OK. I just don't get it...

[Guest BigTim2002]

OK. Keiji Mutoh uses the Shining Wizard, a knee strike to the face, as a finisher, yet, because of his bad knees, he can't do the moonsault? I'm confused. Yes he's done the moonsault a couple of times, but since he uses the knee strikes as a finisher, isn't that kinda counterproductive?

[Guest Black Tiger]

Because of his weight, doing moonsaults constantly like he used to was very destructive on his knees (see also Kobashi, Kenta). The Shining Wizard doesn't do much damage because he's not falling knee first from a high distance.

 

Using the moonsault as a last resort move lessens the risks he takes on his knees because he's no longer doing it night in and night out.

[Guest BigTim2002]

But how much weight has Mutoh put on?

 

I'd say about 25 pounds, and he looks to be on the HHH diet...

[Guest red_file]

I'd say that the fact he very rarely makes contact with the knee strike would be a reason why it works as a finisher for someone with really damaged knees. It's a shame; were it a really stiff knee strike it would certainly be a much better move.