10 Best Male Japanese Imports In WWE History
6. Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama)
Having since become a legend in Japanese wrestling, Tiger Mask made his WWF debut way back in 1982 in a groundbreaking match-up against the also debuting 'Dynamite Kid' Tom Billington.
Despite being his first appearance in the WWF, Tiger Mask actually defended the WWF Junior Heavyweight Championship in his company debut. The belt itself was part of a working arrangement with New Japan Pro Wrestling and was largely defended across the Pacific in NJPW at the time.
The initial bout took place in the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden and the two men instantly created magic when they collided in New York. Despite neither man being under contract that night, both men would impress company officials in their debuts.
Although never contracted by WWF full-time, Tiger Mask was invited back another 20 times over the course of late 1982. He would go on to face some tough competition - including the likes of Curt Hennig, Eddie Gilbert, and Mr Fuji - yet remarkably leave with a 100% win record.
The debut would prove fruitful for Dynamite also, who would return in late 1984 before being given a full-time contract as part of the British Bulldogs in 1985.