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Tiger Mask (first generation)'s Real Name: Satoru Sayama
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Tiger Mask (first generation) (初代タイガーマスク) 本名: Satoru Sayama (佐山聡)
Answer: The first Tiger Mask was Satoru Sayama (佐山聡). He debuted the manga-based mask for NJPW in 1981 and later founded the MMA organization Shooto.
Satoru Sayama was born on November 27, 1957, in Yamaguchi Prefecture. He trained at New Japan Pro-Wrestling and wrestled abroad before returning in April 1981 as Tiger Mask, a character based on the manga by Ikki Kajiwara and Naoki Tsuji. His debut against the Dynamite Kid launched a craze, with high-flying moves rarely seen in Japan then.
He dropped the character in 1983. Other wrestlers have worn the Tiger Mask name since, which is why he is called 初代 ("first generation"). Sayama went on to create Shooto, an early mixed martial arts system and organization. He later returned to wrestling with his own promotions.
FAQ
How many Tiger Masks have there been? Several wrestlers have used the name; Satoru Sayama was the first.
Who did the first Tiger Mask debut against? The Dynamite Kid, in April 1981.