Image Credit: Yahoo! Japan
Kuniaki Kobayashi, a prominent figure in the world of professional wrestling known for his career in New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling under the nickname “Tiger Hunter,” passed away on September 9, 2024, at the age of 68. Kobayashi, born on January 11, 1956, in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture, made a lasting impact on the sport.
Kobayashi embarked on his wrestling journey in 1972, inspired by Antonio Inoki, after leaving high school to join New Japan Pro Wrestling. His debut in 1973 set the stage for a career marked by high-profile matches and notable rivalries. He gained fame for his intense confrontations with Tiger Mask and his signature Fisherman’s Suplex, which earned him the moniker “Tiger Hunter” due to his rule-breaking tactics.
Throughout his career, Kobayashi was a key player in various wrestling factions, including the “Kakumei-gun” and the “Ishin-gundan.” His tenure in All Japan Pro Wrestling included winning the NWA International Junior Heavyweight Championship in 1985. He returned to New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1987, where he claimed the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and was active in the “Heisei Ishin-gun.”
Despite being diagnosed with colon cancer in 1992 and later battling liver cancer, which eventually spread to his lungs, Kobayashi remained dedicated to the sport. Following his retirement in 2000, after a match with Jushin Thunder Liger, he continued to influence the wrestling world as the head of the New Japan Pro-Wrestling dojo. His final public appearance was on October 30, 2023, at the “Strong Style Pro-Wrestling” event, where he appeared in good spirits.
Kobayashi’s passing marks a significant loss to the wrestling community, where his legacy and contributions will be fondly remembered by fans and colleagues.