Francesco Begnini (November 12, 1999) is a Italian professional wrestler. He is currently working for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) under the ring name Francesco Akira and is a member of United Empire.
Career[]
Independent circuit (2015-present)[]
Francesco Begnini made his debut on August 29, 2015, competing for Italian Championship Wrestling under the name Akira in a match where he lost to Mr. Excellent. Begnini continues to compete on the independent circuit, wrestling for promotions across Europe.
All Japan Pro Wrestling (2019-2022)[]
At Excite Series 2019 - Night 1, Begnini, under the name Akira Francesco made his debut for All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), joining forces with Black Menso-re, Kento Miyahara, and Yoshitatsu in a losing effort against Evolution. In February, Francesco competed in the 2019 Junior League, however, he was only able to win one of his five matches, finishing last in his block. Later in the year, Francesco partnered with Hokuto Omori in the 2019 Junior Tag League, finishing last with only three points. At Summer Explosion Series 2019 - Night 13, Francesco was unsuccessful in winning the EWA Intercontinental Championship from TAJIRI. Following an unsuccessful attempt to win the AJPW World Junior Heavyweight Championship and a defeat in the first round of the 2020 Junior Tag Battle of Glory, Francesco won the 2021 Junior Battle of Glory after defeating El Lindaman in the final to receive another World Junior Heavyweight Championship opportunity. At Champions Night 2021, Francesco defeated Koji Iwamoto to win the World Junior Heavyweight Championship, holding the title until he was dethroned by SUGI at Summer Action Series 2021 - Night 5.
New Japan Pro Wrestling (2022-present)[]
At Hyper Battle 2022 - Night 5, following vignettes with United Empire leader Will Ospreay announcing a new member, Begnini, under the name Francesco Akira, made his debut for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), revealing himself as the mystery member. He then revealed a United Empire shirt, before announcing his entry into the 2022 Best of the Super Junior tournament.
In wrestling[]
- Finishers
- Signature moves
- Nicknames
- "Firewall"
- "Il Ragazzo Prodigio"
- Teams and stables
- The WonderKids with Gravity
- United Empire
Championships and accomplishments[]
- Adriatic Special Combact Academy
- ASCA Tag Team Championship (1 time)
- Italian Championship Wrestling
- ICW Italian Tag Team Championship (1 time)
- Rising Sun Wrestling
- Rising Sun Championship (2 times)
