November 7th in the Time Tunnel:
Happy Birthday to those who have passed on and to those great wrestlers still with us:
In Memoriam:
Joe Gunther 1912
King Kong Bundy 1957
Happy Birthday:
Tony Schiavone (68)
Takano Inoue (56)
RIP Memorial: We stop & remember those who have passed on this day and gave themselves to the business for us, the fans. We salute you and thank you.
Aileen Eaton 10-7-1987 at the age 0f 78
Joe Higuchi 10-7-2010 at the age of 81
Significant Pro Debut
10-7-1990: Koji Kanemoto made his pro debut when he was defeated by Michiyoshi Ohara at the Municipal Townsman Gymnasium in Iwade, Wakayama, Japan
Prior to his professional wrestling career, Kanemoto honed his skills in judo during his high school years, achieving notable success in amateur competitions. This background in martial arts provided him with a strong foundation in grappling and submission techniques, which would later define his in-ring style. Recruited by NJPW, he underwent rigorous training at the NJPW Dojo under esteemed mentors such as Masanobu Kurisu, Kensuke Sasaki, Hiroshi Hase, and Kuniaki Kobayashi. The dojo system, known for its grueling regimen, prepared young wrestlers like Kanemoto for the physical and mental demands of professional wrestling. By 1990, NJPW was amid its “Kishu Tour,” a series of events traversing Japan’s regions, showcasing both established stars and emerging talents. The tour’s Day 2 event in Wakayama served as the stage for Kanemoto’s official entry into the profession.
The debut match itself was a classic rookie encounter, pitting the 24-year-old Kanemoto against the more experienced Michiyoshi Ohara. Held as part of the NJPW Kishu Tour 1990 - Day 2 at a venue in Wakayama, the bout exemplified the traditional hierarchy in Japanese wrestling, where newcomers often face veterans to prove their mettle. Ohara, a solid mid-card performer known for his power-based style, defeated Kanemoto in a straightforward singles match. While specific details such as the match duration or finishing move remain scarce in historical records, the outcome—a loss for Kanemoto—was typical for debuts in NJPW, emphasizing humility and growth over immediate victory. This event drew an estimated attendance of around 2,110 fans, a modest but enthusiastic crowd for a regional tour stop, highlighting the grassroots appeal of wrestling in areas like Wakayama, part of the historic Kishu region.
Kanemoto’s debut occurred during a transformative era for NJPW. The promotion was building on its 1980s success, with stars like Antonio Inoki transitioning into retirement and new generations emerging. The junior heavyweight division, in particular, was gaining prominence, influenced by high-flying luchadores and technical wizards. Kanemoto’s entry aligned with this shift; his early style focused on agility and precision, setting the stage for his evolution into a shoot-style specialist known for stiff kicks and innovative submissions like the ankle lock. Just two years later, in March 1992, he would don the iconic Tiger Mask persona as its third incarnation, a role that propelled him into greater spotlight. However, his unmasking in 1994 against Jushin Thunder Liger at the Tokyo Dome’s Battlefield event marked a pivotal turn, allowing him to compete under his real name and develop a more personal, hard-hitting identity.
Though the match itself was not a headline-grabber, it laid the groundwork for Kanemoto’s illustrious achievements, including multiple IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championships, Best of the Super Juniors tournament wins, and international appearances in promotions like WCW and Pro Wrestling Noah.
One Thing I Learned About Aileen Eaton
Aileen Eaton appeared as a contestant on the panel game show What’s My Line? on October 22, 1961, where the celebrity panel—including Arlene Francis, Barry Nelson, Dorothy Kilgallen, and Bennett Cerf—failed to guess her occupation as a boxing promoter.
Thank You for Reading
I’m Tony Richards, Pro Wrestling Historian, Author and Storyteller. I share pro wrestling historical items in each issue of the Time Tunnel Pro Wrestling History Newsletter. Thanks for reading! If you enjoy my information on select events, matches and insights, please share it with folks you think might like to be a subscriber!
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