Ki kicks Ichiban on the chest to knock Ichiban to the mat. Ki chops Ichiban against the ropes and Ichiban drops to his knees. Ki chops Ichiban against the ropes again and misses a springboard attempt. Ichiban rolls Ki up for a two count. Ichiban delivers a jawbreaker and hits a handspring back elbow in the corner. Ichiban missile dropkicks Ki from the middle rope and waits in the corner. Ichiban hits a leaping flatliner, but can’t make the quick cover. Ichiban covers, but the bell sounds. Apparently, the time limit has been reached and it is a draw. The crowd wants five more minutes, and they will get five more minutes.
They begin to trade strikes in the middle of the ring with Ichiban getting the advantage. Ichiban runs into a dropkick by Ki. Ki hooks Ichiban for the Ki Krusher, but Ichiban is able to avoid the move by getting to the ropes. Ki rams Ichiban into the corner face first and delivers elbow strikes to the top of the champs head. Ki continues with a chop in the corner. Ki puts a dragon sleeper in the middle of the ring, but Ichiban quickly scrambles to the ropes to break the hold. Ichiban strikes Ki several times, but Ki stops Ichiban with knee strikes to the body. Ichiban struggles for air on the mat as the referee begins to count the champ out, but Ichiban gets to his feet at the count of eight. Ki continues to work over Ichiban with chops and knee strikes in the corner. Ichiban drops to the mat again as Ki waits in the corner. Ichiban gets to his feet, but Ki quickly pounces and tries for the Ki Krusher, but Ichiban breaks free. Ki dropkicks Ichiban into the referee in the corner. Ki tries for a cover, but there’s no referee to make the count.
Ki heads to the top rope hitting the Warriors Way double stomp, but there’s still no referee. A second referee comes out and begins to make the count, but the time limit has expired again right before the count of three. Thus, it’s another draw. Ki can’t believe it. Ichiban retains the title. After the match, Ki grabs a microphone saying that was fun and puts over Ichiban. Ki ends up saying Ichiban has earned his respect and they shake hands in the middle of the ring.
Bob’s Take: I think it is safe to say this is a memorable match in TOS history. The crowd ate this up, and rightfully so. Ichiban showed that he can absolutely keep up with a guy at Low Ki’s level. Ichiban’s offense is entertaining and it’s not just “movez’ for the sake of getting a pop. I appreciated the story being told here that Ki initially controlled the bout, but Ichiban gradually getting more and more offense on Ki. Sure, the finish is a bit of a cop out, and I can see how people could be annoyed that Ichiban is left only surviving at the end as that’s usually a heel champion spot, but the sake of the story of the match and Ichiban character the draw doesn’t hurt the champ. In some ways, surviving the attack of Low Ki is a victory in itself. This is an example of showcasing your local champion and outside viewers such as myself are more interested in learning and seeing more from him. I’m intrigued to see Ichiban against TOS talent, and that will likely make me interested in other TOS competitors.
Match Rating: ***1/2
ICHIBAN VS. BRAD HOLLISTER — WRESTLING OPEN 100 — April 20th, 2023
This is the finals to crown the first ever Wrestling Open Champion. They are having a standoff in the middle of the ring as the crowd is amped for the finals of the tournament. The bell sounds and Hollister shoves Ichiban. Ichiban jabs Hollister several times to gain the momentum knocking Hollister into the corner. Hollister misses a chop and Ichiban responds with several chops in the corner. Ichiban snapmares Hollister and delivers a leg drop for a two count. Ichiban continues to strike Hollister, but Hollister counters with chops in the corner. Hollister headbutts Ichiban in the corner. Hollister rams Ichiban into the corner to keep control of the bout. Hollister misses a charge in the corner. Ichiban hits a leg lariat for a near fall. Ichiban strikes Hollister over the head and continues with body strikes in the corner. Ichiban clotheslines Hollister, but misses a second one only to hit a dropkick for a one count. Hollister bails to the floor to regroup. Ichiban tries for a suicide dive, but is caught and Hollister slams Ichiban onto the apron. Hollister taunts the crowd now that he’s in control. Hollister chops Ichiban on the floor before returning to the ring. Hollister elbow strikes Ichiban on the mat. Hollister sends Ichiban chest first into the corner and taunts the crowd before getting a near fall. Ichiban strikes Hollister several times, but runs into a back elbow strike. Five minutes have passed in the hour time limit.
