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Konnan - wrestlingbiographies.com
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Konnan

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Konnan - wrestlingbiographies.com

He is one of the most popular, Mexican wrestlers to ever set foot in the ring but is known North of the border as one of the most outspoken, straightforward stars in the sport.

Konnan
Real Name: Carlos Ashenoff
Stats: 5′ 10″ 245 lbs.
Born: June 6, 1964

While he is considered by many a mid-level star in the United States, Carlos Ashenoff was the most popular wrestler of the 1990’s in Mexico. Throughout the 1990’s he was such a popular gate attraction that he was mentioned in the breaths as Mexican legends such as El Santo, Mil Mascaras and Perro Aguayo and he was able to crossover into musical and television success.

Carlos Ashenoff was born in Cuba in 1965 and moved to Miami as a young child. After high school, he enrolled in the United States Navy where he became an outstanding boxer and was named to the U.S. Navy Boxing Team. His time spent in the ring helped him to gain a great deal of notoriety and attention from members of the sports and entertainment community and he was approached about pursuing a career in professional wrestling. In 1987 a Mexican wrestling promoter discovered him in San Diego, California and brought him down to Tijuana, Mexico to began his training. Training alongside currents stars like Rey Mysterio and Psychosis, Charles was schooled in the art of high-flying Lucha Libre.

At 5′ 10, 245 lbs., Konnan was much larger than his counterparts but possessed great speed, quickness and athleticism. As such, he was able to compete on their levels but completely outclassed them with his brute strength. Working up and down Northern Mexico and Southern California he gained early experience and refined his skills. Finally he moved on to the number two promotion in Mexico, the Universal Wrestling Alliance. Donning a mask, he took the name Konnan, based on Arnold Schwartzennegar movie character Conan the Barbarian. Soon thereafter he moved over to EMLL promotion where he wrestled alongside Mexicans greats, including Rey Mysterio, Sr. (with whom he teamed in the 1990 Starcade pay-per-view event.) His career continued its upward flight as he faced Perro Aguayo in their famous mask vs. hair match. Aguayo won the match, and Konnan was forced to give up his mask.

Without his mask, Konnan wrestled briefly in the CMLL promotion and then traveled to the United States where he performed as Max Moon. He also made stops in several Japanese promotions (FMW and New Japan Pro Wrestling) before returning back to Mexico. He soon ventured over to the AAA promotion where he engaged in a bitter feud with Cien Caras. In the biggest match of the year in front of almost 50,000 fans in the Plaze de Toros stadium in Mexico City, Caras defeated Konnan when Jake the Snake Roberts interfered with the match. Although the stimulation for the match was that the loser must retire, Konnan refused to do so because of Roberts interference. In 1994 he came back to face Roberts in a hair vs. hair match in Tijuana, Mexico. Having become friend and tag team partner with Aguayo, Konnan shocked AAA fans when he turned on him and joined with the infamous Los Gringos Locos, a group composed of Art Barr, Eddy Guerrero and Louie Spicolli. The group bragged about the imminence of the United States and degraded the Mexican fans about their country. This created the biggest sensation in Mexican wrestling in years. It climaxed during AAA’s first pay-per-view event, “When Worlds Collide” which took place in Los Angeles on November 6, 1994. In the main event of the pay-per-view, Konnan was battered and bloodied in a cage match against Aguayo and came out of the match the loser.

During his career in Mexico, Konnan was a media star, featured in a television soap opera as well as promoting a rap album he performed on. Frenzied crowds flocked to see him wherever he was and his popularity was rivaled that of American sports and music stars. His loss to Aguayo, however, signaled a turning point in his career as he left Mexico and entered Extreme Championship Wrestling. Although he gained a following in ECW as he battled against the Sandman, he soon moved on to World Championship Wrestling where many believed he would gain stardom and on January 29, 1996, he defeated the One Man Gang to win the WCW United States Heavyweight championship (which he ultimately lost six months later to Ric Flair at the Bash at the Beach pay-per-view in Daytona Beach, Florida). Over the next few years there were numerous changes in the lineup in WCW and Konnan was often on the wrong end of the backstage politics, thus limiting his opportunity to excel in WCW. He did, however, capture the WCW World Television title (defeating Chris Jericho in Chattanooga, Tennessee on November 30, 1998) and later teamed with Rey Mysterio Jr. to take the WCW Tag Team belts from Harlem Heat. He also was a member of the New World Order group that threatened to take over WCW and his influence with hip-hop lingo carried over to almost everyone in the company. Unfortunately, he suffered numerous setbacks from injuries and personality conflicts with WCW management and his pushes seemed to get derailed. He remains very popular with fans and is now receiving credit for his influence behind the scenes and is poised to continue his success in the future.

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Curt Hennig - wrestlingbiographies.com
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Curt Hennig

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Curt Hennig - wrestlingbiographies.com

 

In the scope of wrestling history he may not go down as one of the elites of all time, but for a period of time he was perfect. A second generation wrestler, he seemed to be on the path towards multiple championships in the bigger wrestling promotions but always seemed held back behind the bigger stars.

Real Name: Curtis Michael Hennig
Stats: 6′ 3″ 235 lbs.
Born: March 28, 1960

Early Life

As second generation wrestlers go, Curt Hennig was destined for greatness. He grew up idolizing his father the great Larry “the Axe” Hennig and had as his best friend since high school Ravishing Rick Rude. They attended Robbinsdale High School in his hometown of Robbinsdale, Minnesota, alongside Tom Zenk, Brady Boone, Nikita Koloff, John Nord, Road Warrior Hawk, and Barry Darsow, who all became professional wrestlers.With such talent surrounding him, how could he possibly miss on wrestling stardom?

Career

Curt’s father Larry was one of the top competitors in the AWA, teaming with Harley Race to win three AWA World Tag Team championships. In 1978, Larry turned his attention to working with Verne Gagne to train their respective sons, Curt and Greg Gagne. After months and months of hard work, Curt debuted in 1979 and achieved early success by teaming with a young Scott Hall and defeating Jimmy Garvin and Steve Regal for the AWA World Tag Team belts on January 18, 1986.

On May 2, 1987, Curt entered the ring to face AWA World Champion Nick Bockwinkel. Controversy surrounded the outcome of the match as it appeared that Hennig was handed a roll of quarters by Larry Zbyscko and used it to knock Bockwinkel out cold. Ignoring the controversy, Curt defended the title for more than a year against such combatants as Bockwinkel, Greg Gagne, Wahoo McDaniel and Baron Von Rasche. Finally on May 9, 1988, Hennig traveled to Memphis, Tennessee where the hometown hero, Jerrry Lawler, turned the tables on the champion and defeated Hennig for the belt.
Without a title belt, Hennig decided that a change of scenery would be beneficial and he moved to the Northeast and in the fall of 1988 entered the World Wrestling Federation under the guise of “Mr. Perfect.” The WWF set the stage for his debut by creating videoclips of him excelling in numerous sports as the “complete athlete.” In 1989, Hennig, angry that he was not given a shot at the title shot against the promotion’s champion (Hulk Hogan), destroyed the championship belt and began a feud that lasted for much of the fall. After obtaining the services of Booby Heenan as his manager, Hennig entered a tournament for the vacant Intercontinental title belt in April 1990. Hennig defeated Tito Santana in the finals to become the Intercontinental champion. After losing the belt to Kerry Von Erich in August, Hennig recaptured it in a rematch on November 19, 1990. His title reign lasted for almost nine months before he was defeated by Bret Hart on August 26, 1991 at the 1991 SummerSlam Pay Per View event in New York. During the match, Curt reinjured a lingering back injury and was forced to take some time off to heal.
Curt Hennig - wrestlingbiographies.comIn late 1991 he returned as an advisor to Ric Flair. As Flair’s “Executive Consultant,” Hennig helped the “Nature Boy”to win the WWF Heavyweight championship. Their partnership seemed solid until Randy Savage asked Hennig to serve as his partner against Flair and Razor Ramon. By accepting the invitation, he thereby severed all ties with Flair. In January 1993, Hennig defeated Flair in a “loser leaves the WWF match.” While this seemed to set the stage for a big push for Curt, his back injury flared up again and he was forced to take more time off.

Hennig returned in 1995 as a color commentator at the 1995 Survivor Series matchup. In 1996, Curt served as Hunter Hearst Helmsley’s manager, but left the WWF and entered World Championship Wrestling a year later as Diamond Dallas Page’s tag team partner against Scott Hall and Randy Savage. He later took over Arn Anderson’s spot in the fabled “Four Horsemen” when Arn was forced by injuries to retire. He turned his back on the Horsemen, however, when he joined forces with he NWO at the 1997 Fall Brawl. Later that night, he defeated Steve McMichael to win the WCW United States title. He lost the belt three months later to Diamond Dallas Page, and then struggled with a knee injury for much of 1998 (although he faced WCW champion Bill Goldberg, losing both matches).

1999 started well for Hennig as he teamed with Barry Windham to briefly capture the WCW Tag Team championship. Knee injuries again forced him out of action and he was limited to non-wrestling roles for most of the year. The year 2000 was no better for him and he was eventually released by the promotion and began headlining a number of independent wrestling shows.He eventually made his way to NWA Total Nonstop Action where he wrestled a number of programs from 2002 – 2003. His last match occurred on January 8, 2003 in a win over Davd Flair.

Death

On February 10, 2003, Hennig was discovered deceased in a hotel room in Brandon, Florida, at the age of 44 years old. The cause of his death was determined by the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office to be acute cocaine intoxication, but his father suggested that steroids and painkillers played a role in his passing as well. He was survived by his wife, Leonice Leonard, and their four children, Joseph, Amy, Kaite, and Hank (Joseph and Amy worked as professional wrestlers.

Legacy

Many felt it was a great shame that Curt Hennig’s career was hampered by so many injuries. A great technical wrestler, he, at the time, was among the premier performers in the business. While history may never know how great he might have become, it should judge him positively based on his talent and achievements.

Resources

  1. “Curt Hennig.” Wikipedia –  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curt_Hennig

  2. “Curt Hennig Biography.” – www.thefamouspeople.com. This biography focuses on Curt Hennig’s early life, career, family background, and significant achievements in the world of professional wrestling.

  3.  “The Tragic Death of WWE Hall of Famer ‘Mr. Perfect’ Curt Hennig.” – www.sportscasting.com. 

  4. IMDb. “Curt Hennig.” – www.imdb.com. 

  5. National Wrestling Hall of Fame – “Curt Hennig.”  –  nwhof.org.

Frewquently Asked Questions

Curt Hennig, born in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, grew up in a sports-loving family, idolizing his father Larry “the Axe” Hennig, a professional wrestler. He became interested in wrestling in high school and was trained by his father and Verne Gagne, making his debut in 1979.

Early in his career, Curt Hennig found success in the AWA, teaming with Scott Hall to win the AWA World Tag Team Championship. He also won the AWA World Championship, defeating Nick Bockwinkel, and defended the title for over a year.

When Hennig joined the World Wrestling Federation in 1988, he was repackaged as “Mr. Perfect,” an arrogant yet talented athlete. He was promoted as the “complete athlete” through videoclips showcasing his proficiency in multiple sports. This gimmick became one of his most memorable roles in wrestling.

