Shohei Baba (1938–1999) was a professional wrestler and co-founder of All Japan Pro Wrestling. He was also known as Giant Baba. 1938 was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1999 is a common year starting on Friday of the Common Era, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... Professional wrestling is a form of performance entertainment where the participants engage in simulated sporting matches. ... All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) is a Japanese professional wrestling promotion established in 1972. ...
January 23 is the 23rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1938 was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... January 31 is the 31st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1999 is a common year starting on Friday of the Common Era, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... Rikidozan (Kanji: 力道山) was a professional wrestler, known as the Father of Puroresu and one of the most influential men in wrestling history. ...
4-time NWA International Tag Team Champion (with Antonio Inoki)
4-time PWF Heavyweight Champion
1-time All Asian Heavyweight Champion
Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) ranked him # 26 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003. PWI also ranked him # 10 of the best tag teams of the "PWI Years" with Jumbo Tsuruta.
Baba, along with Antonio Inoki (among others) was one of those students who Rikidozan had hoped could carry the sport into the future.
Baba also won 16 different tournaments (which are very popular and exciting annual events in Japan) throughout his career, often defeating 8-10 men in one night.
Baba's dedication to wrestling was legendary throughout the profession, and he was known as a no-nonsense, world-class promoter, inspirational leader, and as a patient teacher.
Feeds |
Contact