209. Tojo Yamamoto

It is hard to argue that most of the wrestlers we spoke of loved the wrestling business. Tojo Yamamoto loved it so much; he took his own life when he could no longer be a part of it. Yamamoto was another Hawaiian born wrestler who wrapped himself in the Japanese flag to get heel heat. Tojo never reached the big time, but he very good tactician who was a multi time (mostly tag team) belt holder in or around the Memphis area. He was known as a man who gave back to wrestling, as he was always willing to help younger wrestlers wherever he could. When Tojo’s health failed, he was a top manager in Memphis. Sadly, when he could no longer perform that, depression over not being a part of the business he loved got the best of him.

Should Tojo Yamamoto be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 83.8%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 6.9%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 4.6%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 4.6%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Harold Watanabe (Real Name)
P.Y. Chung
T.Y. Chung
Billed From: Japan
Key Championships Held: NWA (Florida) United States Tag Team w/Taru Miyake
NWA Mid America Southern Tag Team (23) 1w/Ivan Malenkov, 6w/Alex Perez, 2w/Mitsu Harai, 1w/Tor Kamata, 1w/The Great Higamo, 2w/Johnny Long, 1w/Johnny Walker, 5w/Jerry Jarrett, 2w/Jerry Lawler, 1w/Eddie Marlin, 1w/Jimmy Golden
NWA Mid America World Tag Team (8) 1w/Alex Perez, 1w/Mitsu Harai, 1w/Tamaya Soto, 1w/Professor Ito, 3w/Johnny Long, 1w/Ben Justice
NWA Mid America Tag Team (12) 2w/Bill Dromo, 1w/Tommy Gilbert, 2w/Jackie Fargo, 1w/Johnny Marlin, 2w/George Gulas, 3w/Gypsy Joe, 1w/Great Togo
NWA Mid American Heavyweight (2)
AWA Southern Tag Team w/Wayne Ferris
Why they will get in: He was one of the most successful wrestlers in the celebrated Memphis area.
Why they won't get in: Self inflicted gun shot wounds do not get you in the Hall.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Won his first title, becoming one half of the Florida United States Tag Team Champions (11/16/61)
2. Won his first of many Tag Team Titles with Alex Perez (1/23/64)
3. Won his first Tag Team Title with Jerry Jarrett (10/19/70)
4. Won the Mid American Tag Team Title with the legendary Jackie Fargo (6/2/73)
5. Defeated Bobby Eaton for the NWA Mid American Heavyweight Title (2/11/80)