258. Atsushi Onita

There really are two careers of Atsushi Onita. The first was as a young Japanese wrestler working his way up the ranks and becoming one of the early figures of All Japan’s Junior Heavyweight Division. However, that isn’t the career he is known for is it?

After coming out of a two year retirement, Onita returned and developed a Hardcore style based on his brief time in the United States years previous. His matched were bloody and violent, and as the man who brought “Death Matches” to Japan he popularized the style to new heights in the 1990’s. All of this made him an icon in Japan, but a handful of experience in the Southern U.S., does not make him a household world to American wrestling fans.

Should Atsushi Onita be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 23.5%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.9%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 52.9%

No opinion. - 5.9%

No way! - 11.8%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Great Nita
Billed From: Nagasaki, Japan
Key Championships Held: AWA Southern Tag Team (3) w/Masa Fuchi
NWA All Japan International Junior Heavyweight (3)
FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight (7)
Why they will get in: He had an impact on the Japanese wrestling scene.
Why they won't get in: Why should Japanese Garbage Wrestling gain a place in the Hall?
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Defeats Chavo Guerrero to win the NWA All Japan International Junior Heavyweight Title (3/7/82)
2. Defeats Mr. Pogo in a no ropes Barbed Wire Death Match (8/4/90)
3. Wrestled Terry Funk in a Time Bomb Death Match in front of 41,000 people (5/5/93)
4. Loses a retirement death match to Genichru Tenryu in front of 50,000 fans (5/5/94)
5. As the “Great Nita” wrestled The Great Muta at the Tokyo Dome (8/5/99)