164. Toshiaki Kawada

Another of the great wrestlers who cut their teeth in All Japan, Toshiaki Kawada was a bit of an unsung superstar in Puroresu. Although he would win multiple championships in All-Japan and other promotions, he was in the shadow of bigger names like Mitsuharu Misawa and Kenta Kobashi. Kawada had multiple five star matches and is considered one of the toughest men ever to lace up the boots. Still, without anyone else from All-Japan getting in, what chance is there for Kawada?

Should Toshiaki Kawada be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 50%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 25%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end ofthe world. - 5%

No opinion. - 5%

No way! - 15%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Black Mephisto
Kio Kawata
Mr. Toshiaki
Dangerous K
Billed From: Ashikaga, Japan
Key Championships Held: All Asia Tag Team (3) w/Samson Fuyuki
All Japan World Tag Team (9) 6w/Akira Taue, 2w/Mtsuharu Misawa & 1w/Taiyo Kea
All Japan Triple Crown (5)
Champion Carnival Winner (1994 & 1997)
Why they will get in: Only if the WWE develops a love for 1990’s All-Japan
Why they won't get in: Getting Inoki in is probably where the WWE Hall of Fame will stop.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1.   Won the Champions Carnival defeating Steve Williams (4/16/94)
2.   Lost to Mitsuharu Misawa in the “Match of the Decade” (6/3/94)
3.   Won the Triple Crown for the First Time over Steve Williams (10/24/94)
4.   Beat Kenta Kobashi and Mitsuharu Misawa in the same night to win the 1997 Champions Carnival (4/19/97)
5.   Beat Misawa again for his second Triple Crown in the Tokyo Dome (5/1/98)