  Birthdate - 11/23/48 6’ 306 lbs. - Yokohama, Hanagawa, Japan Athletic Background - n/a Teacher(s) - [IWE Dojo] Professional Background - IWE(`71), Germany(`73), New Japan(`72-`77), EMLL(`75, )IWE(`77-`78), New Japan(`80), CWA(`81,`84), Stampede(`82), All Japan(`82-`90), SWS(`90-`92), W*ing(`93) Aliases - Goro Tanaka, Hiro Yakuti, Ho Chi Lau Groups – International Blood Army Peak Years - `75-`82 Finisher(s) - - Super Back Suplex - Headbutt from the 2nd Turnbuckle - Goro Suplex (Back Suplex) Favorites - - Speedy Belly-to-Belly - Gutbuster - Back Blow (Senton/Elbowdrop Combo) - Throat Thrust variations - Chop Ringwork Rating -
Intangibles Rating -
Place in History - The IWE produced an amazing variety of pro-wrestlers whose distinct characters were among the most memorable of that era. Goro Tsurumi was a stocky brawler in his black and red outfit with his trademark skull and crossbones emblazoned on the chest and sporting a giant afro. Tsurumi was a hard-chopping, suplex-throwing ruffian whose in-ring style matched with his look. He used foreign objects, be it a chain hidden in his tights or a ringside chair, which was clearly picked up during his time abroad. Goro Tsurumi might have never been a featured star in any promotion and yet he was able to make a lasting impression because of the one-of-a-kind character he was. Due to Tsurumi’s experience overseas and his straightforward heel style, he was often paired with the IWE’s foreigners from all over the world. Tsurumi was with IWE until their demise and, like many of his colleagues in the company, was never able to be as successful as he was there. He did some shots for New Japan when the IWE had a working relationship with them, but never jumped. Instead he went abroad and returned when Rusher Kimura started up his International Blood Army when they invaded All Japan. He was still that supporting character, frequently Kimura’s tag partner, who could work with anyone, play a convincing heel, sell a comeback and do the favors when asked. Goro Tsurumi, the utility player, was kept around throughout the 1980s and the years of exposure on that bigger stage, despite never truly being more than a midcarder or a ever holding a title or winning a tournament, perhaps made him an even more recognizable character. When Genichiro Tenryu left All Japan as part of the formation of the SWS, Goro Tsurumi was among those who followed him. Although in his forties and slowing down, Tsurumi was still effective as a heelish character. When that opportunity dried up, he began promoting his own shows in 1993 when the market was hot, first was IWA Kakutoshinjuku, which was succeeded by IWA Kokusai. He promoted over a twenty year period, although his shows were sporadic and decidedly low-level indy shows full of mummies and demons along with some up-and-coming talent. Tsurumi continued to work himself into his sixties doing shots for DDT, Big Japan and other small indies. Japanese wrestling is an interesting world that honors its veterans and for a guy like Goro Tsurumi, who worked on TV for many years with All Japan, he has a level of fame that even more “successful” wrestlers do not share. He was never a main event wrestler, a featured champion or a drawing card and yet he is one of those unforgettable characters from puroresu of the late Showa era that is fondly remembered. |