Professor Toru Tanaka

Non wrestling fans will remember Toru Tanaka for his acting roles alongside Chuck Norris and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 80’s, but wrestling fans remember him as a vicious Japanese born heel that terrorized his American opponents. Tanaka was actually a Hawaiian who played College Football and served in the U.S. military, but the tank like performer had a look for his era that screamed “foreign heel”. Tanaka won titles everywhere including the WWE where in the early 70’s he thrice won the Tag Titles with Mr. Fuji. That fact alone could allow WWE management to remember Tanaka’s legacy which is one that showcases a lot of respect from his peers.

Should Professor Toru Tanaka be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 90.6%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.7%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 1.9%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 1.9%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Charles Kalani (Real Name)
Billed From: Japan
Key Championships Held: IWA (Australia) Heavyweight (2)
IWA Tag Team w/Skull Murphy
WWWF International Tag Team w/Mitsu Arakawa
NWA Texas American Heavyweight (2)
NWA Texas American Tag Team w/Thunderbolt Patterson
WWWF World Tag Team (3) w/Mr. Fuji
NWA Florida Tag Team w/Dick Slater
NWA Georgia Heavyweight
NWA Georgia Tag Team w/Mr. Fuji
NWA Southeastern Heavyweight
NWA Americas Tag Team w/Dr. Hiro Ota
NWA Americas Heavyweight
AWA Southern Tag Team w/Mr. Fuji
NWA Texas Brass Knuckles (2)
Why they will get in: He was an iconic figure with a major WWE background.
Why they won't get in: They may feel that by inducting Mr. Fuji, that Tanaka was already honored.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Won his first major Title in Australia defeating Domenic DeNucci for the IWA Heavyweight Title (6/3/66)
2. Wrestled Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF World Heavyweight Title at Madison Square Garden (1/29/68)
3. With Mr. Fuji, wins his first of three WWF World Tag Team Titles (6/27/72)
4. Captures the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title over Abdullah the Butcher (8/22/75)
5. Wins his third WWWF World Tag Team Title with Mr. Fuji (9/27/77)