239. Akira Maeda

Trained by Karl Gotch, Akira Maeda definitely seemed to have the intention to change the world of Professional Wrestling. Maeda disliked the worked style of wrestling and sought to bring a more realistic style to the ring. Maeda was a big part of the origin of three pseudo shoot promotions in Japan (UFI, UWFI and RINGS) and was himself a big draw in Japan and used his excellent ring work to inspire a new generation of wrestlers and wrestling fans. Maeda may have loved shooting too much as his actions against Andre the Giant, Riki Choshu & Satoru Sayama are legendary. Still, he did have a run with the WWE in 1984, so he is not an unknown to WWE brass.

Should Akira Maesa be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 21.1%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.3%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 36.8%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 36.8%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Kwik Kick Lee
Billed From: Osaka, Japan
Key Championships Held: European Union Heavyweight
WWF International Heavyweight
IWGP World Tag Team (2) 1w/Osamu Kido, 1w/Nobutaka Araya
Why they will get in: He does have an influence factor.
Why they won't get in: That influence has little to do with the WWE product.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Wins the European Heavyweight Championship (1/25/83)
2. Wrestled Andre the Giant in a match that turned into s shoot (4/29/86)
3. Had a brutal yet brilliant match against Tatsumi Fujinami (6/12/86)
4. With UWF, puts 60,000 fans in the Tokyo Dome to see him main event against Willie Wilhelm (11/29/89)
5. Formed Fighting Network, RINGS (1991)