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.
NJPW 54th Anniversary Event & New Japan Cup 2026 - Day 3 (2026)
as Francesco Akira
NJPW Yuji Nagata Produce Blue Justice XVII ~ Aoyi Transition ~ (2026)
as Francesco Akira
RevPro 13 Year Anniversary Show - Day 1: Global Wars UK (2025)
as Francesco Akira
NJPW Blue Justice XV - Wrestling Life 40th Anniversary Yuji Nagata (2025)
as Francesco Akira
NJPW 52nd Anniversary Event & New Japan Cup 2024 - Day 1 (2024)
as Francesco Akira
IMPACT Wrestling x NJPW: Multiverse United 2: For Whom The Bell Tolls (2023)
as Francesco Akira