Hollister headbutts Ichiban into the ropes and delivers a snap suplex for a two count. Hollister keeps Ichiban on the mat with a headlock. Ichiban strikes Hollister several times and ducks a clothesline to hit a crossbody. Ichiban waits in the corner, but is caught and slammed to the mat. Hollister follows up with a senton splash for a near fall and argues with the referee. Ichiban tries to fight back with body strikes, but Hollister headbutts Ichiban and hits a German suplex for a two count. Hollister keeps control with a front face lock on the mat. Ichiban strikes Hollister, but Hollister avoids being hit the corner. Ichiban gets a two count with a rollup and delivers a stunner followed by a clothesline and a leaping back elbow. Ichiban plants Hollister with a tornado DDT. Hollister catches Ichiban in the corner, but Ichiban hits a reverse hurricanrana for a two count! Hollister catches Ichiban and tries for a powerbomb, but Ichiban punches free. Hollister decks Ichiban with a clothesline as ten minutes have elapsed.
Ichiban avoids a pop-up powerbomb by hitting a Canadian Destroyer for a two count! Hollister rolls to the floor to regroup. Ichiban hits a suicide dive tornado DDT on the floor. Hollister plants Ichiban with a sit out powerbomb back in the ring for a two count. Hollister waits in the corner, but Ichiban avoids a strike with a backslide attempt for a two count. Hollister gets a rollup for a two count, but Ichiban delivers a boot to the face. Hollister tosses Ichiban coming off a springboard and delivers a leaping flatliner for a near fall. Hollister headbutts Ichiban into the corner and pummels Ichiban with strikes. Ichiban yanks Hollister off the ropes, but is met with a headbutt on the apron. Hollister brings Ichiban to the ropes, but Ichiban knocks Hollister to the mat and boots a charging Hollister. Ichiban hits a tornado jackhammer for a two count! They struggle to their feet face to face and yell at each other before trading wild strikes. Fifteen minutes have elapsed in the time limit.
Both men are winded, but neither man dropped while trading strikes. Hollister headbutts Ichiban, but Ichiban responds with a spinning kick and both men are down. Ichiban dropkicks Pedro Dones and Ray Jaz for attempting to cash in a contract. Hollister whacks Ichiban with the contract from behind, but the referee only counts to two on the cover and the crowd erupted for that! Hollister pummels Ichiban on the mat with several strikes. Hollister slaps Ichiban and wants to see his fight. Ichiban responds with strikes in the corner and hits a handspring back elbow in the corner. Ichiban heads to the top rope hitting a crossbody, but Ray Jaz pulls the referee out. Jaz and Dones return to the ring, but Miracle Generation come out and brawl with them to keep the match free of interference. The faces take care of business with strikes in difference corners. Pedro and Ray are decked to the floor and taken out by Miracle Generation with a crossbody. A new referee has gotten into the ring after the original was knocked down. Ichiban hits a leaping flatliner, but Hollister manages to kick out at two. Twenty minutes have elapsed in the time limit.
Ichiban heads to the middle rope leaps off the middle rope and is met with an uppercut by Hollister. Hollister grabs Ichiban from the apron and hits a middle rope jackhammer for a near fall. Hollister clubs Ichiban over the back several times. Hollister sits Ichiban on the top turnbuckle and tries for a German suplex, but Ichiban holds onto the post. Ichiban elbows Hollister, but Hollister responds with strikes over the back. Hollister tries for a German suplex, but Ichiban lands on his feet, much to the surprise of Hollister. Ichiban hits a springboard flatliner off the middle rope and pins Hollister to become the first ever Wrestling Open Heavyweight Champion after twenty-two minutes of action.
