70. Ultimo Dragon

The winner of the first J Crown Championship made a lot of impact in World Championship Wrestling winning titles there as well. Dragon was rare in that he was a Japanese wrestler who sought to develop his skills in Mexico. After becoming a star there, he returned to Japan ready to conquer Asia. After Japan, it was only a matter of time before he would do the same in the United States.

In Eric Bischoff’s WCW, lighter weight grapplers were given a National showcase. Dragon wrestled there for an extended period of time winning multiple titles and displaying his brand of aerial skills. He gave back to the industry, forming his own promotion and training a new wave of smaller top rope acrobats some of whom became stars in their native Japan.

As good as the Ultimo Dragon was, his run in the WWE was less than stellar. It is a shame that many who only saw him compete there think of him as a footnote as opposed to the cog in the evolution of high flying wrestling.

Should Ultimo Dragon be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 89.8%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 4.5%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 3.8%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 1.9%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Yoshihiro Asai (Real Name)
Ultimate Dragon
Billed From: Mexico City, Mexico or Nagoya, Japan
Key Championships Held: UWA World Welterweight
UWA World Middleweight (5)
IWGP Junior Heavyweight (2)
WAR International Junior Heavyweight (2)
J-Crown
WCW Cruiserweight (2)
WCW Television (2)
Why they will get in: HE could sneak in as the Japanese high flying representative of the 90’s
Why they won't get in: He was barely used in the WWE
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Wins his first IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title defeating El Samarai (11/22/92)
2. Wins the UWA Middleweight Title; his first there as Ultimo Dragon (3/26/93)
3. Won the J-Crown defeating the Great Sasuke (8/11/96)
4. Beat Dean Malenko at Starrcade for the WCW Cruiserweight Belt (12/29/96)
5. Won the WCW Television Title from Steven Regal (7/22/97)