During his career, Hennig won multiple championships. In the WWF, he was a two-time Intercontinental Champion. In WCW, he held the United States Title and briefly captured the WCW Tag Team Championship with Barry Windham.

Curt Hennig passed away on February 10, 2003, at the age of 44 due to acute cocaine intoxication. His career was often hampered by injuries, but he is remembered as a technically skilled wrestler and a prominent figure in the industry. Despite not reaching the highest levels of stardom, his talent and achievements left a lasting impact on professional wrestling.

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Antonio Inoki - wrestlingbiographies.com
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Antonio Inoki

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Antonio Inoki - wrestlingbiographies.com

 

He was so beloved by his fans that they elected him to the Japanese parliament after he retired from the ring. What he did inside of the ring made him a respected statesman and a great champion for professional wrestling.

Real Name: Kanji Inoki
Stats: 6′ 1″ 240 lbs.
Born: February 20, 1943

Antonio Inoki is one of wrestling’s all-time greatest competitors, teachers, and promoters, as well as serving as wrestling’s Ambassador to the World. The noble and refined inoki has made it his career-long goal to bring respect to, and acceptance of, puroresu (Japanese pro wrestling) in the mainstream. Although some accuse Inoki of having the biggest ego in wrestling, eclipsing even the Hulkster…those people could not be further from the truth. The reality is, Inoki is a man with a vision…and, oftentimes, if you want something done right, you do it yourself. Inoki has done more to help wrestling than nearly anyone in the history of the sport. He loves pro wrestling deeply…and even used the slogans “King of Sports” and “Civil Rights For Puroresu” as the mottos of New Japan Pro Wrestling when he started the federation in 1972.

Early Life

Antonio Inoki, born as Kanji Inoki on February 20, 1943, spent his early years in Yokohama, Japan. His family faced financial difficulties during his childhood, and Inoki also had to deal with bullying due to his mixed Japanese and Brazilian ancestry. Despite these challenges, Inoki was determined to rise above his circumstances and find success.

Inoki’s dedication and talent paid off, as he made his professional wrestling debut later that same year against Kintaro Oki. He quickly established himself as a formidable competitor, and his reputation grew within the wrestling community. In the years that followed, Inoki would go on to build an illustrious career as a professional wrestler, promoter, and innovator, leaving a lasting impact on the sport in Japan and around the world.

Inoki’s interest in professional wrestling was sparked by Rikidōzan, who is widely considered the father of Japanese professional wrestling. Rikidōzan’s impact on the sport in Japan inspired Inoki to pursue a career in wrestling, setting him on the path that would ultimately lead to his legendary status in the industry.

Antonio Inoki - Rikidozan - wrestlingbiographies.com

Inoki and Rikidozan


Early Training

In 1960, at the age of 17, he began training under the tutelage of Toyonobori, a former sumo wrestler, and Karl Gotch, a European wrestling expert. Gotch, who was renowned for his technical wrestling skills and knowledge, helped Inoki hone his in-ring abilities, particularly in catch wrestling and submission techniques. This training laid the foundation for Inoki’s innovative “strong style” that later came to define his wrestling career and impact Japanese professional wrestling as a whole.Their guidance helped Inoki develop his wrestling skills, including his technical prowess and mastery of submission techniques.

Inoki’s dedication and talent paid off, as he made his professional wrestling debut later that same year against Kintaro Oki. He quickly established himself as a formidable competitor, and his reputation grew within the wrestling community. In the years that followed, Inoki would go on to build an illustrious career as a professional wrestler, promoter, and innovator, leaving a lasting impact on the sport in Japan and around the world.

Career

On September 30, 1960 he made his pro wrestling debut, losing to Kintaro Ohki. The name “Antonio” is said to have been given to him by his mentor and hero Rikidozan, after the legendary Antonio Rocca. Before forming N.J.P.W., Inoki wrestled for the N.W.A.’s Japan Wrestling Association (J.W.A.). During those years, he gained valuable experience and learned great deal about the sport. But in 1966, he decided to try wrestling for Tokyo Pro, a rival of the JWA. Inoki’s relationship with Tokyo Pro didn’t last long, though, and by 1967 he was back with the JWA until he left to create New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Inoki founded New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972, a promotion that would go on to become one of the most successful and influential organizations in professional wrestling. Inoki’s vision for NJPW was to create a platform for showcasing the best wrestling talent in Japan and from around the world, with a unique style that would set it apart from other promotions.

Inoki’s experience as a wrestler and his training under Karl Gotch and Toyonobori greatly influenced the style of wrestling he wanted to promote in NJPW. He emphasized the “strong style,” which combined elements of martial arts, catch wrestling, and traditional professional wrestling. This innovative approach was characterized by hard-hitting strikes, submission holds, and a focus on realism, setting NJPW apart from other wrestling organizations of the time.

Under Inoki’s leadership, NJPW quickly gained popularity and began attracting top talent both domestically and internationally. The promotion forged relationships with other major wrestling organizations, such as the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), which enabled NJPW to feature high-profile matches and cross-promotional events.

Throughout the years, NJPW has been home to many legendary wrestlers, including Tatsumi Fujinami, Riki Choshu, Shinya Hashimoto, Keiji Mutoh, and Hiroshi Tanahashi. The promotion has also been a breeding ground for the development of new stars, such as Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, and Kota Ibushi.

The founding of NJPW not only provided an opportunity for Japanese wrestlers to compete at the highest level, but it also allowed the unique strong style to gain worldwide recognition. NJPW’s continued success and influence are a testament to Inoki’s vision and dedication to elevating the sport of professional wrestling.

Rivalries

Although Inoki was often linked as a rival of Baba,  he engaged in numerous high profile programs with other wrestlers that were considered some of the rivalries in Japanese wrestling history. Inoki’s feud with Indian-Canadian wrestler Tiger Jeet Singh during the 1970s was an intense and heated rivalry. Their matches were known for their brutal, no-holds-barred style, with both competitors using weapons and engaging in bloody battles. His rivalry with American wrestler Stan Hansen in the late 1970s and early 1980s was marked by hard-hitting and physical matches. The intense battles between these two warriors showcased the strong style that Inoki helped popularize in Japan, and their matches were highly regarded by fans and critics alike. In the 1980s, Inoki had an intense feud with Riki Choshu, another top star in Japanese wrestling. Their rivalry saw them clashing over various titles, including the NWF Heavyweight Championship, and their matches featured a blend of technical wrestling and brawling. This feud helped solidify both wrestlers’ legacies as icons of Japanese professional wrestling. Finally, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Inoki engaged in a rivalry with Tatsumi Fujinami, one of NJPW’s rising stars. Their matches showcased the best of Japanese professional wrestling, with a focus on technical ability and hard-hitting action. This feud helped establish Fujinami as a top wrestler and further cemented Inoki’s legacy as a living legend.

These rivalries, among others, contributed to Inoki’s status as a trailblazer in the world of professional wrestling. They allowed him to showcase his unique “strong style” and helped popularize the sport in Japan and around the globe.

Awards & Titles

During his long and successful career, Inoki won numerous titles…the NWA Texas Heavyweight title (under the somewhat insulting name of Tokyo Tom) in 1964, the NWA (Texas) World Tag Team title in 1965, the NWA (Tenn.) World Tag Team title (w/Hiro Matsuda), 4 All-Asian Tag Team titles (w/Michiak Yoshimura), 4 NWA International Tag Team titles (w/Giant Baba), and the NWA United National title in 1971. He also went on to win the National Wrestling Federation (N.W.F.) World Heavyweight title 4 different times between 1973-1981 as well as the N.W.A. North American Tag Team title twice, the U.W.A. (Mexico) World Heavyweight title, and also the I.W.G.P. Heavyweight championship, among others.

Many times throughout his career he has faced champions of other sports (Judo Gold Medal winner Willem Ruska, World Karate champion Willie Wlliams, and boxer Chuck Wepner) in an effort to bring credibility to the sport of wrestling. In 1976 he fought his famous (although somewhat disappointing) “Boxer vs. Wrestler” match with World Boxing champion Muhammed Ali. Although the match was fairly uneventful, it did give pro wrestling an aura of legitimacy.

Antonio Inoki - Muhammad Ali - wrestlingbiographies.com

Inoki vs. Muhammad Ali

As a promoter, Inoki is a genuine trailblazer — bringing pro wrestling to countries like Russia, China, Korea, and Taiwan that had never had a pro wrestling event in their country, or even seen the sport on TV. The two cards he promoted in Korea drew crowds (with a little help from the Korean gov’t.) of 150,000 and 190,000! Talk about bringing wrestling to the world…

In 1979, Inoki was involved in a very controversial title switch involving Bob Backlund and the WWF Heavyweight title. On November 30, 1979 in Tokushima, Japan, Backlund was pinned by Inoki for the WWF title. The next day, the two wrestlers had a rematch, and this time Backlund regained the title. However, the WWF President Hisashi Shinma declared the match a “no-contest” because of interference from Tiger Jeet Signh. Shinma awarded the title back to Inoki, who refused to accept the championship. A match between Backlund and “Big, Bad” Bobby Duncum (of all people) on December 12, 1979 in New York City took place to decide the winner of the “held up” WWF title, with Backlund winning.

Ironically, American fans never knew of the controversy in Japan, and thought the Backlund/Duncum match was just a regular monthly title defense for Backlund. The WWF has never acknowledged the title switch, and to this day does not count Inoki as a former WWF Heavyweight champion.

The “Collision in Korea” was a historic professional wrestling event held over two days, April 28 and 29, 1995, in Pyongyang, North Korea. Organized by Antonio Inoki, the event was a joint production between his New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and the American promotion World Championship Wrestling (WCW). The event was officially titled “International Sports and Cultural Festival for Peace” and aimed to promote peace and diplomacy through sports, particularly professional wrestling.

The event took place at the May Day Stadium, drawing a massive crowd, reportedly over 150,000 people on each day, making it one of the largest audiences ever recorded for a professional wrestling event. Many top stars from both NJPW and WCW participated in the event, including Ric Flair, Scott Norton, Shinya Hashimoto, and Kensuke Sasaki, among others.

One of the most notable matches of the event was the main event on the second day, where Antonio Inoki faced Ric Flair. This match was significant not only due to the high-profile nature of the two competitors but also because it symbolized the collaboration between Japanese and American wrestling promotions. Inoki emerged victorious in the match, further solidifying his status as a legend in the wrestling world.

The Collision in Korea event was a unique and ambitious effort to use professional wrestling as a means to bring people together and promote peace. The event’s success and historic nature have left a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling, and it remains a testament to Inoki’s vision and influence in the industry.

In the early 1980s, Antonio Inoki was involved in a scandal related to his professional wrestling promotion, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). The scandal was centered around Inoki’s alleged connections with the infamous Japanese yakuza (organized crime syndicates). It was claimed that Inoki had sought financial support from yakuza members to help fund NJPW events and maintain the promotion’s operations.

The scandal came to light in 1981 when the tabloid magazine Shukan Gendai published an article accusing Inoki of having ties with the yakuza. The accusations had a significant impact on Inoki’s reputation and the public perception of NJPW at the time.

