Mitsuharu Misawa (1962 - 2009)

Real Name - Mitsuharu Misawa

Lifespan - 6/18/1962 - 6/13/2009

6'1" 238 lbs. - Koshiyaga, Saitama, Japan

Athletic Background - Freestyle Wrestling (High School), Gymnastics (Jr. High School)

Teacher(s) - Giant Baba, Great Kabuki, Kazuharu Sonada, The Destroyer, Dory Funk, Jr.

Professional Background - All Japan(`81-`00), CMLL(`84), NOAH(`00-`10), Zero-One(`01), New Japan(`02)

Aliases - Kamikaze Misawa, Tiger Mask II

Groups - UNTOUCHABLES, WAVE

Peak Years - 

Finisher(s) - 

- Emerald Frosion Custom (Suplex into Emerald Fusion)

- Emerald Frosion II (Fireman's Carry into Emerald Fusion)

- Emerald Frosion

- Super Emerald Frosion

- Enzui Elbow to sitting opponent

- Tiger Driver `91

- Stepover Facelock

- Running Elbow

- Rolling Elbow

- Super Tiger Driver

- Tiger Suplex

Favorites - 

- Tiger Driver

- Elbow Suicida

- Jumping Face Kick

- German Suplex

- Elbows

Ringwork Rating - 

Intangibles Rating - 

Place in History - When Mitsuharu Misawa died tragically in the ring, it gave people time to reflect on his true legacy.  For several years, the chain-smoking pot-bellied promoter of Pro-Wrestling NOAH was broken down, but still working a version the style he and others made famous 20 years earlier.  A routine back suplex broke his neck and ended his life.  His accomplishments, his in-ring ability, his star power and his influence over the business rank him amongst the greatest legends of the sport.  Mitsuharu Misawa was a national champion in amateur wrestling as a senior in high school and went through the usual training and slow build.  He had a solid, although not stellar run as Tiger Mask II in the late 1980s.  After unmasking and challenging top star Jumbo Tsuruta, Misawa had arrived and in a shocking turn of events, he beat Tsuruta.  A new generation of stars came up alongside him and they, mainly Toshiaki Kawada and Kenta Kobashi, would transform pro-wrestling in Japan.  All Japan's booking approach, performance style and business changed almost overnight and that period is widely regarded as the best of any promotion at any point in history.  Going into the new millenium, Misawa was made the president of the company following Giant Baba's death.  Disputes with Motoko Baba convinced him that he needed to leave and he and most of the company left and formed Pro-Wrestling NOAH.  They enjoyed some great successes, but had fallen on hard times in recent years.  Misawa's own physical involvement was largely based on that fact and sadly it led to his death.  One of the greatest in-ring performers that pro-wrestling has ever seen, Mitsuharu Misawa is truly amongst the most elite.