Pat Tanaka

Pat Tanaka is not exactly the kind of guy who'd make you think "wrestling superstar" when you look at him. He's 5'9", a technician with a penchant for high-flying moves, and he hails from Honolulu, Hawaii - which isn't exactly wrestling country. And yet, here we are, singing his praises.

Tanaka-san (as the fans affectionately call him) burst onto the scene in 1984, a scrappy upstart with a judo background and a Ringen-style grappling skillset that made opponents squirm. His Complete Shot was legendary - a move so vicious it sent opponents crashing to the mat like ragdolls.

But Tanaka's story is more than just a series of impressive moves. It's about perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve as a performer. He began his career in World Wrestling Entertainment, then made the jump to New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he became a staple of their tag team division.

Tanaka won titles galore - CWA International Tag Team Championship, UWA/UWF Intercontinental Tag Team Championship, you name it. And yet, he never let success go to his head. He remained humble, always looking for ways to improve and stay relevant in the ever-changing world of professional wrestling.

So what makes Pat Tanaka tick? Is it his love of Judo, which taught him discipline and focus? Or is it his passion for high-flying moves, which earned him the nickname El Gato (The Cat)? Whatever the reason, Pat Tanaka's impact on the sport is undeniable. He's a true original - a wrestler who refused to be pigeonholed or limited by convention.

And so we'll continue to sing Pat Tanaka's praises, for his dedication to his craft, his innovative style, and his unwavering commitment to excellence in the ring. GOKU-DO, anyone?