Masa Saito, the Japanese wrestling legend, passed away today from complications from Parkinson's disease.
I was first introduced to the man I knew as Mr. Saito in 1990, when he teamed up with The Great Muta for the Pat O'Connor Memorial Tag Team Tournament at WCW's Starrcade. Yes he did play the traditional salt-throwing Japanese heel, but what made him memorable was his physical style.
Saito is credited with being the innovator of the Scorpion Deathlock / Sharpshooter and the Saito Suplex. During his time in prison from 1985-1987, Saito created a hold called Kangokugatame, which translates to Prison Hold.
Saito had a legendary feud in New Japan with the legendary Antonio Inoki. In 1987, to settle their feud, the two competed in an Island Death match. The match lasted two hours and went all over the island. Inoki was eventually victorious defeating Saito by TKO. Saito won the IWGP Tag Team Championship twice during his career, once with Riki Choshu and the second with Shinya Hashimoto.
Saito wrestled his last match in 1999 against Scott Norton. Following his retirement, he stayed with New Japan as a commentator until 2003.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was 76 years old.
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