Wrestling Legend 'The Destroyer' Dick Beyer Passes Away At 88
Beyer was a pioneering figure in Japan during the '60s and '70s.
Legendary masked wrestler 'The Destroyer' Dick Beyer has passed away at the age of 88.
His son, Kurt Beyer, broke the news earlier today, stating that his father had died peacefully, in bed, surrounded by all of his children and his wife.
Beyer was best known for his pioneering work in Japan throughout the '60s and '70s. He debuted in the country in '63, wrestling North Korean puroresu trendsetter Rikidozan in Tokyo. The bout is largely credited with sparking the Japanese wrestling boom, and drew a monstrous TV rating, with 64% of the country's viewers tuning in for the spectacle.
A significant cross-cultural star, 'The Destroyer' is considered a forerunner for foreign TV personalities appearing on Japanese variety shows. Wrestling-wise, he is best known for the Rikidozan bout, plus legendary clashes with Giant Baba and Mil Mascaras in All Japan Pro Wrestling, where he'd work the majority of his most famous matches.
The '80s and '90s saw Beyer work as both a wrestling promoter and physical education teacher. He worked his last bout in July 1993, teaming with Baba and his son, Kurt, to face Haruka Eigen, Masanobu Fuchi, and Masao Inoue, then slipping into retirement.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Dick Beyer's family and friends at this difficult time.