In response to the allegations, Inoki held a press conference in which he denied any involvement with the yakuza. Although no concrete evidence was produced to prove Inoki’s direct connections with the criminal underworld, the scandal tarnished his image and cast a shadow over his otherwise impressive career.

Despite the controversy, Inoki managed to overcome the scandal, and NJPW continued to grow and thrive in the years that followed.

Retirement

Inoki transitioned from professional wrestling to politics in the early 21st century, leveraging his fame and popularity to enter the world of Japanese politics. In 1989, Inoki founded the Sports and Peace Party and ran for a seat in the Japanese House of Councillors but was unsuccessful in his bid. However, his political aspirations did not end there.

In 1995, Inoki ran again, this time as an independent candidate, and was elected to the House of Councillors, serving as a member of Japan’s National Diet for a six-year term. During his tenure in office, Inoki focused on issues related to sports, culture, and diplomacy, continuing the themes that had defined his wrestling career.

In addition to the “Collision in Korea” event, Inoki made numerous trips to North Korea as part of his diplomatic efforts. He also established the Antonio Inoki Peace Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering peace through sports and cultural exchanges.

Though Inoki did not seek re-election after completing his term in the House of Councillors, his political career demonstrated his commitment to using his influence to promote peace and diplomacy, particularly through the medium of professional wrestling and sports in general.

Personal Life

Inoki was married twice and has children from both marriages. Inoki’s first marriage was to a woman named Tazuko, with whom he had two children: a daughter named Hiroko and a son named Hiroaki. Hiroaki, who was born in 1972, followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in professional wrestling under the ring name “Kendo Kashin.” Hiroaki gained success in the wrestling world, winning several championships in different promotions throughout his career.

In 2000, Inoki married his second wife, Mitsuko Baisho, a Japanese actress known for her work in both film and television. The couple has a daughter together named Maria Inoki, who was born in 2001. Despite the high-profile nature of Inoki’s career, his family has generally maintained a private life away from the spotlight.

Antonio Inoki - wrestlingbiographies.com

In addition to his immediate family, Antonio Inoki has a brother named Simon Inoki (real name: Kenji Inoki), who also had a career in professional wrestling and later became an executive in the wrestling industry. Simon Inoki played a significant role in the operation of NJPW Antonio sold the promotion in 2005.

Inoki converted to Shia Islam in 1990 during a pilgrimage to Karbala, the Shiite holy city in Iraq. Hdescribed himself as both a Muslim convert and a Buddhist

Antonio Inoki died on On October 1, 2022, at age 79, Inoki died from systemic transthyretin amyloidosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Antonio Inoki, born Kanji Inoki, was a legendary figure in professional wrestling, known for his roles as a competitor, teacher, and promoter. He was instrumental in popularizing puroresu (Japanese pro wrestling) globally and was known as the sport’s Ambassador to the World. He founded New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972, significantly impacting the sport’s history.

Inoki was born on February 20, 1943, in Yokohama, Japan. Despite facing financial challenges and bullying due to his mixed Japanese and Brazilian ancestry, he was inspired by Rikidōzan, the father of Japanese professional wrestling. He began training at 17 under Toyonobori and Karl Gotch, making his professional debut in 1960 against Kintaro Oki.

Inoki was known for his “strong style” in wrestling, a blend of martial arts, catch wrestling, and professional wrestling. This style, characterized by hard-hitting strikes and realism, became the hallmark of NJPW under his leadership. His promotion brought together top talent from Japan and abroad, forging important international relationships.

Inoki had several high-profile rivalries, including with Tiger Jeet Singh, known for their intense, no-holds-barred matches, and with Stan Hansen, showcasing the strong style. He also had significant feuds with Riki Choshu and Tatsumi Fujinami, contributing greatly to the legacy of Japanese professional wrestling.

Inoki also ventured into politics, founding the Sports and Peace Party and serving in Japan’s House of Councillors. He was involved in diplomatic efforts, notably organizing the “Collision in Korea” event in 1995, promoting peace through sports. He was married twice and had children, including Hiroaki, who also became a professional wrestler. Inoki converted to Islam in 1990 but also identified as a Buddhist.

Resources:

  1. Wikipedia Contributors. “Antonio Inoki.”https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Inoki

  2. History of Wrestling. “Antonio Inoki.”  https://historyofwrestling.com/antonino-rocca/

  3. Inoki Genki Factory. “Biography of Antonio Inoki.” Inoki Genki Factory, 2023.www.inokigenki.com

  4. Bosack, Michael MacArthur. “A man larger than life: Remembering Antonio Inoki.” The Japan Times, October 2, 2022.https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/10/02/national/antonio-inoki-obituary/ businessman, and politician.

  5. Legacy.com. “Antonio Inoki Obituary: Japanese Combat Sports Pioneer Dies at 79.” Legacy.com, October 1, 2022.https://www.legacy.com/news/celebrity-deaths/antonio-inoki-1943-2022/

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Dallas Page - wrestlingbiographies.com
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Diamond Dallas Page

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Diamond Dallas Page - wrestlingbiographies.com

He is the self-described hardest working man in the business and has had one of the strangest journeys towards success in recent memory. Through hard work and unyielding determination, he pushed himself to the heights of the industry.

Diamond Dallas Page
Real Name: Page Joseph Falkenburg
Stats: 6′ 5″ 253 lbs.
Born: April 5, 1956

The saga of Diamond Dallas Page seems more akin to a Horatio Alger tale than a wrestling biography. Although flavored with grandiosity and passion, it is the story of a man’s dedication and determination to become a star in professional wrestling despite the odds and the naysayers standing in his way.

Early Life

Dallas Page was born Page Falkenburg in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, to Sylvia  and Page Falkinburg Sr . He played varisty basketbal for Point Pleasant Borough High School in Point Pleasant, before briefly attending  Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina. He left college and made his wrestling debut in Canada in 1979, but suffered a severe knee injury, leading him to make a detour from his career.

Career

Standing 6′ 5″ and weighing 253 lbs., he used his physical stature to keep patrons in line as the manager of Norma Jean’s, a night club in Ft. Myers, Florida. Attracted to the glamour and lucrative nature of the professional wrestling industry, Page took a gamble and decided to move North to Minnesota and entered the American Wrestling Association. Having sent audio tapes to the promotion as part of his application, he was hired as a color commentator for the promotion’s broadcasts. Soon he looked at one of the tag teams working within the promotion and decided that he wanted to serve as their manager. Under his guidance, the team of Badd Company (Paul Diamond and Pat Tanaka) quickly became the AWA tag team champions. His early success prompted a number of performers to seek out his services and soon he was managing a number of performers, including Madusa and Curt Hennig.

In light of this success, it surprised many when Page left the AWA and ventured down to the Florida Championship Wrestling territory where he served as a color commentator alongside the legendary Gordon Solie. In addition to this new job, he actually sought work in other wrestling promotion (including the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW)). In 1990, he gained a tryout as an announcer for the WWF but wasn’t hired. He was able to appear at Wrestlemania VI, however, as he drove “Rhythm and Blues” (The Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine) to the ring in his iconic pink Cadillac. When Championship Wrestling from Florida closed down, he joined WCW as an announcer and eventually was called upon to serve as a manager again, this time for the Fabulous Freebirds. The Freebirds were comprised of Michael P.S. Hayes and Ron Garvin and in 1991 they succeeded in winning the NWA tag team title. Page next took on a young wrestler named Scott Hall who then performed under the moniker “the Diamond Studd.” Accompanied to the rings each night by a bevy of “Diamond Dolls,” Page often became physically active in helping Hall. As a result, several people recommended that he enter the WCW Power Plant training school and learn the ropes of performing inside of the ring. He did so and saw his first “official” mat action on November 18, 1991 as Hall’s tag team partner against Kevin Sullivan and the Assassin. After a year of very limited success, his career was put in jeopardy when he tore the rotator cuff in his shoulder in a match against Shanghai Pierce and was put out of action for 11 months. He was subsequently released by WCW.

Undaunted, Page determined to continue improving his character and sought the help of Jake “the Snake” Roberts. Roberts advised on the psychological aspects of the business and after his injury had healed he made his way back to WCW, which was now under the direction of his former announcing partner Eric Bischoff. Bischoff saw talent in Page and took a gamble on him, giving him a minor push along with a bodyguard and a valet (his real-life wife Kimberly) who was referred to as the Diamond Doll. He finally found his first bit of success at the 1995 Fall Brawl pay per view event where he defeated the Renegade to gain the WCW television title. Just when it seemed he was climbing the ladder towards success, he was booked in some of the most ridiculous and embarrassing angles in recent memory (including one where he stole Kimberly’s $1 million in bingo winnings and then lost it all). Losing feuds to Johnny B. Badd (Marc Mero) and the Booty Man (Ed Leslie), Page seemed to be back at square one in his career.

Despite being named Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s 1995 Most Improved wrestler, at 39 years of age, most thought he would remained a glorified lower-card performer destined for oblivion. Page, however, would not give up on his career and fortunately for him, neither did Eric Bischoff. Bischoff allowed Page to enter the Battle Bowl tournament and Page shocked everyone when he won the competition and became “Lord of the Ring.” Capitalizing on this success, Page began to engage in outstanding bouts against Eddie Guerrero and Marcus Bagwell.

In 1996, Scott Hall returned to WCW along with Kevin Nash and turned the wrestling world on its ear. They teamed with Hulk Hogan to form the New World Order, which threatened to destroy WCW. Having spent earlier periods of his career working with Hall and wrestling against Nash, Page seemed a likely candidate to become a new member of the NWO. He refused to join them, however, and began a year long, pitched battle against members of the NWO. After a series of brutal feuds with Savage (voted PWI 1997 Feud of the Year), Page defeated Curt Henning to win the WCW United States title on December 28, 1997. He subsequently defended the title against all comers, including Chris Benoit and Raven, and utilizing his new finishing move (called the Diamond Cutter) Page quietly became one of the most popular wrestlers in WCW. After losing the U.S. strap to Raven, he reclaimed it six months later from Bret Hart. Finally, he felt he had reached a point where he could demand a shot at the top belt in the business, the WCW Heavyweight championship which was held by Hulk Hogan. WCW used his ties with the entertainment industry to team up on one occasion with NBA All Star Karl Malone and on another with television host Jay Leno to take on Hogan and his partner, basketball star Dennis Rodman.

Diamond Dallas Page - wrestlingbiographies.comHaving gained a great deal of notoriety, Page was finally elevated to the top of the industry and shocked a great many when he won a four-way dance matchup against Hogan, Sting and Ric Flair on April 11, 1999 in Tacoma, Washington. After losing the belt two weeks later to Sting, he reclaimed it in an impromptu four way match against Sting, Kevin Nash and Goldberg. Unfortunately, backstage politics undermined his title reign and he lost the belt to Kevin Nash a few weeks later. As poor booking and backstage powerplays caused WCW’s television ratings to plummet, Page saw less and less time in the main event and he seemed to be a forgotten man for the rest of 1999. He did not remain idle, however, and starred in a movie, Ready to Rumble, along with David Arquette and in the spring of 2000 found himself back in the title hunt capturing the WCW Heavyweight again. Injuries, however, forced him to take some time off to heal and he was forced to reevaluate his next steps in the business.

