Osamu Kido has passed away at age 73

[Chris]

Osamu Kido, a member of the original New Japan Pro-Wrestling roster, has passed away at 73 years old.

Kido's death was announced by his family on Thursday. He passed away on December 11, with Nikkan Sports reporting that Kido had been suffering from cancer for several years and had been receiving treatment.

Kido was part of NJPW when the company launched in 1972. In 1986, he held the IWGP Tag Team titles alongside Akira Maeda. They were the second team to ever hold the belts.

A protege of Karl Gotch, Kido wrestled for the original UWF from 1984-1985.

WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura was trained by Kido at the NJPW dojo. Early this morning, Nakamura paid tribute to Kido by posting a photo of them together.



NJPW sent its condolences to Kido's family, friends, and fans after his passing:

Former NJPW wrestler Osamu Kido passed away on December 11 2023. He was 73.
Kido made his professional debut for JWA on February 21 1969, before wrestling on the first ever NJPW event in March 1972, and on his excursion to the US, received guidance and instruction from Karl Gotch.
In September 1984, Kido moved to the first incarnation of UWF, adding a formative martial arts style to his in-ring approach. Kido returned to NJPW in 1985, and on August 5 1986, teamed with Akira Maeda to capture the IWGP Tag Team Championships.
The technical expertise Kido exemplified, passed directly from the revered Karl Gotch earned him the nickname of ‘Ibushi silver,' meaning a subtly refined artisanal work of brilliance. All of New Japan Pro-Wrestling is deeply saddened by Kido’s passing, and expresses the deepest of sympathies to Kido’s family, friends and fans.

https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-original-osamu-kido-passes-away-at-73-years-old

 

[Alexa]

RIP. Man was a pioneer of the Shoot Style that became popular with UWF/i