10 Best Strong-Style Wrestlers Ever
2. Karl Gotch
Everything has to start somewhere, and strong style is no exception. While he wasn't much of a striker, Karl Gotch is often credited with innovating what would become strong style. Gotch's prowess with submissions helped turn the Japanese form of pro wrestling into a unique sport in its own right.
Gotch was an accomplished amateur who competed in the 1948 Olympics, but whose no-nonsense, ultra-rough style and attitude got him blackballed from pro wrestling in the U.S. After that he headed to Japan to make his living, soon becoming a star (and winning bouts with his innovated hold, the German suplex). Gotch even main-evented the very first New Japan Pro Wrestling show, proving that the company would bear his influence for generations to come.
For his re-creation of the sport in his own image, Gotch was eventually honored with the nickname "Kamisama," or "God" of wrestling. Sort of makes "King of Strong Style" seem small in comparison, doesn't it?