Tiger Mask
(Mitsuharu Misawa)
Context
Our fantasy wrestling profiles capitalize on the similarities between pro wrestling, comic books and role-playing games. They imagine a world where the wrestlers are their characters, have powers matching their persona and signature moves, and are important players in crime or crime-fighting.
Some profiles postulate a “pro wrestling universe” (like the Marvel or DC Universe), while some keep things generic enough to be plugged into existing fictional universes.
For more about tabletop role-playing games, see our relevant FAQ.
Background
- Real Name: Mitsuharu Misawa.
- Marital Status: Unrevealed.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Leader of NOAH, former leader of “The Untouchables”.
- Base Of Operations: Tōkyō, Japan.
- Height: 6’0” Weight: 230 lbs.
- Eyes: Brown Hair: Black
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Powers and Abilities
Scientists working for the Japanese government placed cybernetic implants in Misawa’s body. These give him the ability to generate vibration attacks from his right elbow (an attack known as “The Rolling Elbow”).
He can also distribute additional power from an internal power supply to increase his strength, endurance, and the power of the Rolling Elbow.
Misawa is a skilled military tactician and is experienced in special operations.
History
Mitsuharu Misawa was a police officer in Tōkyō when he was recruited into a secret program. It was intended to help the Japanese authorities duplicate the success of the original Tiger Mask.
When the original Tiger Mask suddenly retired in 1983, Misawa’s superiors jumped at the chance to take over control of the identity of the popular hero.
Misawa rigorously trained and cybernetically enhanced. He debuted as Tiger Mask in 1984, taking down a drug-running operation by Yakuza bosses Giant Baba and Jumbo Tsuruta. The success only added to the myth of Tiger Mask, increasing his popularity.
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Untouchables
In 1988, Tiger Mask II met the man who would affect his life over the next 12 years. His superior, Genichiro Tenryu, assigned Tiger Mask to work with his personal protegé, Toshiaki Kawada.
The two headed up a special police squad known as “The Untouchables” for several years. The pair battled Jumbo Tsuruta, and Baba’s top enforcer, Stan Hansen (and his various partners).
In 1991, after three years of partnership and friendship, Tiger Mask uncovered a business arrangement between his partner Kawada and Giant Baba. Stunned, Tiger Mask insisted on going after his corrupt partner. Tiger Mask and his new partner, Jun Akiyama, caught up with Kawada while he and Baba employee Akira Taue were committing murder.
Tiger Mask and Kawada almost killed each other in personal combat. Tiger Mask won, but was unmasked by Kawada in front of the Tōkyō press. In the confusion, Kawada and Taue escaped.
And carry on
Remaining unmasked, Misawa and his Untouchables Squad continued their war on Baba and his men until Baba’s death in 1999. They curbed the criminal activities of Dr. Death Steve Williams and his partners (Bam Bam Gordy and Gary Albright) on several occasions. Misawa was even able to defeat and arrest the behemoth, Vader, in single combat.
Much to Misawa’s frustration, Kawada and Taue (now calling themselves “The Holy Demon Army”) bribed two of Misawa’s men, Jun Akiyama and Kenta Kobashi. Calling themselves “The Burning”, Kobashi and Akiyama formed an alliance with Kawada and Taue in a new mob. These were in competition with the remains of Baba’s organization.
“The Four Lords of Heaven” then took over Baba and Tsuruta’s spot as the top crimelords in Japan. In every one-on-one confrontation, Kawada was unable to stand up to Misawa’s skills and powers, but his accomplices invariably arrived to ensure his escape capture.
Maverick
After losing so many of his supposed “Untouchables”, Misawa changed his strategy. He left the police force in frustration and began a vigilante campaign against organized crime.
Recruiting men where he can, and hiring mercenaries where necessary (including the “reformed” Vader), Misawa has formed a group he calls “NOAH”. He continues to strike at the organization that has formed from the ashes of Giant Baba’s criminal syndicate.
Description
See picture.
Personality
Misawa is confidant and certain in his every action and judgment call. He is a natural leader and has a keen mind for small unit, military operations.
He distrusts Americans, but works with them without problem when necessary.
He does not realize that by paying mercenaries and “reformed” criminals to help in his vigilante war with Kawada, he may be stooping to the levels of those he is trying to arrest.
DC Universe History
Misawa could be the Japanese Sarge Steel, Harry Stein (of Checkmate), or even Vigilante (Adrian Chase).
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Misawa
| Dex: 07 | Str: 04 | Bod: 06 | Motivation: Seeking Justice |
| Int: 08 | Wil: 10 | Min: 10 | Occupation: Adventurer |
| Inf: 07 | Aur: 04 | Spi: 10 | Resources {or Wealth}: 010 |
| Init: 024 | HP: 080 |
Powers:
Power Reserve (STR, BODY, Vibe): 06, Vibe: 06
Bonuses and Limitations:
Vibe has No Range and is delivered by Misawa’s right elbow.
Skills:
Acrobatics: 07, Charisma: 07, Martial Artist: 09, Military Science: 08, Thief: 07
Advantages:
Iron Nerves, Leadership.
Connections:
Japanese Government (Low), NOAH (High).
Drawbacks:
Arch Enemy (Toshiaki Kawada), Public Identity.
Source of Character: Professional Wrestling.