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It was announced today that the legendary Gran Hamada, who's legacy will forever be celebrated as one of the first Japanese stars to embrace the lucha libre style of Mexico, helping to popularize that style in Japan, pushing the artform of professional wrestling forward, passed away at the age of 74.
Starting as one of the first ever trainees in the New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo, Hamada (real name Hiroaki Hamada) initially wrestled under the name Little Hamada, building his credibility in the rigorous NJPW training system. His lack of size led to a significant turning point in his career, as he was sent to Mexico's Universal Wrestling Association (UWA). Hamada found success there with his skill set and acrobatics resonated with fans. He quickly gained recognition, with Mexican promoters and fans dubbing him Gran Hamada, the opposite of his Little Hamada name. During his time in Mexico, Hamada faced the likes of El Santo, El Canek and Dr. Wagner Sr. Hamada later moved to CMLL. Later in his career, he would make appearances for AAA.
Hamada returned to Japan in 1984 to become part of the original roster of the Japanese UWF (Universal Wrestling Federation). However, his flashy and acrobatic style, which was influenced by Lucha Libre, clashed with the UWF's martial arts-inspired, more grounded approach. After leaving the UWF, he signed with All Japan Pro Wrestling where he would become a fan favorite, before eventually branching out in 1990 to form his own promotion: Universal Lucha Libre. His promotion flourished for a time but, by 1993, it had run its course.
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By 1995, the promotion folded, and Hamada found a new home in Michinoku Pro, which was the perfect place for him. Very much lucha libre inspired with futuristic six man tag team bouts, the promotion was absolutely awe-inspiring in the mid-1990s. Hamada’s name would become synonymous with the promotion and really, he deserves so much credit for inspiring countless talents by being the first Japanese star to truly bring lucha back to that country and inspiring others to follow suit. If there was someone to study in that era, it truly was Hamada. There's no Jushin Liger, no Tiger Mask, no Great Sasuke, no Will Ospreay without Gran Hamada's career path blazing that trail. He was a one man butterfly effect.
Stateside, Hamada would likely be best known for taking part in the original ECW's first-ever PPV, Barely Legal on April 13, 1997. Teaming with Great Sasuke and Masato Yakushiji, Hamada helped to defeat TAKA Michinoku, Dick Togo, and Mens Teioh in what was one of, if not the best, match of the night with ECW importing the match in to help make the event stand out as the promotion's life was literally on the line if the show failed financially or creatively. He returned to ECW a year later, making singles appearances against Jerry Lynn, Justin Credible and fellow Michinoku star Gran Naniwa.
In the early 2000s, Gran Hamada returned to All Japan Pro Wrestling as a free agent, where he briefly joined the "Love Machines" faction, donning the persona of Mini Love Machine, alongside Super Love Machine (Junji Hirata) and Love Machine Storm (Arashi). Hamada last officially competed in 2018.
Hamada's daughters, Xóchitl Hamada and Ayako, each entered professional wrestling as well with Ayako being best known in the United States for her time in TNA.
Hamada was living in San Luis Potosí, Mexico at the time of his passing.
PWInsider.com sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of a true legend, Gran Hamada.
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