By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
  • Exclusive Articles
  • Shop
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Instagram Facebook X-twitter Youtube
Wrestling Examiner
  • WWE
  • AEW
  • Impact
  • Indie
  • Lucha
  • Japan
  • MMA
  • Articles
  • Shop
  • Contact
Reading: Koji Kitao Passes Away At The Age Of 55
Advertisement
Wrestling ExaminerWrestling Examiner
  • WWE
  • AEW
  • Impact
  • Indie
  • Lucha
  • Japan
  • MMA
  • Articles
  • Shop
  • Contact
Search
  • WWE
  • AEW
  • Impact
  • Indie
  • Lucha
  • Japan
  • MMA
  • Articles
  • Shop
  • Contact
Have an existing account? Sign In
© WrestlingExaminer.com. All Rights Reserved.
Wrestling Examiner > Blog > Japan/WWE > Koji Kitao Passes Away At The Age Of 55
Japan/WWE

Koji Kitao Passes Away At The Age Of 55

brahma999
Last updated: March 30, 2019 2:00 pm
brahma999 2 Min Read
Share

It was recently announced by Nikkan Sports that Former Sumo Wrestler turned Pro Wrestler Koji Kitao passed away at the age of 55.

Kitao is best known for competing in Sumo Wrestling until he ultimately joined Pro Wrestling in 1989 under the tutelage of Masa Saito. While competing in AWA, Kitao wore a mask and called himself “Monster Machine” so that it would be known by The Japanese Media that he was competing in The United States. In April Of 1991, Kitao competed against John Tenta in Super World Of Sports, which ended up turning into a shoot fight. After the match, Kitao told the audience that wrestling is fake and was subsequently fired by SWS.

Kitao has even worked for NJPW against the likes of Vader, Bam Bam Bigelow & Scott Hall. He was then fired from NJPW for using an ethnic slur towards Riki Choshu. He even competed at WrestleMania 7, teaming up with Tenryu to defeat Demolition. He spent the last half of his career competing in WAR. Kitao would then be involved with various promotions after that including one stint with UWFi.

Along with wrestling, Kitao even competed in MMA. He fought at UFC 9, losing to Mark Hall in just 40 seconds via TKO. He also fought at PRIDE 1, defeating former WWE Superstar Nathan Jones via submission.

We would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Kitao.

You can check out some matches from Kitao’s career below:

TAGGED:AWABam Bam BigelowDemolitionJohn TentaKoji KitaoMark HallMasa SaitommaMonster MachineNathan JonesNJPWPRIDE 1Riko ChoshuScott HallSuper World Of SportsTenryuUFC 9UWFiVaderWARWWEWWE WrestleMania 7
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
By brahma999
Follow:
Long time writer and life long fan of professional wrestling.
Previous Article The Undertaker On His Status, Reveals Recent Weight Loss
Next Article MetLife Stadium Releases WrestleMania 35 Code Of Conduct Advisory
Leave a Comment Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Us On Facebook

Most Popular

RVD ECW and WWE Titles - Wrestling Examiner - WrestlingExaminer.com

Our Favorite Wrestling Potheads | Stoners | Marijuana Advocates

By Jai Michel

The Kayfabe Journal: An Interview With Vipress & Ruby Raze

By Steve Waldinger

The Kayfabe Journal: An Interview With Samantha Smart

By Steve Waldinger
Daniel Bryan And The Yes Movement - Wrestling Examiner

Daniel Bryan, And The YES! Movement

By Wesly Avendano
Swerve Strickland - Wrestling Examiner
Rey Fenix - Wrestling Examiner
Psycho Clown - Wrestling Examiner
Tammy Sytch - Wrestling Examiner
Matt Cardona - Wrestling Examiner
Logan Paul - Wrestling Examiner
Roman Reigns - Wrestling Examiner
britt-baker AEW
Sonya Deville - Wrestling Examiner
The Young Bucks Money - Wrestling Examiner

You Might Also Like

Chris Jericho and Batista
AEW

Chris Jericho & Batista On a Flight Together (PHOTO)

5 years ago
WWE

Mick Foley Loses 100 Pounds, Teases Royal Rumble Return

6 months ago
The Undertaker on Motorcycle - Wrestling Examiner
WWE

The Undertaker On Boneyard Match At WrestleMania 36, Cinematic Matches In WWE, His Unholy Trinity Comment, More

5 years ago
WWE

Big RAW vs. SmackDown Match Advertised For WWE Survivor Series

6 years ago

Pro Wrestling News

  • WWE
  • AEW
  • Impact
  • Indie
  • Lucha
  • Japan
  • MMA
  • Articles
  • Shop
  • Contact

About Us

Your best destination for all of the latest news, rumors and articles from the world of professional wrestling.
© 2024 WrestlingExaminer.com. All Rights Reserved.

Follow Us

Instagram Facebook Twitter Youtube
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?