Masanori Saito, a renowned Japanese professional wrestler, whose monikers included the enigmatic Mr. Saito and the captivating Masa Saito, embarked on a remarkable 33-year-long career that traversed the globe, leaving an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling.
Throughout his illustrious career, Saito achieved unparalleled success as a singles wrestler, culminating in the prestigious AWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1990. Moreover, he demonstrated his versatility as a tag team wrestler, partnering with multiple stalwarts in various National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) territories, showcasing his adaptability and skill in a variety of settings.
Saito's tenure with WWE began in 1981, where he formed a formidable tag team with the cunning Mr. Fuji, ultimately holding the WWE World Tag Team Championship on two occasions. In Japan, he wrestled for both premier leagues, All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW),solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the Japanese wrestling scene.
One of the most notable matches of Saito's career took place on Ganryū-jima island, where he clashed with the legendary Antonio Inoki in an epic bout that lasted for over two hours, further cementing his status as a wrestling icon.
However, Saito's life was not without controversy. In the mid-1980s, he was imprisoned for two years after being accused of physically assaulting police officers in Waukesha, Wisconsin, following an altercation involving his friend Ken Patera, who was accused of vandalism.