Bob’s Take: Holy shit, folks. You need to watch that match. That was absolutely incredible and the crowd atmosphere was insane. These two are fantastic against each other and the fact that this is a long running rivalry in Wrestling Open likely means I’ll be doing a Reliving The Rivalry piece on this, too. I’m truly baffled by how neither one of these guys are on national TV on a weekly basis. There’s probably no logical excuse for it. I haven’t seen a Hollister match since I had regularly watched Northeast Wrestling shows seven years ago, and I am thrilled to see the performer he has become in 2023. I can’t recommend this match enough. I enjoyed this a lot. Watch the match!
Match Rating: *****
ICHIBAN VS. JAY MALACHI — DPW CAROLINA CLASSIC 2023
Malachi starts off with a shoulder block and they counter each other with rollups at the start. Ichiban avoids a head scissors by landing on his feet, and Malachi does the same. Ichiban counters a springboard utter with a backslide. They end up having a standoff, and I’m already exhausted! Ichiban dropkicks Malachi to gain the first advantage. Ichiban splashes Malachi in the corner and delivers several strikes in the corner. Ichiban plays to the crowd as Malachi regroups in the corner. Malachi is met with a strike from the apron and Ichiban hits a top rope strike for a one count. Ichiban delivers a leg drop for a two count. Malachi strikes Ichiban several times and avoids a suplex. Ichiban sends Malachi over the top to the floor. Ichiban is tripped by Malachi and pulled to the floor where Malachi kicks Ichiban from the apron. Malachi sends Ichiban towards the railing, but Ichiban leaps over into the crowd and strikes Malachi. Malachi responds by jumping over the railing and takes out Ichiban before they return to the ring. Ichiban hits a springboard kick to knock Malachi off the apron and hits a somersault dive over the top to the floor. Ichiban rolls Malachi back into the ring and heads to the top rope. Ichiban is stopped on the top and Malachi hits an incredible Spanish Fly for a near fall!
Ichiban knee strikes Malachi into the corner, but is met with a knee to the back. Malachi hits a modified Angle Slam for a near fall. Malachi misses a springboard, but lands on his feet. Ichiban hits a springboard Canadian Destroyer and a Michinoku Driver for a near fall! Ichiban waits in the corner and misses a handspring leading to them trading strikes. Ichiban ducks a kick and superkicks Malachi. Malachi spin kicks Ichiban, but is met with a stunner. Ichiban leaps off the top, but met with a cutter. Malachi springboards off the top and delivers a cutter to pin Ichiban.
Bob’s Take: My goodness. For those who are not aware, Malachi is known now as Je’Von Evans, who is competing for WWE as of January 2026. For a match that was sub-ten minutes, this was incredible. The display of aerial ability by both men was fascinating. They didn’t overdo it with time and kept it within reason for the match for the big spots. If you’re a fan of insane athletic ability, this is well worth the time.
Match Rating: ****
I’m not sure how or why Ichiban is not signed to a major professional wrestling organization. I think it’s just a matter of time before it happens as he has worked with higher profile promotions in 2025 including the likes of Limitless Wrestling, AIW, and GCW. There’s no logical way that his talent will not shine on the bigger stage and his effort on the independents needs to be rewarded.
Honestly, I knew Ichiban was good just based off the one match I saw at 1UP in 2024, but these matches far exceeded my expectations. He’s only 25-years old. Ichiban is incredibly entertaining and if he’s on a show near me locally I’m absolutely going. A lot of his matches are available on YouTube since he’s a regular worker for Test of Strength and their shows are free on YouTube. Check out TOS shows HERE.
This was an absolute blast to do and I am thrilled to be more aware of Ichiban. I’m excited to see where his career goes and all his future success is going to be well deserved. Ichiban reminds me a lot of Rey Mysterio circa 1996 and his pure babyface presence reminds me of Ricky Steamboat. I think Ichiban can be a top babyface for any promotion and he has absolute incredible matches. I will be actively watching Ichiban moving forward.
For more information on Ichiban, you can follow his career via his X account HERE. You can also check out his merch on his Pro Wrestling Tee page HERE.
Thank you to Ichiban’s representatives for their assistance on this article.
Thank you for reading.