(NOAH) Countdown to the 21st Century! Weekly Pro Wrestling Survey Now Underway. Vol 3: Rusher Kimura & Mitsuo Momota

Weekly Pro 14th November 2000

(Issue No. 1003)

Who will be chosen as the MVP of the 20th century? 

The two mentioned were...Rikidozan, Gordienko

Our ongoing survey series continues this week. Featured this time are two stalwarts of Pro Wrestling Noah: Rusher Kimura and Mitsuo Momota.

The person Momota listed as number (1) is Rikidozan—the father of Japanese professional wrestling, and also Momota's own father.

George Gordienko first came to Japan in 1968 (Showa 43) to compete for International Pro-Wrestling. By the time he retired in 1975 (Showa 50), he had made a total of three trips to Japan.

Let's take a look at the survey responses! 

RUSHER KIMURA

1. Giant Baba

"It has to be Giant Baba, doesn't it? You could say he was a pillar of 20th-century professional wrestling—after all, he kept working so hard even after turning sixty." 

2. Mitsuharu Misawa

"He actually forced Jumbo Tsuruta—a man dubbed "the monster"—to submit. And this was when Jumbo was still in his prime; it wasn't a pinfall, but a submission. That’s an incredible feat."

3. George Gordienko

"Among the wrestlers I’ve faced, there was a man named George Gordienko. He left a lasting impression—he was undeniably strong. Anyone who knows him would have to agree; he was just incredibly tough."

MITSUO MOMOTA

1. Rikidozan

"It has to be my old man—I can’t imagine it being anyone else. While much of it might be lost on today’s fans, Rikidozan possessed an extraordinary level of charisma back in his day. Even now, there are surely people who look up to professional wrestlers, but Rikidozan commanded a remarkably broad base of support—from politicians, business leaders, and sports figures to entertainers, not to mention the general public. He was the man who established the high social standing that professional wrestlers enjoy. That’s how I see it—and I say that not just as his son, but from the perspective of an objective observer."

2. Kenta Kobashi

"It’s a shame I can’t name the person himself (laughs). I suppose I’d have to say Kobashi. There have been other wrestlers in the past with such thick arms and massive physiques, but most of them tended to lack mobility. Kobashi, however, is capable of incredible movement despite his size. He really stands head and shoulders above other Japanese wrestlers."

3. Lou Thesz

"There are so many, aren't there? It’s a tough choice, but I’d have to go with Lou Thesz. He became a world champion in his early twenties, and he’s maintained such a fierce, persistent drive to stay active in the ring even to this day. The fact that he travelled the entire globe—despite not having a particularly large physique—truly makes him the kind of wrestler whose legacy will be passed down through the generations."

  As we delve into the history of professional wrestling, some names have emerged that truly reflect the long and distinguished careers of those involved. 

  Kimura mentioned Gordienko, a wrestler who made a particularly strong impression on him during his time in International Pro Wrestling.

  On November 4th 1968, in Sapporo, the first IWA World Series opening match between Gordienko and Bill Robinson (which ended in a 30-minute draw) is etched in history as a legendary match between foreign wrestlers in Japan. Many people may have learned about the wrestler Gordienko for the first time here, but let's make sure that we remember him as we move forward into the next century. 

 And then there's Rikidozan, who Momota mentioned. He's an indispensable figure, not only in the history of Japanese professional wrestling, but also when discussing 20th century Japanese history. You will no doubt see him many times in the 20th century TV specials airing at the end of this year. Re-examining and evaluating wrestlers already etched in history is one of the purposes of this survey. 

Who will mention which wrestler next? 

Stay tuned!