Eight Years Gone

Photo via Wikipedia

Shinya Hashimoto, perhaps the hossiest hoss who ever hossed in Japan, died eight years ago today. He fell victim to a brain aneurysm only eight days after his 40th birthday. In wrestling terms, he was just exiting the prime of his career, and if his peers set any example, he would have had a boss sunset year period. Hashimoto was part of New Japan Pro Wrestling's "Three Musketeers," along with Keiji "The Great Muta" Mutoh, and Masahiro Chono. In a neat bit of synergy, it was Chono who would be Daichi Hashimoto's first opponent, Daichi being Shinya's son, obviously.

I was more an All Japan guy in my more hardcore puroresu-following days, so I didn't have much exposure to Hashimoto. However, I do know that he was one of the most universally beloved performers in any company. He also made his mark in America, as he was one of Steve Corino's best rivals back at the turn of the century. The two had a nice little feud over the NWA World Championship. Either way, Hashimoto left enough of a mark on many people whose opinions on wrestling I respect and admire. He's certainly one of the most important wrestlers ever, and today, I pour one out for one of the greats. RIP Hash.