Retirement

Legacy

No matter what he future holds for him, Dallas Page has proven his critics wrong and has achieved more than anyone thought possible. His drive towards success and his work ethic has set a standard for young performers entering the sport. He has truly proved to be a diamond in the rough.

Resources

    1. “Diamond Dallas Page.” Wikipedia –  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_Dallas_Page 

    2. WWE. “Diamond Dallas Page.”  –  www.wwe.com

    3. Pro Wrestling Fandom. “Diamond Dallas Page.”  –  prowrestling.fandom.com

    4. Diamond Dallas Page Official Website. –  www.diamonddallaspage.com/about/

    5. IMDb. “Diamond Dallas Page.” –  www.imdb.com

Frequently Asked Questioons

Dallas Page encountered several obstacles early in his career, including a severe knee injury that initially sidetracked his aspirations. He also faced skepticism from naysayers who doubted his potential in professional wrestling due to his late start in the sport and his physical setbacks.

After working as a manager in the AWA and serving as a color commentator in Florida Championship Wrestling, Page was encouraged to train as a wrestler. He joined the WCW Power Plant training school and began competing in the ring, first as Scott Hall’s tag team partner and later as a solo wrestler.

Page’s wrestling career saw several significant achievements, including winning the WCW Television Title in 1995, the WCW United States Title in 1997, and the WCW Heavyweight Championship in 1999. His popularity soared with the development of his signature move, the Diamond Cutter.

Page’s refusal to join the NWO in 1996 and his subsequent feuds with members of the group, particularly Randy Savage, significantly boosted his profile. These storylines cemented him as a fan favorite and a key figure in WCW during its peak years.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, Diamond Dallas Page’s career is seen as a testament to hard work, determination, and resilience. His journey from manager to world champion, along with his late start in the sport, has inspired many and left a lasting impact on the wrestling industry. His work ethic and dedication have set a standard for young wrestlers and showcased that success can be achieved at any stage of life.

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Randy Savage

by admin
written by admin


An icon of the 1980s and 1990s, Randy Savage boasted a distinctive catchphrase and an exuberant persona. Yet, he wrestled with personal demons, jealousy, and paranoia, often overshadowed by other legendary pro wrestlers. Nevertheless, Savage was extraordinary, an enigma in life and adored after death, standing out among a sea of talented peers.

Real Name: Randy Poffo
Stats: 6′ 2″ 237 lbs.
Born: November 15, 1952

 

Early Life

Born as Randy Mario Poffo in Columbus, Ohio, on November 15, 1952, he was the eldest son of Judy and Angelo Poffo, the latter a renowned professional wrestler. The couple met at DePaul University, and Angelo, after a baseball career setback, found success in wrestling during the 1950s and 1960s. He also gained fame for his record-breaking sit-ups, featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Randy’s younger brother, Lanny, would also become a pro wrestler. As a wrestler’s family, the Poffos frequently relocated, living in Ohio, Illinois, New York, and eventually, Kentucky. Randy excelled in sports and academics in high school, earning a National Honor Society membership.

Despite receiving a scholarship offer from Arizona State University, Randy chose to enter the Major League Baseball draft. Disappointed when undrafted, he graduated from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale in 1971. Post-college, Randy pursued baseball and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. As a two-time All-State catcher in high school, he joined the Gulf Coast League’s Sarasota Cardinals, hitting .286 in his rookie year. His performance improved the following year, earning a spot on the GCL All-Star team.

In 1973, Randy hit .344 in 25 games as a designated hitter for the Sarasota Red Birds. However, his batting average dropped to .250 upon promotion to Class-A ball with Orangeburg of the Western Carolinas League. Moving to Florida in 1974 to play for the Cincinnati Reds affiliate, his performance declined, with a .232 batting average, nine home runs, and 66 RBIs. After being released by the Reds, he tried out for the Chicago White Sox Class-A affiliate but failed to secure a position. He switched to left-handed throwing and first base due to a shoulder injury. Randy concluded his minor league career with 289 games across four seasons, a .254 batting average, 16 home runs, and 129 RBIs.

Early Career

The transition from baseball to wrestling wasn’t just a career change; it was a return to familial roots. In the mid-1970s, Savage began training under his father’s guidance, learning the ropes of the sport that would eventually make him a global superstar. He started his wrestling career in 1973, wrestling under his real name in several territories, including the NWA. His early years in the ring were characterized by an evolving persona and a style that was beginning to show glimpses of the “Macho Man” character that would later captivate the world. It was during these formative years that Savage honed his skills, developed his character, and began making a name for himself. He wrestled in various territories, including International Championship Wrestling (ICW), where he and his brother Lanny Poffo, known as “Leaping Lanny,” wrestled as the Poffo brothers. These early years were critical in laying the foundation for Savage’s rise to fame, setting the stage for his emergence as one of the most charismatic and dynamic personalities in professional wrestling history.

Savage introduced a distinctive persona to the ring. John Pantozzi described him as someone who “seemed to have captured a rainbow and wore it for all to witness.” His extravagant style extended from his vivid, personalized capes and fringed wrestling tights to his oversized sunglasses, raspy voice, and deliberate speech. Savage commanded attention, appearing on the verge of attacking audience members at times. His overprotectiveness towards Elizabeth was a recurring theme in his storylines, with some feeling it bordered on dangerous obsession. Combined with his rapid, aggressive wrestling technique, Savage quickly became a top prospect in the industry.

His talents were soon recognized by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Promoted as wrestling’s top free agent, Savage joined the WWF, announcing Miss Elizabeth as his new manager amidst much excitement. The gentle and reserved Elizabeth served as a stark contrast to the explosive, suspicious Savage. In his WWF pay-per-view debut, Savage fought his way through a 16-man battle royal before ultimately losing to the Junkyard Dog. He then feuded with Tito Santana over the Intercontinental Title (IC) belt, which he won on February 24, 1986, at the Boston Gardens arena. The IC title often led to a challenge for the WWF Heavyweight belt, and Savage faced off against champion Hulk Hogan in several matches. Although he defeated Hogan on multiple occasions via count-out, Savage could not claim the belt due to count-out rules.

Savage then entered into a dream feud against veteran wrestler George “the Animal” Steele, who had developed feelings for Elizabeth and intervened when Savage mistreated her. They competed for the IC title at Wrestlemania II in a cage match in Uniondale, New York. Though Steele withstood Savage’s signature elbow drop, Randy secured a roll-up pinfall using the ropes for extra leverage.

Savage’s rivalry with Ricky “the Dragon” Steamboat came next, with both skilled athletes offering a refreshing contrast to the slower-paced matches typical of the WWF. The feud escalated when Savage attacked Steamboat during a fan meet-and-greet, crushing his throat. The storyline continued for months, culminating in a highly anticipated match at Wrestlemania III, which many would hail as the WWF’s greatest.

Savage was known for meticulously planning his matches, a trait attributed to his perfectionism and desire for flawless execution. Announcer Gene Okerlund recalled, “Savage was obsessed with things being absolutely perfect and tight in his matches.” Lanny explained that Randy believed in sports and entertainment, striving to prove himself the greatest athlete ever. This dedication to excellence contributed to his memorable performances on the Wrestlemania stage.

Randy Savage - Ricky Steamboat - wrestlingbiographies.com

Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat at Wrestlemania III

Behind the scenes, Savage and Steamboat meticulously orchestrated their match, and the three-month-long vignettes illustrating Steamboat’s injuries whipped fans into a frenzy. As Dave Hebner refereed and both wrestlers entered the Pontiac Silverdome, the crowd erupted with excitement. In the ring, Steamboat quickly sought retribution, choking Savage with a Hangman maneuver. The match was a nail-biter, featuring 22 near falls. The audience went wild when Savage grounded Steamboat after a disoriented Hebner took a hit. Savage seized the ring bell, climbed onto the turnbuckle, and prepared to repeat his earlier assault on the Dragon’s throat, only to be thwarted by Steele. Injured, Savage attempted a bodyslam, but Steamboat countered with a roll-up and secured a pinfall. The crowd went wild as Hebner handed Steamboat the belt, and he and Steele exited to applause. Savage remained in the ring, defeated and humbled, with a distraught Elizabeth by his side, knowing he had just delivered the performance of a lifetime. Many fans consider the Wrestlemania match the greatest in WWF history, and it was named 1987’s Match of the Year by both the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and Pro Wrestling Illustrated. However, as Lanny later revealed, the match became an unattainable benchmark for Savage, haunting him in the years to come.

Despite his villainous persona, Savage’s in-ring prowess and electrifying promos attracted fans in droves. As his popularity soared, he found more fans cheering than jeering. After winning the King of the Ring on September 4, 1987, Savage softened his treatment of Elizabeth and his antagonism towards fans, propelling him towards another shot at the IC belt, now held by Honkytonk Man. During their October 3, 1987, match on Saturday Night’s Main Event, the Hart Foundation interrupted, leading to Honkytonk smashing a guitar over Savage’s head. Elizabeth fetched help, returning with Hulk Hogan. Hogan entered the ring, and after a tense standoff, Savage extended his hand, forming the Mega Powers.

Over the next few months, Savage and Honkytonk faced off in various matches, with Savage chasing Honkytonk’s Intercontinental belt as a stepping stone to the WWF championship. Behind the scenes, however, Honkytonk refused to relinquish the belt to Savage, arguing that his own momentum was too strong and that Savage didn’t need the belt to be a legitimate contender for the WWF World title. Consequently, their feud concluded with a series of cage matches between Savage’s team and Honkytonk’s team. Though he failed to capture the IC title, Savage had bigger goals on the horizon.

On February 5, 1988, WWF’s “The Main Event” occurred at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. The show featured a rematch between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant from their iconic Wrestlemania III fight. Andre controversially won due to referee Earl Hebner, who posed as his twin brother Dave and wrongfully delivered a three-count pinfall. Andre then gifted the title to Ted Dibiase, the Million Dollar Man. However, the title was ultimately vacated since it could only change hands via pinfall or submission. Consequently, a 14-man tournament was scheduled for Wrestlemania IV to determine the new WWF World Heavyweight Champion.

Macho Man, a tournament favorite, reached the finals against Ted Dibiase after defeating Butch Reed, Greg Valentine, and the One Man Gang. With Hogan at ringside to prevent interference, Savage pinned Dibiase and won the title after Hogan attacked Dibiase with a chair. Savage, Hogan and Miss Elizabeth celebrated their victory, reuniting the Mega Powers.

Over the next 371 days, Savage defended his world title against formidable opponents like One Man Gang, Big Boss Man, and André the Giant. He enjoyed even more popularity as part of the Mega Powers alongside Hogan, with the duo winning matches at the first Summer Slam event and the 1988 Survivors Series.

