On Saturday, New Japan Pro Wrestling announced the passing of Killer Khan (real name Masashi Ozawa) at the age of 76. Local media reports in Japan note that Khan collapsed while at his bar on Friday. His cause of death is listed as a ruptured artery.
You can check out NJPW’s official statement below:
Former wrestler Masashi Ozawa, better known to wrestling fans as Killer Khan passed away on December 29 after collapsing in his bar in Tokyo. He was 76.
After training in sumo in the famed Kasukano stable, Ozawa joined the JWA in January 1971. Standing at an imposing 195 cm (6’6”), hopes were high for him as a prospect when he joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 1973. In 1978 on excursion to Mexico he transformed himself into a Mongolian inspired persona that sparked a hugely successful campaign in America in 1979 as Killer Khan.
Khan transitioned into the WWF in 1980, and after a famous knee drop that put Andre the Giant on the injured list with an injured right leg, instantly found himself the top heel in the organization, with big matches against Hulk Hogan ensuing.
On his return to NJPW he was in the top flight as he had been overseas, with an influence felt today- particularly in the Mongolian Chops used in the years to come by Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Great-O-Khan and others.
In April 1982, the fifth MSG Series saw Antonio Inoki forced to withdraw with a right knee injury. Inoki nominated Khan to take his place in the final with Andre, and the result was a thrilling match that saw Khan advanced in status even in defeat.
In 1983, Khan joined Riki Choshu in Choshu’s influential Ishingun faction. From there, he would follow Choshu to Japan Pro-Wrestling in 1985, wrestling in the All Japan ring as a result as well as back in the WWF. Khan retired from pro-wrestling in November 1987 in New Jersey before running numerous bars and restaurants in Tokyo.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling sends it’s deepest sympathies to Killer Khan’s family, friends and fans.
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The wrestling world is mourning the loss of former wrestler Masashi Ozawa, better known as Killer Khan, who passed away on December 29 at the age of 76. New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) announced his passing, stating that Khan collapsed at his bar in Tokyo and the cause of death was a ruptured artery.
Killer Khan had an impressive career in professional wrestling, starting with his training in sumo at the renowned Kasukano stable. He joined the Japan Wrestling Association (JWA) in January 1971 and later joined NJPW in 1973. Standing at an imposing height of 195 cm (6’6″), Khan showed great promise as a prospect.
In 1978, while on an excursion to Mexico, Khan transformed himself into a Mongolian-inspired persona, which led to a highly successful campaign in America in 1979. This persona became synonymous with Killer Khan and helped him gain recognition in the wrestling world.
Khan made his transition to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1980, where he instantly became a top heel after executing a famous knee drop that injured Andre the Giant’s right leg. This led to big matches against Hulk Hogan, solidifying Khan’s status as a formidable opponent.
After his stint in the WWF, Khan returned to NJPW and continued to be a prominent figure in the wrestling industry. His influence can still be felt today, particularly in the Mongolian Chops technique used by wrestlers like Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Great-O-Khan.
One of Khan’s notable moments came in April 1982 during the fifth MSG Series when Antonio Inoki had to withdraw due to a knee injury. Inoki nominated Khan to take his place in the final match against Andre the Giant, resulting in a thrilling bout that elevated Khan’s status even in defeat.
In 1983, Khan joined Riki Choshu’s influential Ishingun faction and followed Choshu to Japan Pro-Wrestling in 1985. He also continued wrestling in the All Japan ring and made occasional appearances in the WWF. Khan retired from professional wrestling in November 1987 in New Jersey and went on to run several bars and restaurants in Tokyo.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling expressed its deepest sympathies to Killer Khan’s family, friends, and fans. The wrestling community will remember him for his contributions to the sport and his unique Mongolian-inspired persona.
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