WWE Hall of Famer Mr. Fuji, also known as Harry Fujiwara, passed away Sunday morning at the age of 82. No details were given on the cause of death for the iconic figure who served both as a wrestler and a manager.
Fuji entered the WWE scene back in 1972. Then known as the World Wrestling Federation handled by Vince McMahon Sr., Fuji entered as a heel wrestler and partnered with Professor Toru Tanaka.
Being a heel, Fuji was best known for his dirty tactics of throwing salt into the eyes of his opponents to steal wins. He was a journeyman in the WWE, his last ring action coming on Oct. 30, 1982, alongside Mr. Saito against the Strongbows.
Among the highlights of his career as a wrestler included being a five-time WWF Tag Team champion in tandem with Tanaka and Saito. He would carry on his success as a heel manager that are now among the popular stars the WWE has had.
In 1985, Fuji started his managing career with George Steele as his first client. After Steele, he would also handle other big names in the WWF scene that included Don Muraco, Jim Neidhart, Killer Khan, Sika, the Barbarian, Crush, and Yokozuna.
Fuji would eventually make a rare appearance in the ring when he teamed up with the Powers of Pain at Wrestlemania V. They eventually lost to Fuji’s former clients, Demolition.
Fuji’s managerial experience also included tag teams like Demolition and The Orient Express. His last memorable match came at Wrestlemania IX when he interfered in a match involving Bret Hart.
According to the Wrestling Observer, the incident would call out Hulk Hogan whom Fuji would challenge to face Yokozuna. That eventually led to Hogan winning the WWF title at the expense of the sumo wrestler.
The last time the WWE saw Mr. Fuji was in 2007 when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. He was present but in a wheelchair at the time due to nine knee operations, WWE.com reported.
When word of Mr. Fuji’s death spread, WWE personalities aired their respects for the WWE Hall of Famer. Triple H, Mick Foley, and the Iron Sheik took to Twitter their final respects to Fujiwara, Hollywood Life reported.
Check out the video below highlighting Mr. Fuji’s colorful WWF/WWE career.