147. Seiji Sakaguchi
A pillar of New Japan Pro wrestling in and out of the ring for decades, Seiji Sakaguchi is one of the unsung heroes of the successful Japanese promotion.
As an in ring performer, Sakaguchi used his judo skills to put forth a believable offense and behind the scenes he would book and run the promotion. Internationally, he did compete for both the WWWF (winning a title in the former) and NWA promotions and with the WWE Hall of Fame recognizing international talent this is not as illogical as it was in the 2000’s.
The Bullet Points
- Other Aliases: Big Saka
- Billed From: Fukuoka, Japan
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Key Championships Held: AJPW All Asia Tag Team w/Michiaki Yoshimura
NWA United National Heavyweight (2)
NWA (JWA) International Tag Team (2) 1w/Giant Baba & 1w/Kintaro Ohki
NWA (Los Angeles/Japan) North American Tag Team (5) 2w/Antonio Inoki, 2w/Strong Kobayashi & 1w/Riki Choshu
EWU (South Africa) World Super Heavyweight
NWF (Buffalo/Cleveland) North American Heavyweight
WWF North American
NWA Polynesian Pacific Tag Team w/Lars Anderson - Why they will get in: The door has opened for Japanese wrestlers and Sakaguchi has a history with the WWE.
- Why they won't get in: There is no urgency or even a push to induct him.
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Five Greatest Matches/Moments:
- Wins his first of two World Tag Leagues, the first with Antonio Inoki and the second with Akihisa Takachiko (1971 & 1972)
- Defeats the Sheik for the NWA United Heavyweight Title (9/7/72)
- Won the New Japan World League (1976)
- Repeated by winning the tournament again (1977)
- Defeated Pat Patterson for the WWF North American Title (11/8/79)
Should they be in the Hall of Fame?
Definitely put them in! - 16.7%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 83.3%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%
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