Outside the ring, Savage and Hogan develop a friendship, and Elizabeth becomes close with Hogan’s wife, Linda. However, tensions rose when Hogan accidentally eliminated Savage from a Royal Rumble match on January 15, 1989, leading to an in-ring fight. Five weeks later, during the Main Event II, Elizabeth was injured, and Hogan carried her away, leaving Savage feeling betrayed. Savage accused Hogan of trying to steal Elizabeth, setting the stage for a title defense against Hogan at Wrestlemania V. Despite being hospitalized for an elbow infection, Savage competed for 17 minutes before being pinned by Hogan.

Without the championship belt and Miss Elizabeth, who remained with Hogan, Savage replaced her with Sensational Sherri Martel. Over the next few months, Savage and Hogan continued to face off, with Hogan often teaming up with Brutus Beefcake against Savage and Tiny “Zeus” Lister. After winning the 1989 King of the Ring tournament by pinning Jim Duggan, Savage declared himself the “Macho King.” During his coronation, he received a scepter from Ted Dibiase and was accompanied by his brother Lanny, now known as “The Genius.” Savage faced Hogan once more for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship but lost due to a controversial pinfall.

Over the next year, Savage competed against Dusty Rhodes and the Ultimate Warrior. At Wrestlemania VII, he faced Warrior in a retirement match. After losing, Sherri attacked Savage, but Elizabeth, watching from the audience, chased her off, reuniting the couple and turning Savage into a fan favorite again. Despite the retirement stipulation, Savage wrestled a few more matches, with his last match on April 1, 1991, in Kobe, Japan.

Retired from wrestling, Savage worked as a color commentator for WWF broadcasts. The WWF continued to showcase his relationship with Elizabeth, culminating in their on-screen wedding at SummerSlam 1991. However, the couple’s reception was marred by Jake “the Snake” Roberts, who had hidden a live snake in one of their gifts.

On an October 21, 1991 broadcast of WWF Superstars of Wrestling, Roberts taunted Savage, provoking him to enter the ring. Roberts then attacked Savage and forced a live King Cobra to bite his arm. Despite being de-venomized, the snake wouldn’t release Savage’s arm, and Savage later experienced a fever that sent him to the hospital. After this incident, Savage was reinstated and faced Roberts in a series of matches until February 1992.

Randy then focused on WWF champion Ric Flair, who had claimed to have had an intimate relationship with Elizabeth and shared doctored photos of them together. WWF Magazine later exposed the photos as fake, showing the original images of Elizabeth and Savage with Flair’s substitution.

Savage and Flair feuded over Elizabeth’s honor, leading to Savage winning the championship at Wrestlemania VIII on April 5, 1992. However, behind the scenes, Savage and Elizabeth’s marriage was crumbling despite their on-screen portrayal of a strong relationship. Savage was known to be overly jealous and protective of Elizabeth backstage, often demanding other wrestlers stay away from her. The couple eventually divorced on September 18, 1992, with Elizabeth’s final WWF appearance on April 19, 1992. Savage’s issues with Hulk Hogan, whom he blamed for contributing to his marital problems, led to a long-standing grudge.

In 1993, Savage’s popularity earned him a spokesman role for Slim Jim beef jerky products, promoting the brand with the catchphrase, “Need a little excitement? Snap into a Slim Jim!” He continued as their spokesman until 2000.

Savage defended his World title against the Ultimate Warrior and others before losing it back to Flair in September, partly due to interference from Razor Ramon. Over the next two years, he competed in singles and tag matches against top wrestlers and was a color commentator for Monday Night Raw and PPV events. Savage remained in these roles until his WWF contract expired in November 1994.

Although Vince McMahon believed that Randy Savage’s time as an in-ring competitor had passed, Savage felt he still had much to achieve. As 1994 came to an end, Savage’s WWF career concluded, and he debuted in World Championship Wrestling on December 3, 1994. Initially hinting at a possible continuation of his feud with Hulk Hogan, Savage instead aided Hogan at Starrcade ’94, establishing himself as a babyface in WCW.

Savage’s first major WCW feud was against former WWF rival Ric Flair, headlining television and pay-per-view events throughout 1995. On November 26, 1995, Savage won his first WCW World Heavyweight title at World War 3, but lost it to Flair the following month. Savage regained the title in January 1996, only to lose it once more to Flair in February. Their rivalry continued until the summer 1996, when the New World Order (NWO) emerged.

As a key figure in the match that launched the NWO, Savage teamed with Sting to face The Outsiders. Following Hogan’s shocking heel-turn, Savage joined forces with Sting, Lex Luger, D.D.P., and others to defend WCW against the NWO. However, after failing to negotiate a new contract, Savage briefly left WCW before making a surprise return in January 1997.

Upon returning, Savage felt blackballed by WCW and sought out Sting. WCW President Eric Bischoff told Savage he could only return as an NWO member, which Savage did at SuperBrawl VII. Reuniting with Miss Elizabeth, Savage feuded with Diamond Dallas Page and his wife Kimberly before targeting former ally Sting, who now held the WCW title. At Spring Stampede 1988, Savage defeated Sting for the championship, despite interference from Hulk Hogan and a torn ACL during the match.

With Kevin Nash’s help, Savage caused a rift in the NWO, leading to the formation of NWO Wolfpac. Savage then feuded with Bret Hart and Roddy Piper but disappeared midway through the year for knee surgery.

As the late 1990s approached, the landscape of WCW began to shift. The emergence of the New World Order (nWo) storyline saw Savage playing a pivotal role, alternating between adversary and ally. His character’s evolution during this period was a testament to his versatility and ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of the industry. However, it also marked the beginning of the end of his active in-ring career.

Injuries, a common plight among professional wrestlers, marred Savage’s final years in WCW. His high-impact wrestling style had taken a toll on his body, leading to sporadic appearances and a reduced in-ring schedule. Additionally, the arrival of new, younger talent shifted the focus away from the veterans who had once dominated the scene.

Retirement

Randy Savage’s last official match in WCW occurred in 2000, signaling the end of his full-time wrestling career. While he didn’t retire officially at this point, this match represented the final chapter of his active in-ring story in WCW. Though not his most memorable, the match closed the WCW chapter of a career that had spanned over two decades.

After WCW, Savage made occasional appearances in other promotions, but his time in WCW was the final significant period of his wrestling career. One of Savage’s most memorable post-wrestling ventures was his foray into acting. He lent his distinctive raspy voice to the character of “Bonesaw McGraw” in the 2002 blockbuster “Spider-Man,” directed by Sam Raimi. His performance, though brief, was a hit with fans, blending his wrestling charisma with his natural flair for entertainment. Savage also appeared in several TV shows and movies, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer beyond the wrestling ring.

Savage’s unique voice became his ticket to the world of animated entertainment. He provided voiceovers for various animated projects, most notably the character of “The Thug” in Disney’s “Bolt.” His ability to infuse animated characters with his distinct machismo and energy was a testament to his creative talents and adaptability as an artist.

Leveraging his fame and recognizable persona, Savage became a popular choice for brand endorsements. One of his most famous post-wrestling roles was as the spokesperson for Slim Jim Snack Foods. His energetic and over-the-top commercials for Slim Jim became iconic in the 90s, with his catchphrase “Snap into a Slim Jim, oh yeah!” resonating with audiences and becoming a cultural reference point.

Surprisingly, Savage explored his musical talents by releasing a rap album titled “Be a Man” in 2003. The album featured a mix of wrestling-themed songs and personal tracks, including the titular song “Be a Man,” a diss track aimed at fellow wrestler Hulk Hogan. While the album received mixed reviews, it showcased Savage’s willingness to experiment and his passion for entertaining in all forms.

Outside of the entertainment industry, Savage was known for his philanthropic efforts. He was involved in various charity events and activities, often using his fame to raise awareness and funds for causes he believed in. 

Personal Life

The most famous relationship in Savage’s life was with Elizabeth Hulette, better known as Miss Elizabeth. Their on-screen partnership in the WWF was one of the most iconic and beloved storylines in wrestling history. Their chemistry was palpable, with Miss Elizabeth’s poised and graceful demeanor perfectly complementing Savage’s over-the-top machismo. Behind the scenes, however, the couple had more than just a business relationship. The two had met at a gym in Lexington, Kentucky in 1982 and were married in 1984. Unfortunately, Randy’s jealousy and overprotectiveness were too much for Elizabeth and she divorced him in 1992. However, they would continue to work together, including in WCW as members of the NWO.

While in WCW, Savage dated Stephanie Bellars, who worked under Gorgeous Geroge and as part of the Team Madness stable. In 2010, Savage married Lynn Payne a woman he had dated before his relationship with Miss Elizabeth.  His marriage to Lynn settled him and he enjoyed his life away from the carnival atmosphere in professional wrestling. The couple retired to their home in Seminole, Florida.

Randy Savage - Miss Elizabeth - wrestlingbiographies.comDeath

Randy Savage passed away in 2011, but his impact on professional wrestling remains. His charisma, intensity, and unique style set a standard in the industry. In WCW, he was not just a performer but an innovator, a legend, and an icon whose influence extended well beyond his years in the ring.

As fans reminisce about the “Macho Man’s” glory days, it’s clear that his spirit and contributions to professional wrestling will never be forgotten. Randy Savage’s career in WCW was the final act of a magnificent play, leaving behind a legacy that will forever echo in the annals of wrestling history. 

Randy Savage passed On the morning of May 20, 2011., He was driving his Jeep Wrangler near his home in Seminole,with his wife in the passenger seat when he became unresponsive and crashed into a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene at the age of 58. His autopsy indicated that he had an enlarged heart and advanced coronary artery disease, which had resulted in a sudden heart attack. The cause of death was officially ruled as atherosclerotic heart disease. His wife suffered only minor injuries in the accident. He was cremated five days later, and his ashes were placed under a favorite tree on his property in Largo, Florida.

Legacy

In the pantheon of professional wrestling, Randy “Macho Man” Savage is a figure of immense stature, his legacy a rich tapestry of unforgettable moments, groundbreaking achievements, and an indelible influence on the sport. Born Randall Mario Poffo, Savage’s career spanned over three decades, marked by his unmistakable voice, flamboyant attire, and an in-ring prowess that captivated audiences worldwide. His iconic bouts, notably against Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania III and his intense rivalry with Hulk Hogan, are etched in wrestling lore, showcasing his exceptional talent and charisma. Beyond his athletic feats, Savage’s persona, a perfect blend of intensity and showmanship, redefined what it meant to be a sports entertainer. His impact extended beyond the ring, as he became a cultural icon, recognized even by those distant from wrestling. His “Oh yeah!” catchphrase and Slim Jim commercials transcended the sport, making him a household name. Savage’s untimely passing in 2011 was a profound loss to the wrestling world, but his influence endured, inspiring new generations of wrestlers. His induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015 was a fitting tribute to a man who was, in many ways, the embodiment of professional wrestling’s spirit and spectacle. The “Macho Man” Randy Savage remains, for many, the heart and soul of an era, his legacy forever a part of wrestling’s grand history. 

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Jaguar Yokota - wrestlingbiographies.com
Female WrestlersHeels

Jaguar Yokota

by admin
written by admin

Jaguar Yokota - wrestlingbiographies.com

 

She began wrestling at a mere 16 years old but quickly demonstrated that she would become a dominant figure in the world of Japanese wrestling. Over the next forty years, she would have an impact as great as anyone in the industry.

