The Yakuza series has always drawn inspiration from professional wrestling for its finishing attacks, and real-life wrestler Hikaru Shida recently returned the favor by busting out Kazuma Kiryu’s Super Finish: Hell's Gauntlet during the latest episode of AEW Dynamite. Most of the mainline Yakuza games put players in the role of Kiryu Kazuma, a former member of the Kanto-based Tojo Clan who wishes to leave his violent past behind. This is often easier said than done, as Kiryu regularly finds himself fighting off all manner of criminals on the mean streets of Yakuza's Japan.
Part of the Yakuza franchise’s lasting appeal is its combat, which features Kiryu and other protagonists beating down enemies with martial arts and improvised weapons. Wrestling moves like suplexes and powerbombs are often used as brutal finishing attacks, which in turn has drawn wrestlers and wrestling fans to the Yakuza series. In-ring legends have even cameoed in Yakuza games, with the most notable being the legendary Yoshiaki Fujiwara’s appearances as The Florist. Other wrestlers like Hiroshi Tanahashi, The Great Muta, and AEW performer and executive vice president Kenny Omega have all guest starred in Yakuza titles over the years.
Yakuza and Like a...
