Former wrestler in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, King Kong Bundy (Real name Christopher Alan Pallies) passed away on the 4th March 2019 according to reports from overseas media. He was 61 years old.

King Kong Bundy made his Pro-Wrestling debut in the 1970’s. He was affectionately known in Japan as the “great whale” due to his immense build of 196cm and 200 kilograms, he swept the US wrestling scene by storm.

He came to New Japan Pro-Wrestling for the first time in January 1985, during the “New Year’s Golden series.” His two legendary matches against Antonio Inoki in their “15,000 Dollar Bodyslam Challenge” matches are still well known in Japan.

He entered the WWF (currently WWE) in March 1985, where he became a rival of Hulk Hogan. In “WrestleMania II”, be challenged Hulk Hogan for his WWF World Heavyweight Championship.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time.　

New Japan Pro-Wrestling K.K.

※ New Japan Pro-Wrestling will hold a ten-bell salute will be held in honour of King Kong Bundy at tonight’s NJPW 47th Anniversary event.