Who was Killer Khan? WWE legend dies aged 76

Masashi Ozawa, the renowned WWE legend who faced off against iconic wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant, passed away at the age of 76.

Known by his ring name Killer Khan, he succumbed to a ruptured artery after being rushed to the hospital around 10pm on Saturday, as per reports in Japan.

The former wrestler collapsed at the counter of his Tokyo restaurant, Jinjo Sakaba. Originally from Niigata Prefecture, Ozawa entered professional wrestling in 1971 and retired in 1987.


After honing his skills in sumo at the renowned Kasukano stable, Ozawa became part of the JWA in January 1971.

At an impressive height of 195 cm (6'6"), he entered New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 1973. During his 1978 stint in Mexico, Ozawa adopted a Mongolian-inspired persona, leading to a highly successful 1979 campaign in America as Killer Khan.

Transitioning to the WWF in 1980, Khan gained notoriety for a memorable knee drop that sidelined Andre the Giant with an injured right leg. This catapulted him to the top heel position within the organization, setting the stage for significant matchups against Hulk Hogan.

Following his retirement, Ozawa launched Izakaya Kanchan, a restaurant business in Shinjuku. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the establishment had to close its doors in 2021.

In 2005, he made his singing debut with "Furusato Makaka," translating to 'Japan Crown.'

Similar to renowned WWE figures like Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and John Cena, Ozawa transitioned into the film industry post-retirement. He took on the role of a bodyguard in the movie "3 Ninjas Kick Back.”

Upon his NJPW comeback, Khan quickly rose to the top tier, leaving a lasting impact evident today, especially in the use of Mongolian Chops by wrestlers like Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Great-O-Khan.

During the fifth MSG Series in April 1982, Antonio Inoki's withdrawal due to a right knee injury led to Khan stepping in for the final against Andre. Despite defeat, the match elevated Khan's status significantly.

In 1983, Khan became a part of Riki Choshu's influential Ishingun faction. This association continued when he followed Choshu to Japan Pro-Wrestling in 1985, competing in both All Japan and WWF rings.

Khan concluded his pro-wrestling career in November 1987 in New Jersey, transitioning to managing bars and restaurants in Tokyo.

FAQs:

Q1: When was Masashi Ozawa born?
A1: March 6, 1947.

Q2: In which year did Ozawa start his wrestling career?
A2: 1971.