94. Masa Saito

Masa Saito was not your typical Japanese wrestler. Many of them will never compete outside of Japan, and those that do may do so only for a run or two in the United States. Saito competed often in the U.S. for various promotions often competing in tag teams with other foreign born heels. Saito was a compact powerhouse with a legitimate amateur background (he competed for Japan in the 1964 Olympics). This allowed him to wrestle virtually any American style. As a former co-holder of the WWE tag belts with Mr. Fuji, Saito does have WWE experience under his belt and a large amount of American exposure with other promotions. This could make him a dark horse candidate to become the next Japanese wrestler for the Hall.

Should Masa Saito be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 45.8%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 37.5%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 12.5%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 4.2%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Mr. Saito
The Unknown Soldier
Billed From: Tokyo, Japan
Key Championships Held: NWA (San Francisco) World Tag Team (2) w/Kenji Shibuya
NWA Florida Heavyweight
NWA Americas Tag Team (3) w/Kenji Shibuya
NWA (Vancouver) Tag Team (2) 1w/Gene Kiniski, 1w/Dale Lewis
NWA Florida Tag Team (5) 3w/Ivan Koloff, 2w/Mr. Sato
NWA United States Tag Team (2) w/Mr. Sato
NWA Southeastern Alabama Heavyweight (2)
WWF World Tag Team (2) w/Mr. Fuji
IWGP World Tag Team (2) 1w/Riki Choshu, 1w/Shinya Hashimoto
AWA World Heavyweight
Why they will get in: It does not hurt that his co-tag team champion in the WWF is in.
Why they won't get in: A solid wrestler, but not really a main event performer.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Wins his first singles Title (FNWA Florida Heavyweight) (12/22/69)
2. Wins the WWF World Tag Team Title with Mr. Fuji (10/17/81)
3. Loses the infamous “island death match” to Antonio Inoki (10/4/87)
4. Wins his first major title in Japan capturing the IWGP Tag Belts with Riki Choshu (6/10/88)
5. Wins the AWA World Heavyweight Title (1/10/90)