Real Name: Rimi Yokota
Stats: 5′ 3″ 128 lbs.
Born: July 25, 1961

Early Life

Jaguar Yokota, born Rimi Yokota on July 25, 1961, in Tokyo, Japan, is a retired professional wrestler and trainer. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled female wrestlers in the history of professional wrestling. Information about her early life is somewhat limited, but it is known that she had an interest in sports and athletics from a young age.

Early Training

okota started her professional wrestling training at the age of 15 when she joined All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling (AJW). She received her training at the All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling (AJW) dojo, which was renowned for its intense and challenging training environment. The AJW dojo was responsible for producing many of Japan’s most successful and skilled female wrestlers, including Yokota herself.

While at the AJW dojo, Jaguar Yokota was trained under the guidance of experienced trainers and wrestlers who helped her develop the foundation for her wrestling career. While specific trainers who worked with her are not widely documented, she was likely trained by some of the top wrestlers and trainers associated with AJW.

Yokota’s training focused on technical wrestling, mat-based grappling skills, and aerial maneuvers. She developed an innovative and diverse moveset, which included a wide array of suplexes, submission holds, and high-flying moves. Her in-ring abilities and wrestling style were a testament to the quality of her training at the AJW dojo.

Her success as a wrestler and her influence on the generations of wrestlers that followed can be traced back to her rigorous training at the AJW dojo. This foundation allowed her to become one of the most highly regarded female wrestlers in the history of professional wrestling.

Jaguar Yokota’s career in professional wrestling was marked by numerous accomplishments and her innovative wrestling style. She made her professional wrestling debut on July 28, 1977, just a few days after her 16th birthday. She quickly gained a reputation for her athleticism, technical wrestling skills, and innovative moves, which would later help her become one of the most successful and respected wrestlers in Japanese women’s wrestling history.

Career

In the early years of her career, Yokota focused on developing her in-ring abilities and refining her wrestling style. She competed in singles and tag team matches, showcasing her versatility as a wrestler. Yokota’s innovative moves and technical prowess allowed her to rise through the ranks in the Japanese women’s wrestling scene.

Yokota’s first major championship victory came when she won the AJW Junior Championship in 1979. This marked the beginning of her ascent to the top of Japan’s women’s wrestling scene. In 1980, Yokota captured the prestigious WWWA World Single Championship, a title she would hold multiple times throughout her career. As a tag team wrestler, she also won the WWWA World Tag Team Championship several times with different partners, including Devil Masami and Lioness Asuka.

Rivalries

Throughout her wrestling career, Jaguar Yokota engaged in several intense rivalries that contributed to her legendary status in the wrestling world. One of Yokota’s most famous rivals was Devil Masami. They had a series of highly competitive and physical matches that showcased their contrasting wrestling styles. Yokota’s technical and high-flying style clashed with Masami’s power moves, making their encounters highly entertaining and intense. Their rivalry helped elevate both wrestlers’ status in the Japanese women’s wrestling scene.

Yokota and Lioness Asuka had a storied rivalry that produced several classic matches. Their matches were highly acclaimed for their technical skill and athleticism, and they pushed each other to their limits in the ring. In addition to their singles rivalry, Yokota and Asuka were also tag team partners, winning the WWWA World Tag Team Championship together. Another notable rivalry of Jaguar Yokota was with Chigusa Nagayo, one of Japan’s most popular female wrestlers during the 1980s. They had several hard-fought matches, showcasing their skills and determination to be the best in the wrestling world. Their rivalry further solidified Yokota’s status as a top wrestler in Japan.

Yokota also had a fierce rivalry with the villainous Dump Matsumoto. Their matches often featured a classic good versus evil dynamic, with Yokota as the heroic, technically skilled wrestler against the brutal and rule-breaking Matsumoto. This rivalry added a unique dimension to Yokota’s career and showcased her ability to engage in different styles of wrestling.

These rivalries played a significant role in shaping Jaguar Yokota’s career, and they helped to elevate both her and the entire Japanese women’s wrestling scene. The intense matches and memorable feuds with her rivals showcased Yokota’s exceptional in-ring abilities and willingness to push women’s wrestling’s boundaries.

Awards & Titles

Numerous awards and accolades mark Jaguar Yokota’s illustrious career in professional wrestling. Some of her most notable achievements include:

In 1979, Jaguar Yokota captured the AJW Junior Championship, marking the beginning of her rise to prominence in the Japanese women’s wrestling scene. Throughout her career, Yokota won the prestigious WWWA World Single Championship multiple times, solidifying her status as one of the top female wrestlers in Japan. As a tag team wrestler, Jaguar Yokota won the WWWA World Tag Team Championship several times, partnering with different wrestlers such as Devil Masami and Lioness Asuka. During her second run in professional wrestling after coming out of retirement in 1995, Yokota captured the JWP Openweight Championship, showcasing her ability to compete at a high level despite her time away from the ring.

In 1998, Jaguar Yokota was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, recognizing her incredible career and contributions to the wrestling industry. In 2019, Yokota received the Women’s Wrestling Award from the Cauliflower Alley Club, a non-profit fraternity of retired professional wrestlers, boxers, and actors. This award acknowledges her significant impact on the world of professional wrestling. These awards and accolades highlight Jaguar Yokota’s remarkable career and her influence on women’s professional wrestling, showcasing her as one of the greatest female wrestlers in history.

Retirement

Yokota initially retired from wrestling in 1985 due to a back injury. At the time, she was only 24 years old and had already established herself as one of the top female wrestlers in Japan. Her first retirement came at a relatively young age, but by then, she had already left an indelible mark on the wrestling world.

Jaguar Yokota - wrestlingbiographies.comA decade after her initial retirement, Jaguar Yokota successfully returned to professional wrestling in 1995. Despite being away from the ring for ten years, she continued to compete at a high level and captured the JWP Openweight Championship during her second run. She also played a role as a mentor to a new generation of female wrestlers and showcased her in-ring prowess against younger talents.

Jaguar Yokota retired for good in 2002, ending her storied career as one of the most influential and skilled female wrestlers in the history of professional wrestling. Since her final retirement, Yokota has occasionally appeared at wrestling events and conventions, connecting with fans and maintaining her connection to the wrestling industry.

Legacy

Jaguar Yokota’s innovative wrestling style and technical prowess influenced many wrestlers who came after her. She is often credited with popularizing several moves now commonplace in professional wrestling, such as the sitout powerbomb and the double underhook suplex.
Throughout her career, Yokota earned a reputation as one of the greatest female wrestlers in the history of professional wrestling. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of wrestlers, and she is remembered for her contributions to the growth and development of women’s wrestling in Japan and worldwide.

Resources

  1. Wikipedia Contributors. “Jaguar Yokota.” –https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_Yokota

  2. Wikiwand Editors. “Jaguar Yokota.” – www.wikiwand.com

  3. Scott’s Blog of Doom! “Joshi Spotlight: Jaguar Yokota.”  –www.blogofdoom.com

  4. Post Wrestling. “Dream Slam Weekly (Vol. 14): Jaguar Yokota Celebrates Milestones.” – www.postwrestling.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Jaguar Yokota, born as Rimi Yokota on July 25, 1961, in Tokyo, Japan, is a retired professional wrestler and trainer. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled female wrestlers in the history of professional wrestling.

okota’s training at the AJW dojo focused on technical wrestling, mat-based grappling skills, and aerial maneuvers. She developed a diverse moveset that included various suplexes, submission holds, and high-flying moves, setting the foundation for her successful career.

Throughout her career, Yokota won numerous championships, including the AJW Junior Championship, WWWA World Single Championship (multiple times), and the WWWA World Tag Team Championship (with various partners like Devil Masami and Lioness Asuka).

Jaguar Yokota had intense rivalries with wrestlers like Devil Masami, Lioness Asuka, Chigusa Nagayo, and Dump Matsumoto. These rivalries showcased her exceptional in-ring abilities and contributed to her legendary status in the wrestling world.

Yokota’s notable achievements include capturing the AJW Junior Championship, multiple WWWA World Single Championships, and several WWWA World Tag Team Championships. She was also inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame and received the Women’s Wrestling Award from the Cauliflower Alley Club.

Jaguar Yokota’s legacy includes her innovative wrestling style, technical prowess, and influence on future generations of wrestlers. She is credited with popularizing moves like the sitout powerbomb and the double underhook suplex. Her impact on women’s wrestling in Japan and worldwide continues to inspire wrestlers today.

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Manami Toyota - wrestlingbiographies.com
Female WrestlersHeels

Manami Toyota

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Manami Toyota - wrestlingbiographies.com

In 2009, she was voted by readers of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter as the greatest female professional wrestler to ever live. Years later, many far and wide continue to hold her in such high regard.

Real Name: Manami Toyota
Stats: 5′ 6″ 159 lbs.
Born: March 2, 1971

 

Early Life

Manami Toyota, born on March 2, 1971, in Masuda, Shimane, Japan,  is widely regarded as one of the greatest female wrestlers ever.

Toyota attended Yoshida Junior High School in her hometown and gained an enormous interest in professional wrestling at an early age. She received her training at the All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling (AJW) dojo, which was renowned for producing some of Japan’s most successful and skilled female wrestlers. The dojo provided an intense and challenging training environment for aspiring wrestlers, where they learned the fundamentals of professional wrestling and developed their in-ring abilities.

Early Training

During her time at the AJW dojo, Toyota was trained under the guidance of experienced trainers and wrestlers who helped her lay the foundation for her wrestling career. Her training emphasized technical wrestling, aerial maneuvers, and mat-based grappling skills. She was known for her high-flying moves, lightning-fast speed, and a seemingly endless array of suplexes, which were a testament to the quality of her training at the AJW dojo. She developed her signature style and a diverse moveset that earned her the nickname “The Flying Angel.” The skills she acquired at the AJW dojo paved the way for her to become one of the most highly regarded female wrestlers in the history of professional wrestling.

Career

Toyota made her professional wrestling debut on August 5, 1987, at the age of 16, just a few months after joining the AJW dojo. As a newcomer in AJW, she initially wrestled in lower-card matches, gaining valuable experience and honing her skills. She competed in both singles and tag team matches, showcasing her versatility as a wrestler and quickly gained a reputation for her athleticism, high-flying moves, and technical prowess, which eventually led to her becoming one of the most celebrated female wrestlers in the history of professional wrestling. Her unique combination of athleticism, speed, and technical ability quickly helped her stand out as a promising talent in the world of Japanese women’s wrestling. In the early stages of her career,

In 1989, Toyota began teaming up with Toshiyo Yamada, forming a successful tag team partnership for several years. The duo captured the AJW Tag Team Championship and the WWWA World Tag Team Championship multiple times, solidifying their status as a top-tier tag team in Japanese women’s wrestling.

Throughout her early career, Toyota continued to improve and refine her in-ring abilities, capturing the attention of both fans and wrestling critics. By the early 1990s, she had emerged as one of the premier wrestlers in AJW and had begun to capture singles titles as well.

