10 Best Foreign Heels In WWE History
2. Yokozuna
A Samoan wrestler promoted as a Japanese sumo, Yokozuna’s emergence as a top level WWE heel coincided with Vince McMahon’s decision to ramp-up steroid testing among his cast of ripped main eventers.
The 600lbs Yoko was a completely different type of physical specimen to the Hulk Hogans and Lex Lugers of the world, but he was no slouch in the ring. Surprisingly athletic and capable of pulling-off an impressive array of German suplexes and superkicks, Yokozuna moved very well for his size, and his chest-crushing Banzai Drop finisher was truly devastating.
Yokozuna ran through the WWF in 1992, and won his first WWF Championship a few months after winning the 1993 Royal Rumble. Defeating the likes of Hogan, Luger, and The Undertaker in a near year-long run, Yoko used a classic blend of power-based wrestling and textbook heel shenanigans to become one of wrestling’s most loathed heels.
His manager, Mr. Fuji, was absolutely critical to his success, particularly in the early days. Often cheating on Yokozuna’s behalf, Fuji famously threw salt in Bret Hart’s eyes during his WWF Championship clash at WrestleMania IX. Yokozuna won the match and the belt: the aftermath is best left unmentioned.
Sadly, Yokozuna struggled with a series of weight-induced health problems throughout his life, and though he passed away in 2000, his contributions will never be forgotten.