The passing of Hisashi Shinma.
There’s an article published on the Tokyo Sports site which reveals that Hisashi Shinma passed away on April 21st at the age of 90.
Per those close to Shinma, he was hospitalized three weeks ago, but was discharged on April 19th. The site notes that he was not suffering from any illness. Shinma passed away in his home in Tokyo.
Shinma joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling when it first launched in 1972. He was Antonio Inoki’s right-hand man and one of the matches he produced was Inoki versus Muhammad Ali in 1976.
In addition to that, Shinma’s résumé includes pairing Satoru Sayama with the Tiger Mask character, discovering two-time IWGP Tag Team Champion Akira Maeda, helping advocate for the IWGP (International Wrestling Grand Prix) concept in NJPW and he formed the UWF after leaving New Japan.
Shinma was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019 in their Legacy Wing. He was an on-screen authority figure for the WWWF and WWF from 1978-1984. He was succeeded by Jack Tunney.
Over the years, Shinma served as Chairman of Strong Style Pro-Wrestling which was founded by Satoru Sayama. Shinma retired from the wrestling business in October 2024.
POST Wrestling would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Hisashi Shinma.
