Gran Hamada, pioneering Japanese wrestler who helped shape modern junior heavyweight wrestling, passed away at 74. His death was first reported by San Luis Potosí.
Born in Maebashi, Japan, in 1950, Hamada trained under Antonio Inoki and began his career with New Japan Pro-Wrestling in the early 1970s. He revolutionized wrestling by merging Japanese puroresu with Mexican lucha libre techniques.
Hamada achieved success in Universal Wrestling Association, capturing multiple titles including the UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, and Middleweight Championships. He held the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship during his time competing across Mexico and Japan.
In 1990, Hamada established Universal Lucha Libre in Japan, a promotion that launched the careers of wrestlers like TAKA Michinoku and the original Kaientai. He made appearances for All Japan Pro Wrestling, Michinoku Pro Wrestling, and competed in a memorable six-man tag team match at ECW Barely Legal 1997.
Hamada wrestled his final match in 2018 at age 68. His innovative style and contributions helped develop generations of junior heavyweight wrestlers who followed in his footsteps.