gold star for USAHOF

13. Giant Baba

Trained by the legendary Rikidozan, Shohei “Giant” Baba was a true groundbreaker. His huge size (6 ft 10) made him stand out and break the stereotype of the smaller Asian athlete. Baba became the first Japanese wrestler to win the coveted NWA World Heavyweight Title and his status as a national hero was well deserved.