The powerful Japanese would commit suicide rather than be dishonored in the ring. But, the way he's going now, he doesn't have to worry about either.
Wrestling World March 1963 Obedient to the ancient Samurai code of honor, the bulky wrestling champion of all Japan—Rikidozan— has pledged to commit hari-kari before suffering dishonor in the ring. The somber-faced millionaire has his own definition of “dishonor,” which permits him to lose an occasional match. What he fears most, though, is the scorn of his public. He’s lost 12 bouts in 15 years without feeling the ridicule of the paying customers, When it comes, Riki knows what his fate must be— the sword! The fact that the 37-year old Riki has business assets estimated at close to $10 million probably makes him the richest and most successful wrestler in the world. If President Kennedy knew how much money Riki coined in his stateside matches, he’d have the answer to the gold shipments abroad problem. Riki is so rich that Fort Knox buys gold from him, Part of Riki’s vast fortune was acquired during brief but financially rewarding two month stands in the states, particularly on th...
