Rikidozan Resource

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(JAPAN PRO) Hiroshi Ijuin: Carnera's Impressions Of Japan

Weekly Pro 15th October 1955

(JAPAN PRO) Hiroshi Ijuin: Carnera's Impressions Of Japan

English language Pro-Wrestling Noah news

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English language Pro-Wrestling Noah news

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(NOAH) A disappointing world title fight - Baba's first main event appearance - The history of Japanese wrestlers who have appeared at MSG (

English language Pro-Wrestling Noah news

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"Marilyn for Parliament" vote fails

Peterborough Evening Telegraph - Tuesday 01 March 1955

A number of Japanese voters in Sunday's general election voted for Marilyn Monroe, the American film star. The ballots were declared invalid, officials said. Japanese ballots are blank and the voter must write in the name of the chosen candidate. Some ballots bore the names of Stalin, Japan's Crown Prince Akihito, Emperor Hirohito, Rikidozan (a popular wrestler), and Otomi-San, a beauty of ancient times who is praised in a popular song.

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Rikidozan and the Olympic Committee

"Ireland's Saturday Night" reported that in February 1964, ahead of the summer Olympics, "professional wrestler and promoter", Rikidozan, donated 100,000 yen to the organizing committee. The money came from more than sixty matches promoted by him in 1963. By 1964 alone, he was planning forty more.

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(JAPAN PRO) Rikidozan brilliantly stops Ortega - The final Tokyo show is a thrilling success

Weekly Pro 15th October 1955

(JAPAN PRO) Rikidozan brilliantly stops Ortega - The final Tokyo show is a thrilling success

English language Pro-Wrestling Noah news

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19st of Jap Brawn Routs Judo Science

Coventry Evening Telegraph Wednesday 16th March 1955

English language Pro-Wrestling Noah news

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Freddie Blassie Wins World Wrestling Crown

Civil & Military Gazette (Lahore) - Friday 27 July 1962

LOS ANGELES, JULY 26- The world heavyweight wrestling crown last night was won by Fred Blassie of St Louis, Montana, in a hotly contested match that was called at 12-53 of the second fall because of head injuries suffered by his opponent Rikidozan of Japan. Rikidozan's injuries were not serious and he promptly challenged Blassie to a return match. The 24 year old Tokyo native was well on his way to winning the crown, having taken the first fall at the 7-29 mark before an overflow crowd at the Olympic Auditorium. But shortly afterwards, the 242-pound Japanese wrestler struck his head on a ring post during a flying leap at Blassie. From then on it was Blassie's match. With blood pouring from a cut on the forehead, Rikidozan, who holds the world-wide wrestling associates title, gamely attempted to continue but referee John Dougan halted the match. The 233-pound Blassie is recognised heavyweight champion by the North American Wrestling Alliance. Several times during the match, Rikidozan, whose knowledge of English is slight, had trouble understanding the instructions of the referee and failed to take advantage of several opportunities when Blassie was near the ropes. Rikidozan used a more scientific ring form, while Blassie favoured a wide open type of attack.

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Body Building Craze Hits Judo Land - Rikidozan Deserts Sumo And Defeats Carnera

Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette Tuesday 11th October 1955

English language Pro-Wrestling Noah news

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RIKIDOZAN BEATS LOU THESZ

Saturday 30 August 1958

Civil & Military Gazette (Lahore)

Los Angeles, August 29th -

Rikidozan, Japan's professional wrestling champion, won a decision yesterday over Lou Thesz, who claims the International World Heavyweight Championship, in a non title match at the Olympic Auditorium. 

It was not the main event, and was not billed as a title match, Rikidozan was not advertised as a Japanese, and instead his name was anglicized as "Ricky Dozen" in the billing. 

There is no well-established ruling body of professional wrestling in the US, and no clear-cut championships. Some states do not recognize professional wrestling as a sport, in New York it is defined by law as a theatrical exhibition rather than a sport.