1. Akira Maeda was born on Go Il-myeong, January 24,1959 and is a Japanese mixed martial arts promoter, writer and retired professional wrestler and mixed martial artist.
15 Facts About Akira Maeda
1. 2.
Akira Maeda helped develop the shoot-style of professional wrestling during the late 1980s.
3.
Akira Maeda founded Fighting Network RINGS in 1991 which would become one of the top MMA promotions before it folded in 2002.
4.
Akira Maeda entered the New Japan Pro-Wrestling dojo in 1978, after being discovered at a karate tournament, and debuted the same year.
5.
Akira Maeda was one of three Japanese entrants to the international tournament, alongside Antonio Inoki and Rusher Kimura.
6.
Akira Maeda became involved in a real-life feud with New Japan booker and top star, Antonio Inoki, refusing to work with him in what could have been a huge moneymaking program.
7.
On November 19,1987, during a six-man tag team match, as Riki Choshu was putting Osamu Kido in a Sasori-gatame, Akira Maeda delivered a stiff kick to Choshu's face, breaking his orbital bone.
8.
The resulting injury would sideline Choshu for well over a month and Akira Maeda was immediately suspended for his actions.
9.
Referee Mr Takahashi, despite disapproving Akira Maeda's stiff style, has agreed it was an accident on a scripted spot, declaring that such miscommunications were not uncommon at the time.
10.
In 1988, Akira Maeda formed Newborn UWF with Nobuhiko Takada and others, this time as its number one star, using the notoriety he gained in New Japan to draw large crowds.
11.
Akira Maeda's UWF became the first promotion to hold a show at the Tokyo Dome, drawing 60,000 to watch Akira Maeda defeat Willy Wilhelm in the main event.
12.
Akira Maeda would go on to form Fighting Network RINGS in 1991, while Nobuhiko Takada formed Union of Wrestling Force International with most of the Newborn UWF roster.
13.
On January 22,2012, Akira Maeda decisively resurrected the Fighting Network RINGS brand with Battle Genesis: Vol.
14.
Akira Maeda is friends with Mother series creator Shigesato Itoi.
15.
Akira Maeda is an 8th degree black belt in Kyokushin Budokai.