Another WWE Hall of Fame Inductee Announced at Tonight’s Taping *SPOILER*

WWE ran a video package announcing Japanese pro wrestling legend Tatsumi Fujinami as the next inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2015. 

Fujinami was one of the original stars of New Japan Pro Wrestling in the early 1970s before making his way to the Americas, trained by Karl Gotch and Antonio Inoki. After a stint with Jim Crocket Promotions he worked for the WWWF under Vince McMahon Sr., winning the WWWF Junior Heavyweight Championship. He defended the title throughout the U.S. and Japan for over 1,400 days against names like Jose Estrada, Johnny Rodz, the Dynamite Kid and Killer Khan. 

Soon after, Fujinami graduated to the Heavyweight division and would go on to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship six times, a record that stood until October 2014 when Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated AJ Styles to become a seven-time champion. He won numerous titles and awards in Japan including the G1 Climax tournament, the Karl Gotch Cup, the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and five sets of IWGP tag titles. 

During his time atop the company, Fujinami faced off against some of the most recognized names in pro wrestling anywhere in the world, including Jushin Liger, Ric Flair, Big Van Vader, Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. 

WWE Network subscribers looking to study up on the newest WWE Hall of Famer – the main event of WCW SuperBrawl 1991 (the first of its kind) featured WCW World Champion Ric Flair vs. NWA World Champion Tatsumi Fujinami in a match for both titles. There is also a fun tag team match with the Steiner Bros. 

There’s no word at this time on who is expected to induct Fujinami into the Hall of Fame. This is pure speculation, but Ric Flair makes a bit of sense. Antonio Inoki would be the biggest name they could get to attract Japanese fans, as he founded New Japan and trained him; he’s also 72-years-old. Bob Backlund and Keiji Mutoh also come to mind.