(ALL JAPAN) Wrestling News NOW

Weekly Pro (January 1973)

Behind the scenes

An article about Tsuruta, the "second coming of Baba," who had even put his fellow trainee in danger due to his quick moves, appeared on page 2 of the November 23rd issue of the Nikkan Sports newspaper, announcing Tsuruta's entry into All Japan Pro Wrestling.

This is a full-fledged professional wrestler throwing his senior, Sato, with a spectacular suplex (atomic bomb throw). Judging from this picture, he's a full-fledged professional, really cool. After all, he was an Olympic representative in amateur wrestling, so these kinds of holds should be his specialty. Whether it's Karl Gotch's German Suplex Hold or Lou Thesz's back drop, they all originate from amateur wrestling holds. To be honest, the wrestler who was hit by this move, which was so swiftly executed by Tsuruta that he just managed to break his fall.

Being a professional, he managed to withstand the attack at the last moment, but even so, he suffered considerable neck pain.

"It was incredibly fast... It might sound strange coming from me, his senior, but Tsuruta's technique is simply amazing. If it were a normal person, that one hit would have sent them to the afterlife." In this case, regarding Sato being thrown, rather than blaming Sato's poor defensive technique, we should praise Tsuruta's exceptional skill.

According to this article, Tsuruta is scheduled to graduate from Chuo University next spring and immediately go to Dory Funk Sr.'s dojo in Amarillo, Texas, to begin serious professional training. However, this plan may be moved up. After all, he has far more professional qualities than expected, and his training is exceptionally fast.

The great Baba said, "I'll make sure he completely masters the art of taking bumps before he goes to America," and that's certainly true. In amateur wrestling, there's no such thing as taking bumps; the only thing you learn is to win quickly. However, in professional wrestling, the element of "showmanship" is also necessary. How Tsuruta will handle that remains to be seen...It's a tough challenge, especially since he's expected to be Baba's successor.

NOAH'S ARKIVE! WEEKLY PRO & BOOK ARCHIVE