There were a lot of heavy hitters in All-Japan in the late 90’s but Akira Taue, a former sumo turned pro wrestler may have been the “heaviest”.

Neff Maiava was not the most accomplished wrestler in the world or really even in the state of Hawaii, but he was arguably the first Polynesian star of note who could main event regularly.

Johnny Powers challenged Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship many times in the early 60’s in Pennsylvania and Toronto and he main evented in Minnesota, Detroit and Texas but his biggest contribution was as a promoter in the Cleveland area with the NWF promotion.

In terms of actual fame, “Count” Billy Varga eclipsed many of his contemporaries as he appeared on many television shows and movies in the 50’s and 60’s often playing…what else? A wrestler!  In the ring however Varga was a draw in the California and Hawaii area and held his fair share of championship belts.  This would include the NWA World Light Heavyweight Championship and singles championships in Hawaii, Texas and Los Angeles.