 He also appeared as Yoshitsune in some shows of Big Mouth LOUD and several others Japanese independent promotions, including the New Japan Pro-Wrestling LOCK UP sub-brand.Sugi continued using the El Blazer gimmick as his main freelancing character.El Blazer then turned to a comedic character prone to mysteriously faint at his entrance, and had an appearance in Dramatic Dream Team's brand "Cruiser's Game" wrestling against Mikami after (kayfabe) having been smoking marijuana.