1. Rikidozan
While all of the aforementioned entries were big names in Japanese professional wrestling, without this man, Mitsuhiro Momota, there might not have been Japanese wrestling period; for Rikidozan is the father of puroresu. Kim Sin-rak was of Korean descent, and he wanted to become a Sumo wrestler. He was adopted into the Momota family and took their name, due to discrimination against Koreans in Japan at the time. He worked in the sumo industry until 1950, when he switched to pro wrestling instead. During his first few years as a pro wrestler, he defeated one American wrestler after another, which helped boost his popularity. This is because post-World War II Japan didnt have much of a national hero, and the people needed someone to rally behind. This popularity and love of Rikidozans helped the wrestling industry in Japan blossom. He gained worldwide fame when he captured the NWA International Heavyweight Championship from Lou Thesz in 1958, and Thesz lost to him in another match, willingly putting Rikidozan over at the expense of his own reputation. Furthermore, in 1957, a NWA title match he had with Thesz drew in ratings of 87.0, cementing his legacy as a national hero. He also appeared in 29 Japanese films throughout his life, setting an example for wrestlers who wish to shift into other industries. In 1963, Momota opened Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance, which was the first wrestling promotion in Japan, and also trained both Shohei Giant Baba and Kanji Antonio Inoki. As we have already seen, both of these men have had legendary careers in their own rights. As such, without Rikidozan, there wouldnt have been a Giant Baba or an Antonio Inoki. Without either of these men, there wouldnt have been All Japan Pro Wrestling or New Japan Wrestling; and without those promotions, there certainly wouldnt have been any other big names on this list. Therefore, Rikidozan is the single most influential Japanese professional wrestler of all time.