Giant Baba, Japanese wrestler and trainer, co-founded All Japan Pro Wrestling (b. 1938)

Shohei Baba (馬場 正平, Baba Shōhei; January 23, 1938 – January 31, 1999), universally recognized by his iconic ring name Giant Baba (ジャイアント馬場, Jaianto Baba), was a towering figure in the annals of professional wrestling. Standing an impressive 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) tall, he was initially a promising professional baseball pitcher whose career was cut short by injury, leading him to embrace the world of professional wrestling. Baba rose to become one of Japan's most revered professional wrestlers and a highly influential promoter.

The Birth of All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW)

Baba is most renowned as the visionary co-founder of All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). Established in 1972, this seminal promotion was formed alongside Mitsuo Momota and Yoshihiro Momota, the sons of the legendary "father of puroresu," Rikidōzan. This venture marked a pivotal moment in Japanese wrestling, as Baba, a direct protégé of Rikidōzan, branched out from the Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance (JWA) to forge his own distinct path, aiming to create a premier global wrestling entity known for its strong style and compelling contests.

Baba's Multifaceted Leadership in AJPW

For over two decades, until his passing in 1999, Giant Baba was the undisputed cornerstone of AJPW. Beyond his formidable presence as the promotion's premier star for its initial decade of existence, Baba concurrently held myriad critical roles. He served as the president, meticulously steering the company's strategic direction; the booker, crafting the compelling storylines and match outcomes that defined AJPW's acclaimed "King's Road" style; the promoter, expertly managing events and expanding the brand's reach; and the head trainer, personally cultivating generations of wrestling talent who would go on to become global legends.

His profound influence extended to talent acquisition, where he was instrumental in recruiting not only established foreign superstars like Stan Hansen and Terry Funk but also nurturing homegrown Japanese athletes who would become future legends, such as Jumbo Tsuruta, Mitsuharu Misawa, Kenta Kobashi, and Toshiaki Kawada. Baba's unwavering dedication and distinctive public persona made him the enduring public face of AJPW throughout much of his life, embodying the promotion's core values of honor, strong-style wrestling, and intense athletic competition.

A National Hero: Giant Baba's Enduring Popularity

Giant Baba transcended the realm of sports entertainment to become a genuine national hero in Japan, enjoying a level of popularity akin to Hulk Hogan's colossal presence in the United States. His humble demeanor, unwavering commitment to his fans, and consistent in-ring excellence endeared him to millions across the nation. This profound public affection was formally recognized in the 2006 Top 100 Historical Persons in Japan survey, where Baba was ranked an impressive 92nd among the greatest figures in Japanese history, as voted for by the general public.

A Legacy of Championships and Influence

Baba's professional wrestling career was adorned with an impressive array of championships and accolades, showcasing his dominance and unparalleled longevity in the squared circle:

• He holds the record for a seven-time winner of the prestigious Champion Carnival, All Japan Pro Wrestling's annual single-elimination tournament, often considered a grueling proving ground for the promotion's top heavyweights.
• Baba was a four-time PWF World Heavyweight Champion, a key championship within the Pacific Wrestling Federation, an AJPW-affiliated organization that brought a global feel to its main events.
• He secured the NWA International Heavyweight Championship three times, a historically significant title often defended against top international competitors as a precursor to world title contention.
• Most notably, Giant Baba was a three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion. During his era, the NWA World Heavyweight Championship was widely recognized as the preeminent legitimate world championship in professional wrestling, comparable in prestige and global reach to what the WWE Championship represents today. His victories cemented his status as one of only a handful of Japanese wrestlers to hold this coveted global title, underscoring his immense skill, international recognition, and ability to defeat top foreign challengers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Giant Baba

What was Giant Baba's real name?

His birth name was Shohei Baba (馬場 正平, Baba Shōhei).

When did Giant Baba establish All Japan Pro Wrestling?

Giant Baba co-founded All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) in 1972, shortly after the dissolution of the Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance (JWA), where he was previously a major star.

How tall was Giant Baba?

Giant Baba stood at an impressive 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm), a height that significantly contributed to his formidable ring presence and "Giant" moniker.

What was Giant Baba's primary role in AJPW beyond wrestling?

Beyond being a top wrestler, he served as the company's president, booker (matchmaker), promoter, and head trainer from its inception until his passing in 1999. He was also responsible for recruiting much of the promotion's renowned talent.

How many times did Giant Baba win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship?

Giant Baba won the highly respected NWA World Heavyweight Championship on three separate occasions, establishing him as a multi-time legitimate world champion in an era when the NWA title was considered the pinnacle of professional wrestling.