Universal Lucha Libre
Founded | 1990 |
---|---|
Defunct | 1995 |
Style | Lucha Libre |
Headquarters | Japan |
Predecessor | Newborn UWF |
Successor |
Universal Lucha Libre (Universal Pro-Wrestling until 1991, Federación Universal de Lucha Libre afterward; UWF and FULL used as acronyms) was a
Overview
The promotion was the first in Japan to be based around the Mexican style of professional wrestling, known as
The first Mexican luchador (wrestler) to become a star in Japan was
In 1991, the promotion had a brief working relationship with the World Wrestling Federation, this led to the creation of the WWF Intercontinental Tag Team Championship.
In 1993, with Universal Lucha Libre on the decline, competitors Great Sasuke (Masa Michinoku), Taka Michinoku and Jinsei Shinzaki (Mongolian Yuga) decided to form their own promotion, Michinoku Pro. Jado and Gedo (Coolie SZ and Bulldog KT) moved to hardcore independent promotions such as Wrestling International New Generations and Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling, while Ultimo Dragon (Yoshihiro Asai) joined Genichiro Tenryu's WAR group. Hamada continued promoting shows until he himself joined Michinoku Pro in 1995, which brought Universal Lucha Libre to an end. Hamada would briefly run shows under the Universal banner again in 1998 before joining Oita Attactive Merry World Pro-Wrestling.
Alumni
Over the years, the roster of Universal's trainees would go on to become major stars in both the Japanese major promotions and the independents. Among Universal Lucha Libre alumni, they include:
- Yoshihiro Asai (later Ultimo Dragon)
- Masa Michinoku (later The Great Sasuke)
- Monkey Magic Wakita (later Super Delfin)
- Bulldog KT (later Gedo)
- Coolie SZ (later Jado)
- Taka Michinoku
- Shiryu (later Kaz Hayashi)
- Mongolian Yuga (later Jinsei Shinzaki)
- Terry Boy (later Men's Teioh)
- Sakigake Gantetsu (later Dick Togo)
Among the few foreigners of American origin who competed for the promotion were Lightning Kid and Jerry Lynn.
Championships
Championship | Date retired |
---|---|
UWF Super Middleweight Championship | 1995 |
UWF Super Welterweight Championship | November 28, 1999 |
UWA/UWF Intercontinental Tag Team Championship | March 6, 2005 |
WWF Intercontinental Tag Team Championship | 1991 |