One of her most notable early achievements was winning the IWA World Women’s Championship in 1990, which marked the beginning of her ascent to the top of the women’s wrestling scene in Japan. This early success was just the start of Toyota’s illustrious career, which would see her win numerous championships and accolades and cement her status as one of the greatest female wrestlers ever.

Throughout her career, Toyota captured the WWWA World Single Championship on multiple occasions, proving her dominance as one of the top female wrestlers in Japan. Manami formed a successful tag team partnership with Toshiyo Yamada. Together, they won the AJW Tag Team Championship and the WWWA World Tag Team Championship multiple times, becoming one of the most dominant tag teams in the promotion. She also won the prestigious Japan Grand Prix tournament in 1995, which was a testament to her incredible in-ring skills and status as one of the top female wrestlers in Japan.

Throughout her career, Toyota was involved in several matches that received a five-star rating from wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. These matches showcased her exceptional in-ring abilities and the high quality of women’s wrestling in Japan during her career.

Rivalries

Toyota had several rivalries with other wrestlers that helped define her legacy. Although Toyota and Toshiyo Yamada were successful tag team partners, they also had a fierce rivalry as singles competitors. They faced each other in multiple singles matches, which showcased their incredible chemistry and in-ring abilities. Their match at the AJW Wrestlemarinepiad 1992 event, where Toyota defended her IWA World Women’s Championship against Yamada, received a five-star rating from Meltzer.

Aja Kong was another prominent rival of Toyota. Their matches were intense, hard-hitting encounters that showcased their contrasting styles, with Toyota’s high-flying and technical prowess against Kong’s power and striking ability. Their rivalry produced several memorable matches, further elevating both wrestlers’ status in the Japanese wrestling scene.

Toyota had a long-standing rivalry with Kyoko Inoue, another top female wrestler in Japan during the 1990s. Their highly competitive matches showcased both wrestlers’ athleticism and technical skills. Their rivalry produced several classic matches, and both fans and wrestling critics highly regarded their encounters.

Manami Toyota - wrestlingbiographies.com

Akira Hokuto was another notable rival for Manami Toyota. They had several highly acclaimed matches, including their encounter at the AJW Destiny event in 1995. Their matches showcased the intensity and physicality of women’s wrestling in Japan during that era and further solidified Toyota’s reputation as a top wrestler.

These rivalries significantly shaped Manami Toyota’s career and helped elevate both her and the entire Japanese women’s wrestling scene. The intense matches and memorable feuds with her rivals showcased Toyota’s exceptional in-ring abilities and willingness to push women’s wrestling’s boundaries.

Awards & Titles

Numerous awards and accolades mark Toyota’s storied career in professional wrestling. Some of her most notable achievements and honors include:

Toyota captured the IWA World Women’s Championship in 1990, marking her rise to prominence in the Japanese wrestling scene. Manami won the prestigious WWWA World Single Championship multiple times, solidifying her status as one of the top female wrestlers in Japan. As a tag team wrestler, Toyota won the WWWA World Tag Team Championship on multiple occasions, primarily with her partner Toshiyo Yamada. Their success as a tag team was a key aspect of her career. Toyota and Yamada also captured the AJW Tag Team Championship multiple times, cementing their status as one of the most dominant tag teams in Japanese women’s wrestling history. Toyota also won the prestigious Japan Grand Prix tournament in 1995, a testament to her incredible in-ring skills and her status as one of the top female wrestlers in Japan.

In 2002, Toyota was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, recognizing her incredible career and contributions to the wrestling industry.

These awards and accolades highlight Manami Toyota’s remarkable career and impact on the world of professional wrestling, showcasing her as one of the greatest female wrestlers ever.

Manami Toyota - wrestlingbiographies.com

Manami Toyota officially retired from professional wrestling on November 3, 2017, after a 30-year career. Her retirement event, titled “Manami Toyota Last Match ~ Toyota Sama no Inu no Ie,” took place at the Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium in Yokohama, Japan.

Retirement

The event featured a series of matches in which Toyota competed against several wrestlers from different generations. These matches served as a tribute to her impact on the wrestling industry and as a showcase of the wrestlers she had influenced throughout her career. Some wrestlers who participated in Toyota’s retirement event included Aja Kong, Toshiyo Yamada, Tsukasa Fujimoto, and Mima Shimoda, among others.

Manami Toyota’s final match saw her team up with her longtime rival and tag team partner, Toshiyo Yamada, to face the duo of Mayumi Ozaki and Yumiko Hotta. This tag team match was a fitting end to her illustrious career, allowing her to share the ring with her legendary tag team partner one last time.

Legacy

After retiring from active competition, Toyota has occasionally appeared at wrestling events and conventions, connecting with fans and maintaining her connection to professional wrestling. Her career highlights emphasize Manami Toyota’s remarkable achievements and her status as one of the greatest female wrestlers in the history of professional wrestling.

Resources

  1. WrestleJoy. “The Year of Years: Revisiting Manami Toyota’s Magical 1995.” –  www.wrestlejoy.com

  2. Gaming Lariat. “Interview: Manami Toyota On AJW, Her Career, And Legacy.” –  gaminglariat.com

  3. Scott’s Blog of Doom. “Joshi Spotlight: Manami Toyota.” – www.blogofdoom.com

  4. CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database. “Manami Toyota.”  – www.cagematch.net

Frequently Asked Questions

Manami Toyota, born on March 2, 1971, in Masuda, Shimane, Japan, is widely regarded as one of the greatest female professional wrestlers of all time. She gained prominence for her exceptional in-ring abilities and contributions to the world of wrestling.

Toyota’s wrestling style is characterized by high-flying moves, lightning-fast speed, and a diverse range of suplexes. Her exceptional training at the AJW dojo helped her develop a signature style that earned her the nickname “The Flying Angel.”

Throughout her career, Manami Toyota achieved numerous accomplishments, including:

  • Winning the IWA World Women’s Championship in 1990.
  • Capturing the WWWA World Single Championship multiple times.
  • Forming a successful tag team partnership with Toshiyo Yamada and winning the AJW Tag Team Championship and the WWWA World Tag Team Championship multiple times.
  • Winning the Japan Grand Prix tournament in 1995.
  • Being involved in several matches that received a five-star rating from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Manami Toyota had intense rivalries with several prominent wrestlers, including Toshiyo Yamada, Aja Kong, Kyoko Inoue, and Akira Hokuto. These rivalries contributed to her legacy and elevated the Japanese women’s wrestling scene.

Manami Toyota’s notable awards and titles include:

  • Induction into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2002.
  • Winning the IWA World Women’s Championship and WWWA World Single Championship multiple times.
  • Capturing the AJW Tag Team Championship and the WWWA World Tag Team Championship multiple times.
  • Winning the Japan Grand Prix tournament in 1995.

Manami Toyota’s legacy is marked by her remarkable achievements, contributions, and impact on professional wrestling. She remains one of the greatest female wrestlers in history, known for her exceptional in-ring skills and dedication to pushing the boundaries of women’s wrestling.

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Chigusa Nagayo - wrestlingbiographies.com
BabybacesFemale Wrestlers

Chigusa Nagayo

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Chigusa Nagayo - wrestlingbiographies.com

She was a member of the Crush Gals, one of the greatest female tag teams in wrestling history, but as a wrestler and a promoter, she has had a huge impact on the sport of professional wrestling.

Real Name: Chigusa Nagayo
Stats: 5′ 5″ 192 lbs.
Born: December 8, 1964

Early Life

Chigusa Nagayo was born on December 8, 1964, in Ōmura, Nagasaki, Japan. She was the youngest of four children. Her father was a farmer and her mother was a housewife. Nagayo was a shy and quiet child who was bullied by her older siblings and classmates. She found solace in watching professional wrestling on television. When Nagayo was 14 years old, she saw a professional wrestling match for the first time and was immediately hooked, deciding that she wanted to become a professional wrestler.

Early Training

She began training as a professional wrestler in 1980 at the All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling (AJW) dojo. She trained under the legendary joshi trainer, Kazuo Yamazaki. Yamazaki was known for his brutal training methods, which included running, weight training, and endless drills. Nagayo was one of the few wrestlers who could withstand Yamazaki’s training.

Nagayo’s training was also very technical. She learned all the basic moves of professional wrestling, as well as more advanced moves like suplexes and moonsaults. She also learned how to take bumps and how to sell moves. The training was very hard, but she was a natural athlete and she quickly learned the skills she needed to be a successful professional wrestler.

Career

Nagayo debuted on August 8, 1980, for All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling (AJW) against Yukari Omori. She cried upon losing and was scolded by Tommy Aoyama, a member of the Queen’s Angels, who was retiring that night. Through 1981, she only wrestled eight times due to the promotion having too many wrestlers. Her early career was marked by a series of setbacks. She lost her first several matches and was often injured and was criticized for her lack of charisma. However, she persevered and gradually began to improve.

In 1982, Nagayo formed a tag team with Lioness Asuka. Known as the Crush Gals, they quickly became one of the most popular tag teams in AJW. They won the AJW Tag Team Championship on several occasions. They were extremely popular during the 1980s and are considered one of the most influential female tag teams in the history of professional wrestling. Both wrestlers had successful individual careers, but their partnership as The Crush Gals truly elevated them to legendary status. Their high-energy matches, combined with their distinctive personalities and looks, quickly made them fan favorites. The Crush Gals’ popularity extended beyond the wrestling ring, as they released multiple pop albums and appeared in various media outlets. As a tag team, The Crush Gals won the WWWA World Tag Team Championship on three occasions, defeating top teams of their era. Their intense and hard-hitting matches against rivals like The Jumping Bomb Angels (Noriyo Tateno and Itsuki Yamazaki) and The Glamour Girls (Leilani Kai and Judy Martin) are still remembered as some of the most exciting bouts in women’s wrestling history. The Crush Gals’ popularity and success in the 1980s helped raise the profile of women’s professional wrestling, not only in Japan but around the world. Their matches inspired a new generation of female wrestlers, and their influence can still be felt in the wrestling industry today.

Nagayo also enjoyed success as a singles wrestler. She won the AJW Women’s World Championship on three occasions and also won the AJW Tag Team Championship with Aja Kong.

Rivalries

Chigusa, as part of The Crush Gals and as an individual wrestler, was involved in several notable rivalries throughout her career. These rivalries not only showcased her in-ring talent but also helped elevate women’s professional wrestling in Japan and beyond. Some of the most famous rivalries involving Chigusa Nagayo include:

In addition to her tag team rivalries, Chigusa Nagayo also had notable individual feuds, one of which was with Dump Matsumoto. Matsumoto, a fierce and dominant heel, often clashed with Nagayo in brutal and highly emotional matches. This rivalry highlighted Nagayo’s fighting spirit and resilience, as she often stood up against the larger and more aggressive Matsumoto.

Another significant individual rivalry for Chigusa Nagayo was against Devil Masami. Both wrestlers were highly skilled and pushed each other to their limits in their matches. This rivalry showcased Nagayo’s technical abilities and her capacity to perform in high-pressure situations against top-tier opponents.

