202. Shinya Hashimoto

As one of the top draws of New Japan, Shinya Hashimoto won numerous titles and successfully wrestled a hybrid of stiff pre-MMA style wrestling and the technical Japanese wrestling style that dominated the country. Hashimoto may have looked like a fat version of Japanese Elvis, but his in ring work had few equals and he was a top draw of the Japanese wrestling circuit for years. The former New Japan and All Japan World Heavyweight Champion died prematurely at the age of 40, but his in ring accomplishments had few equals.

Should Shinya Hashimoto be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 44.4%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 33.3%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 5.6%

No opinion. - 5.6%

No way! - 11.1%

The Bullet Points

Billed From: Japan
Key Championships Held: IWGP World Tag Team (2) 1w/Masa Saito, 1w/Junji Hirata
IWGP World Heavyweight (3)
G1 Climax 1998
NWA World Heavyweight
All Japan Triple Crown Heavyweight
Why they will get in: He was one of the greatest wrestlers that New Japan ever had.
Why they won't get in: That accolade never translated to an American audience.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Won the IWGP World Heavyweight title defeating the Great Muta (9/20/93)
2. Won the IWGP belt again, defeating the legendary Tatsumi Fujimani (5/1/94)
3. Wrestles Naoya Ogawa at the Tokyo Dome and a feud begins between them (4/12/97)
4. Won the G1 Climax (1998)
5. Wins the All Japan Triple Crown over The Great Muta (3/23/03)