Funaki

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Filmography

WWE wrestling (1998-present) - Funaki

ECW wrestling (1997) - Sho Funaki

About Funaki

Full Name: Shoichi Funaki

Nickname: Smackdown #1 Announcer

Birthdate: August 24, 1968

Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Height: 5'7"

Weight: 180 lbs

Finishing Move: The Rising Sun (Tornado DDT)

Career Highlights: UWA Middleweight Champion; TWA Champion; WWE Hardcore Champion; WWE Cruiserweight Champion

Spouse: Sayuri (?-present)

In addition to his wrestling ability, Funaki has shown that he can entertain. In the summer of 2002, SmackDown! General Manager Stephanie McMahon hired Funaki to be an announcer on the Thursday night UPN broadcast. Immediately, Funaki gleefully dubbed himself as SmackDown!'s "No. 1 announcer!" Funaki will go to great lengths to get the scoop for WWE fans -- even if it means going into the women's locker room! He's also not afraid to ask the tough questions. He got the first interview with Al Wilson, Torrie Wilson's father, after Al was caught in the shower with Dawn Marie! Rumor has it, Barbara Walters was green with envy that Funaki got that exclusive scoop.

Funaki also has something that no other "No. 1 announcer" has -- wrestling ability. The high-flying Superstar is a perennial contender for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Just as he'll go "where no man has gone before" to get an interview, he'll put his body on the line if it means achieving victory in the ring.

*This page last updated August 26, 2005.*