Remembering Masa Saito
Quite simply, there is no NJPW western audience without the giant that fell last weekend. Masa Saito died at the age of 76 on July 14th. Saito was responsible for a plethora of North American talent making appearances in NJPW in the 70s and 80s and beyond. A gifted wrestler and former Olympian, Saito was an unsung hero of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s foundational years.
Saito’s greatest rivalry in NJPW will always be his rivalry with Antonio Inoki. Saito’s grudge with the founder of New Japan culminated in one of the most visually-striking matches in wrestling history, the Ganryujima Island Deathmatch. For two hours, Saito and Inoki told a glacial, gripping story of man vs. nature.
Saito was responsible for bringing American talents like Hulk Hogan and Larry Zbyszko. Saito even beat Zbyszko in the Tokyo Dome for the AWA Heavyweight Championship. Saito eventually retired in 1999.
Saito was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2000. He said he wanted to get healthy enough to be an Olympic Torchbearer in 2020. The entire WrestleZone staff sends their thoughts to the friends and family of Masanori Saito.
— STRIGGA (@STRIGGA) July 17, 2018
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