Osamu Kido, a beloved figure in the world of professional wrestling, left an indelible mark on the sport. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Osamu Kido, his contributions to the wrestling community, and the circumstances surrounding his passing. Let’s dive into the story of a true wrestling legend.
Introduction
Professional wrestling has witnessed the rise of many iconic figures, and Osamu Kido was undeniably one of them. Born on February 2, 1950, in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan, Kido’s journey in the world of wrestling began in 1969. However, it wasn’t just his in-ring prowess that made him stand out; it was his dedication, mentorship, and contributions to the sport that truly set him apart.
Osamu Kido Death and Obituary
On December 11, 2023, the wrestling world received somber news. Osamu Kido, at the age of 73, had passed away. The cause of his death was reported to be cancer, marking the end of a remarkable journey that spanned over five decades.
Kido’s legacy in wrestling extended far beyond the squared circle. He was a mentor, a champion, and a symbol of excellence. His contributions to the wrestling community left an indelible mark, and his loss was deeply felt by fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
Who Was Osamu Kido?
Osamu Kido, born on February 2, 1950, was a Japanese professional wrestler known for his significant impact on the world of wrestling. He began his career in 1969 and later played a crucial role in the foundation of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972. Kido was recognized for his skills in mat wrestling and simplicity in the ring.
During his career, he joined the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF) and gained popularity for his mat skills, winning the Three Tour Tournament in 1985. Kido later returned to NJPW and became part of the original NJPW vs. UWF feud. He won the IWGP Tag Team Championship in 1986.
| Full Name | Osamu Kido |
| Birthdate | February 2, 1950 |
| Birthplace | Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan |
| Death Date | December 11, 2023 |
| Age at Death | 73 |
| Professional Debut | February 21, 1969 |
| Retirement | 2010 |
| Billed Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
After retiring from active competition, Kido dedicated himself to training newcomers at the NJPW Dojo, including the now-prominent Shinsuke Nakamura. He briefly came out of retirement in 2005 before finally retiring in 2010. Osamu Kido passed away on December 11, 2023, at the age of 73, due to cancer, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Japanese professional wrestling.
What Happened to NJPW Original Osamu Kido?
Osamu Kido, the original member of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), passed away on December 11, 2023, at the age of 73. Born on February 2, 1950, in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan, Kido played a pivotal role in NJPW’s early days. He made his debut in 1969, and after joining NJPW in 1972, he contributed significantly to the wrestling promotion’s growth.
Kido, known for his mat skills, simplicity, and tag team success, won the IWGP Tag Team Championship in 1986 with Akira Maeda. Following his active wrestling career, he became a mentor, training notable talents like Shinsuke Nakamura. Despite a brief return to the ring in 2005, Kido officially retired in 2010.
His passing was attributed to cancer, marking the end of a remarkable journey for Osamu Kido in Japanese professional wrestling. Fans remember him fondly for his contributions and influence on the sport.
Osamu Kido Age
Osamu Kido was born on February 2, 1950, in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan. He passed away on December 11, 2023, at the age of 73. Kido began his professional wrestling career in 1969 and made significant contributions to the wrestling world, especially as one of the original members of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Known for his mat skills and simplicity in the ring, Kido had a lasting impact on the sport.
Throughout his career, he achieved success, including winning the IWGP Tag Team Championship in 1986 with Akira Maeda. After retiring from active competition in 2010, Kido continued to contribute to the wrestling community by mentoring and training younger talents. His passing at the age of 73 marked the end of a distinguished and influential career in Japanese professional wrestling.
How Did Osamu Kido Die?
Osamu Kido passed away on December 11, 2023, at the age of 73. The cause of his death was reported to be cancer. Born on February 2, 1950, in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan, Kido had a notable career as a professional wrestler, contributing to the early days of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and later becoming a mentor to younger talents.
After retiring from active competition in 2010, Kido continued to impact the wrestling community through his training efforts. Unfortunately, he battled cancer in the later part of his life, and it ultimately led to his passing in Yokosuka, Japan. His death was met with sadness from the wrestling community, and fans remembered him for his contributions, both in the ring and as a mentor to the next generation of wrestlers.
Osamu Kido Early Life
Osamu Kido was born on February 2, 1950, in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan. Growing up, he developed a passion for professional wrestling. Kido embarked on his wrestling journey, making his debut on February 21, 1969, against Hirokatsu Shinkai. His early career saw him associated with the Japanese Wrestling Association.
A pivotal moment came when Antonio Inoki was expelled from the Japanese Wrestling Association in 1971, prompting Kido to follow suit and assist Inoki in forming a new promotion called New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972. This marked the beginning of Kido’s significant contributions to the world of professional wrestling.
Throughout his early years, Kido showcased his skills in the ring, laying the foundation for a career that would not only impact NJPW but also influence the training and development of future wrestling stars.
Osamu Kido Career
Osamu Kido had a remarkable career in professional wrestling, leaving a lasting impact on the Japanese wrestling scene. Born on February 2, 1950, in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan, Kido debuted in 1969 and became a key figure in the foundation of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972. Known for his mat skills and simplicity in the ring, Kido achieved success in NJPW, winning the IWGP Tag Team Championship in 1986 with Akira Maeda.
After eight years with NJPW, Kido joined the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF) and gained popularity for his mat wrestling prowess, winning the Three Tour Tournament in 1985. Following the UWF’s dissolution, he returned to NJPW, participating in the original NJPW vs. UWF feud.
Kido continued contributing to NJPW until his retirement in 2010, after which he focused on training rookies at the NJPW Dojo, including notable wrestlers like Shinsuke Nakamura. His career showcased versatility, skill, and a commitment to shaping the future of Japanese professional wrestling.
Osamu Kido Death and Obituary – FAQs
- Who was Osamu Kido?
Osamu Kido was a Japanese professional wrestler known for his significant contributions to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF). He was also a mentor, training talents like Shinsuke Nakamura. - How did Osamu Kido die?
Osamu Kido passed away on December 11, 2023, at the age of 73, due to cancer. His death marked the end of a distinguished career in Japanese professional wrestling. - What were Osamu Kido’s notable achievements in wrestling?
Kido won the IWGP Tag Team Championship in 1986 with Akira Maeda and the Three Tour Tournament in 1985 during his time with the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF). - When did Osamu Kido retire from professional wrestling?
Osamu Kido officially retired from active competition in 2010 after a career that spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on the wrestling community. - What was Osamu Kido’s role in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)?
Kido was one of the original members of NJPW, joining in 1972. He played a key role in the NJPW vs. UWF feud and won the IWGP Tag Team Championship in 1986.
Conclusion
Osamu Kido’s journey in the world of professional wrestling was nothing short of legendary. From his early days in the ring to his role as a mentor and trainer, Kido’s impact on Japanese professional wrestling will be remembered for generations to come. As we bid farewell to this wrestling icon, we celebrate his life, his contributions, and the legacy he leaves behind.