These rivalries played a significant role in defining Chigusa Nagayo’s career and helped establish her as one of the greatest female wrestlers of all time. The intensity and passion displayed in these feuds also contributed to the growing popularity and recognition of women’s professional wrestling during the 1980s and beyond.

Chigusa Nagayo is known for being relatively private about her personal life. However, there are some aspects of her life outside of wrestling that have been documented. Nagayo was married to fellow professional wrestler Kazuo Yamazaki, with whom she had a son. The couple later divorced.

Awards & Titles

Chigusa Nagayo has had an illustrious career in professional wrestling, earning numerous awards and accolades for her accomplishments in the ring. Some of the most notable awards and achievements she has received include:

Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards:
1984 Rookie of the Year
1987 Most Outstanding Wrestler
1987 Best Babyface (shared with Lioness Asuka as part of The Crush Gals)
1985, 1986, and 1987 Feud of the Year (Crush Gals vs. Dump Matsumoto and her allies)

Championships and accomplishments in All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling (AJW):
3-time WWWA World Tag Team Champion (with Lioness Asuka)
2-time WWWA World Single Champion
AJW Champion
1987 Japan Grand Prix Winner

Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) ranking:
No. 169 in 1991, making her one of the highest-ranked female wrestlers on the list that year.

Hall of Fame inductions:
Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)
AJW Hall of Fame (Class of 1998)

Retirement

Chigusa Nagayo’s retirement from professional wrestling took place on April 3, 2002. The event was held in Tokyo at the Nippon Budokan arena and marked the end of her storied in-ring career. Her final match was a six-person tag team match, where Nagayo teamed up with Meiko Satomura and Ayako Hamada to face Mayumi Ozaki, Lioness Asuka, and Sugar Sato.

Nagayo’s retirement was a significant moment in the world of women’s professional wrestling, as she had been an influential and pioneering figure in the industry for over two decades. Her contributions to the sport, both as a wrestler and a mentor, helped shape the future of women’s wrestling and inspired countless wrestlers to follow in her footsteps.

Chigusa Nagayo - wrestlingbiographies.comAlthough Nagayo retired from in-ring competition, she remained involved in the wrestling industry. In 1995, she co-founded GAEA Japan, a women’s wrestling promotion, which operated successfully until it closed in 2005. In 2015, she founded another women’s wrestling promotion, Marvelous, further demonstrating her ongoing commitment to the growth and development of women’s professional wrestling.

Legacy

Chigusa Nagayo’s retirement marked the end of an era, but her impact on the world of professional wrestling continues through her work as a promoter and mentor to the next generation of female wrestlers.

Resources

  1. Wikipedia: “Chigusa Nagayo.” – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chigusa_Nagayo

  2. Last Word on Sports. “A Detailed Look at the Top 5 Women’s Wrestlers of All Time.” –www.lastwordonsports.com

  3. Wikiwand. “Chigusa Nagayo.” – www.wikiwand.com/en/Chigusa_Nagayo

  4. IMDb. “Chigusa Nagayo.” –  www.imdb.com

  5. TV Tropes. “Chigusa Nagayo.” – tvtropes.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Chigusa Nagayo, born on December 8, 1964, in Nagasaki, Japan, was a prominent figure in professional wrestling. She gained fame as a member of the Crush Gals, a renowned female tag team, and later became a successful wrestler and promoter.

In 1980, Chigusa Nagayo started training at the All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling (AJW) dojo under the tutelage of Kazuo Yamazaki. Her training was rigorous, including endurance exercises, weight training, and technical wrestling instruction. She excelled in the demanding training environment.

Chigusa Nagayo engaged in fierce rivalries, both as part of the Crush Gals and as an individual wrestler. Her intense battles with wrestlers like Dump Matsumoto and Devil Masami showcased her fighting spirit and technical prowess, contributing to her legacy.

Chigusa Nagayo received numerous accolades, including being named Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Rookie of the Year (1984) and Most Outstanding Wrestler (1987). She won championships such as the WWWA World Tag Team Championship and the AJW Women’s World Championship. She also earned spots in various wrestling halls of fame.

Chigusa Nagayo’s retirement marked the end of her wrestling career, but her legacy lives on through her pioneering contributions as a wrestler, promoter, and mentor. She played a vital role in elevating women’s wrestling and inspiring future generations of female wrestlers.

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BabybacesMale Wrestlers

Tito Santana – El Matador

by admin
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Tito Santana

Real Name: Merced Solis
Stats: 6′ 1″ 245 lbs.
Born: May 10, 1953

The most popular latin wrestler of his time, he never received the opportunity to claims the top titles in the business. He was, however, a multiple-time champion and the hero for millions of his fans.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD

Tito Santana was a major player in the WWF during its ascension to the top of the wrestling industry. He won numerous individual and tag team championships and was constantly one of the favorite performers throughout the United States. Unfortunately, he never had the opportunity to challenge for the WWF Heavyweight championship, and thus never reached the levels that many felt he should have.

Tito Santana was born Tocula, Mexico but grew up in mission, Texas where he was an outstanding athlete growing up. He excelled football in high school and was good enough to make his way to West Texas Sate University where he played as a tight end. Tito may have been destined for a future career in professional wrestling as played along side a number of future grappling greats including quarterback Tully Blanchard and offensive lineman Ted Dibiase. After completing his college career, he ventured up to Canada where he played briefly in the Canadian Football League. After his football career stalled, he was persuaded to give professional wrestling a try.

Santana began his wrestling career in 1975 in Texas but soon moved North to Verne Gagne’s American Wrestling Association. In just a short time he skyrocketed towards the top of the promotion and ultimately got a shot against A.W.A. title champion Nick Bockwinkel. Although he handled himself well, he was not successful in taking away Bockwinkel’s belt. With his top-level experience, however, he had gained enough momentum to travel to the World Wrestling Federation where he teamed with Ivan Putski to defeat the Jimmy and Johnny Valiant to capture the WWF tag team championship on October 22, 1979. Santana and Putski successfully defended their belts for six months before they were defeated by the Wild Samoans in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Still riding high on this success, Santana moved back o the AWA and teamed with the popular star Mil Mascaras. He also wrestled in singles bouts in the AWA and in the southeast regions before returning to the WWF in 1983.

Upon returning to the WWF, he immediately got a shot at the newly crowned World champion the Iron Sheik in January 1980 but rebounded by defeating Don Muraco to gain the WWF Intercontinental title one month later. After defending the belt for more than seven months, he lost it to Greg Valentine with whom he had been feuding. Having suffered a knee injury in the match, he recuperated and began the task of trying to reclaim the title. He found that success on July 6, 1985, defeated Valentine in a brutal cage match in Baltimore, Maryland. Now enjoying great success and even greater popularity, he quietly yearned for a shot at the WWF World title, held by Hulk Hogan. Unfortunately, WWF owner Vince McMahon decided not to pit the two babyface champions against one another and Santana remained relegated to the Intercontinental division. After seven months of holding the belts, Santana was defeated by Randy Savage who employed the use of a pair of brass knuckles to known Tito out cold.

You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.

Donec pede justo, fringilla vel, aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. In enim justo, rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus. Aenean leo ligula, porttitor eu, consequat vitae, eleifend ac, enim.

Demo Magazine Article Title

Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus.

Rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer cidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus.Tito Santana

Real Name: Merced Solis

Stats: 6′ 1″ 245 lbs.

Born: May 10, 1953Tito Santana was a major player in the WWF during its ascension to the top of the wrestling industry. He won numerous individual and tag team championships and was constantly one of the favorite performers throughout the United States. Unfortunately, he never had the opportunity to challenge for the WWF Heavyweight championship, and thus never reached the levels that many felt he should have.

Tito Santana was born Tocula, Mexico but grew up in mission, Texas where he was an outstanding athlete growing up. He excelled football in high school and was good enough to make his way to West Texas Sate University where he played as a tight end. Tito may have been destined for a future career in professional wrestling as played along side a number of future grappling greats including quarterback Tully Blanchard and offensive lineman Ted Dibiase. After completing his college career, he ventured up to Canada where he played briefly in the Canadian Football League. After his football career stalled, he was persuaded to give professional wrestling a try.

Santana began his wrestling career in 1975 in Texas but soon moved North to Verne Gagne’s American Wrestling Association. In just a short time he skyrocketed towards the top of the promotion and ultimately got a shot against A.W.A. title champion Nick Bockwinkel. Although he handled himself well, he was not successful in taking away Bockwinkel’s belt. With his top-level experience, however, he had gained enough momentum to travel to the World Wrestling Federation where he teamed with Ivan Putski to defeat the Jimmy and Johnny Valiant to capture the WWF tag team championship on October 22, 1979. Santana and Putski successfully defended their belts for six months before they were defeated by the Wild Samoans in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Still riding high on this success, Santana moved back o the AWA and teamed with the popular star Mil Mascaras. He also wrestled in singles bouts in the AWA and in the southeast regions before returning to the WWF in 1983.

Upon returning to the WWF, he immediately got a shot at the newly crowned World champion the Iron Sheik in January 1980 but rebounded by defeating Don Muraco to gain the WWF Intercontinental title one month later. After defending the belt for more than seven months, he lost it to Greg Valentine with whom he had been feuding. Having suffered a knee injury in the match, he recuperated and began the task of trying to reclaim the title. He found that success on July 6, 1985, defeated Valentine in a brutal cage match in Baltimore, Maryland. Now enjoying great success and even greater popularity, he quietly yearned for a shot at the WWF World title, held by Hulk Hogan. Unfortunately, WWF owner Vince McMahon decided not to pit the two babyface champions against one another and Santana remained relegated to the Intercontinental division. After seven months of holding the belts, Santana was defeated by Randy Savage who employed the use of a pair of brass knuckles to known Tito out cold.Over the next year, Santana competed in both the singles and tag team ranks without much notoriety. This changed in 1987, however, when he was teamed with Canadian Ric Martel. Martel was running on a hot streak until his tag team partner Tom Zenk abruptly left the promotion in late 1987. Martel and Santana formed a team known as strike force and captured the tag team belts from the Hart Foundation on October 27, 1987 in Syracuse, New York. After defending the belts for several months, Martel was injured in a match against Demolition and Strikeforce lost the titles. After briefly reuniting in 1989, Martel abruptly abandoned Santana, leaving him in the ring in the middle of a match. This led to a hot feud between the two but it seemed that the WWF now had other stars which they were more interested in pushing. Santana thus left the promotion in 1990 and journeyed to Mexico for a year.

Tito returned to the WWF with a new gimmick of El Matador. The new gimmick did not help to boost his career much and he left the WWF to enter Eastern Championship Wrestling and captured the promotion’s world title belt in August of 1993. After leaving ECW a month later, he toiled for several years as an undercard performer. The high point for him was capturing the AWF heavyweight championship in 1997. He later performed in a number of independent shows and was brought in for a one time only performance in WCW where he defeated Jeff Jarrett.

Tito Santana enjoyed a very successful career in professional wrestling. Much of his popularity was based on his push as an ethnic draw. Unfortunately, his ethnic background, along with other instances of backstage politics prevented him from ever getting the chance to carry the World title belt. Nevertheless, he is remembered for his enthusiasm and energy in the ring and his love for the fans outside.

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