Shohei Baba, professionally known as Giant Baba, was a highly accomplished Japanese professional wrestler and promoter, renowned for his impressive career and lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling.
Born with the moniker Giant Baba, Baba Shōhei was a co-founder of the prestigious All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) in 1972, alongside Mitsuo Momota and Yoshihiro Momota, the sons of the legendary Rikidōzan.
Throughout his illustrious career, Baba held the esteemed position of top star for the first decade of AJPW's existence, simultaneously serving as the booker, promoter, head trainer, and president of the promotion from its inception in 1972 until his passing in 1999.
Notably, Baba was responsible for recruiting a substantial portion of the talent that would come to define All Japan Pro Wrestling, and for many years, he served as the public face of the promotion, embodying its values and spirit.
As a testament to his enduring legacy, Giant Baba's impact on the world of professional wrestling continues to be felt to this day, solidifying his position as one of the most influential and beloved figures in the sport's history.
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Antonio Inoki, a renowned Japanese wrestler, is widely regarded as one of the most beloved and revered figures in the history of professional wrestling in Japan. With a level of popularity that rivals that of the iconic Hulk Hogan in the United States, Baba's impact on the sport was immense.
The 2006 Top 100 Historical Persons in Japan survey, which featured a wide range of notable figures, including historical leaders, cultural icons, and other influential individuals, saw Baba ranked an impressive 92nd greatest person in the history of Japan. This achievement is a testament to the immense respect and admiration he garnered from the Japanese public.
Throughout his illustrious career, Baba accumulated an impressive array of accolades and achievements. He was a record seven-time winner of the prestigious Champion Carnival, a title that is considered one of the most coveted in Japanese professional wrestling.
Furthermore, Baba held multiple championships throughout his career, including four PWF World Heavyweight Championship reigns, three NWA International Heavyweight Championship reigns, and three NWA World Heavyweight Championship reigns. This impressive collection of titles solidified his status as a dominant force in the world of professional wrestling.
One of the most notable aspects of Baba's career was his ability to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship on three separate occasions, a feat that is widely regarded as a legitimate world championship, rivaling the prestige of the WWE Championship. Overall, Baba's impressive resume and numerous accolades cement his status as one of the greatest professional wrestlers in Japanese history.
