For subscribers: Dave Meltzer’s obituary for Hisashi Shinma
Subscribers can get an early look at Dave Meltzer’s obituary for Hisashi Shinma who passed away at 90 years old.
Here’s an excerpt:
“Hisashi Shinma, one of the most influential figures in the history of pro wrestling, as a promoter, booker, business manager and political figure who had a long association with Antonio Inoki, passed away on 4/21 at the age of 90.
Shinma was a key figure from the start of New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1972. New Japan was started by Inoki after he failed in a takeover attempt of the JWA, the top promotion in Japan. He is historically credited with so many concepts that led to building New Japan into the largest grossing pro wrestling company in the world in the early 80s. His reputation is that he put together many of the most iconic matches and concepts.
Other historians claim that he was perhaps the most overrated figure and most of what he was credited for were ideas of Inoki. The idea is that with Inoki as an active wrestler and top star, he could not publicly be associated with the idea he was the key business decision-maker.”
Click here to read the full obituary.
Dave Meltzer is the founder and lead writer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the weekly constant when it comes to news and reviews in pro wrestling and mixed martial arts for more than 40 years. Dave also co-hosts Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and had had bylines for The National, Yahoo Sports, MMA Fighting and others.