121. Riki Choshu

Another Japanese wrestler who is not well known to North American audiences (although he did have many matches here in the 70’s), Riki Choshu also was one of the top stars in Japan and was a constant fixture in the Heavyweight ranks there for decades.

With his large frame and solid offensive arsenal (Choshu is credited with creating the sharpshooter), he seemed to be in the hunt for major titles in Japan forever. It was in New Japan Pro Wrestling that he would become a major star, capturing the World Championship three times, and successfully running the booking department to some of the best years that they ever had.

Choshu did not always book himself on the top (like many others with that kind of power) although he had the wrestling talent that deserved it. If another New Japan wrestler gets in after Antonio Inoki, Riki Choshu would be a fine pick

Should Riki Choshu be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 62.5%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 25%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 4.2%

No opinion. - 4.2%

No way! - 4.2%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Mitsuo Yoshida (Real Name)
Billed From: Seoul, South Korea
Key Championships Held: NWA North American Tag Team w/Seiji Sakaguchi
UWA Heavyweight
UWA Tag Team w/Gran Hamada
WWF International Heavyweight
NWA International Tag Team w/Yoshiaki Yatsu
PWF Heavyweight
IWGP World Tag Team (3) 1w/Masa Saito, 1w/Takayuki Iizuka, 1w/Kensuke Sasaki
IWGP World Heavyweight (3)
G1 Climax 1996
Why they will get in: He was one of the best ever in Japan.
Why they won't get in: What does that mean to the WWE?
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Jumped from New Japan to All Japan and led one of the first successful “Invasion” angles (1984)
2. Won his first IWGP World Title over Salman Hasimikov (7/12/89)
3. Beat his longtime rival, Tatsumi Fujinami for the IWGP World Title (1/4/92)
4. Won the prestigious G1 Climax (8/6/96)
5. Wrestled five times in his “retirement” match (1/4/98)