At last night’s Smackdown tapings, WWE announced that legendary Japanese wrestler Tatsumi Fujinami will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The 61 year old Fujinami was a staple of New Japan Pro Wrestling for decades, winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship six times. He also held the WWF Junior Heavyweight Championship, WWF International Heavyweight Championship, and WWF International Tag Team Titles.
Fujinami had a brief reign with WCW’s NWA World Heavyweight Championship, although it is only sporadically recognized. American fans may best remember him for facing Ric Flair at SuperBrawl in 1991.
Fujinami worked as recently as last year, appearing for NOAH. Fujinami left New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2006 after almost 35 years with the company due to issues with Riki Choshu.
WWE had been collecting Fujinami memorabilia of late, and an induction was rumored several weeks ago. This will be the WWE’s biggest Hall of Fame class in over a decade, with nine acts set.
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