Biography

Francesco Begnini, better known by his ring name Francesco Akira, is an Italian professional wrestler who joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 2022, where he is a member of the United Empire stable. He has since become a three-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion and won the 2023 Super Junior Tag League alongside TJP as part of the tag team Catch 22. Begnini began his professional wrestling career in 2015 on the European independent scene before competing in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), where he won the AJPW World Junior Heavyweight Championship and the 2021 Junior Battle of Glory tournament.