Shigeri Akabane
| Shigeri Akabane | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Ring name(s) |
Little Tokyo Tokyo |
| Born |
July 5, 1941 Tokyo, Japan[1] |
| Died |
September 6, 2011 (aged 70)[1] Saint Joseph, Missouri, United States[1] |
| Debut | Early 1970s[2] |
Shigeri Akabane (July 5, 1941 – September 6, 2011), known by his ringname Little Tokyo, was a Japanese professional midget wrestler who competed in North American promotions during the 1970s and 1980s including Herb Abrams' Universal Wrestling Federation, the American Wrestling Association and the World Wrestling Federation, most notably appearing at WrestleMania III in a mixed tag team match with Lord Littlebrook and King Kong Bundy against Hillbilly Jim, the Haiti Kid and Little Beaver in 1987.
During the early 1990s, he appeared in World Class Championship Wrestling and independent promotions including Windy City Wrestling.
At the age of 69, Akabane was diagnosed with base tongue cancer. Doctors said it was cureable and family and friends gathered around him for support. He was living in St. Joseph, Missouri. [citation needed]
Death
On September 6, 2011, Shigeri Akabane died after suffering a heart attack at the age of 71.[1][3]
Championships and accomplishments
- NWA World Midget's Championship (3 times)
- UWF Midget World Championship (1 time)
- WCPW Midget Championship (2 times)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Oliver, Greg (2011-09-06). "Little Tokyo remembered with laughter". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2011-09-07.
- ↑ 1972 wrestling event poster featuring Little Tokyo
- ↑ "Former midget wrestler Little Tokyo dies Tuesday". Pro Wrestling Torch. 2011-09-06. Retrieved 2011-09-07.
