(ALL JAPAN) October 19th: Foreign wrestler press conference (Ginza Tokyu Hotel)

Weekly Pro
(December 1972)

Upon hearing about the All Japan Pro Wrestling launch, top-tier stars from America, including "The Human Powerhouse" Bruno Sammartino, Terry Funk, "The Vampire" Fred Blassie, flew in to Japan. They were all gathered together, brimming with enthusiasm and ready to go.

BRUNO SAMMARTINO
"Baba is my best friend, but matches are a different matter."

TERRY FUNK
"I came as part of the advance party for my dad and my older brother."

"To be able to wrestle with Baba is the best thing for a wrestler"
(Note, this was Kozak's first visit to Japan)

"Whether it's another Rikidozan or Baba, I'll crush them both again!" - the ominous-looking Blassie declared. 

"I'm just following Bruno's orders" 
(Dom is modest, but full of fighting spirit) 

WALLY TSUTSUMI (Referee)
"I'm so happy to finally be able to visit Japan, the country of my parents. I owe it all to Baba-san."

Notes
Ginza Tokyu Hotel: Opened in 1961 and closed in 2021 due to aging of the building and was torn down.

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