Nowadays the stars from across the Pacific have established a steady fan base in the states due to the expansion of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. However, back in the day the talent from across the pacific were completely unknown in the states outside of a few names that made it big in the major companies. One of the few names that made it big in the states before the expansion of NJPW was The Great Muta who became a main event star in the WCW in the mid 1990's. But looking back at two names that became legends in Japan but never had a chance in the states.
The first name to pick is Jinsei Shinzaki who is a next level legend in Japan with his legacy set in stone after how many years he has been in the ring. Jinsei made his debut back 25 years ago and to this day is still active in the ring with Michinoku Pro. I do stand corrected however as Jinsei was one of the few legends to make a name for himself away from NJPW and as a member of the other Japanese Promotions. Also for those who may remember Jinsei did make the jump to the states working for WWF under the name of Hakushi for around two years in the period prior to the era of Attitude. Shinzaki has made sparing visits to the states over the years typically staying in his home base, but to prove his legendary status is around 2011 when he broke into the political scene in Japan.
Also I would like to send birthday wishes to another Japanese Wrestling legend in the Super Strong Machine. The man known as Junji Hirata has reigned in a variety of promotions making the biggest impact in NJPW. Even though his active in ring career is technically not over just yet his focus has moved to being a trainer in the NJPW dojo. Overall these two legends have gone down different roads but will leave two different legacy's on the wrestling business.
The first name to pick is Jinsei Shinzaki who is a next level legend in Japan with his legacy set in stone after how many years he has been in the ring. Jinsei made his debut back 25 years ago and to this day is still active in the ring with Michinoku Pro. I do stand corrected however as Jinsei was one of the few legends to make a name for himself away from NJPW and as a member of the other Japanese Promotions. Also for those who may remember Jinsei did make the jump to the states working for WWF under the name of Hakushi for around two years in the period prior to the era of Attitude. Shinzaki has made sparing visits to the states over the years typically staying in his home base, but to prove his legendary status is around 2011 when he broke into the political scene in Japan.
Also I would like to send birthday wishes to another Japanese Wrestling legend in the Super Strong Machine. The man known as Junji Hirata has reigned in a variety of promotions making the biggest impact in NJPW. Even though his active in ring career is technically not over just yet his focus has moved to being a trainer in the NJPW dojo. Overall these two legends have gone down different roads but will leave two different legacy's on the wrestling business.