Gran Naniwa Explained

Gran Naniwa
Birthname:Yoshikuni Kimura
Names:Gran Naniwa
The Claw
Weight:98kg (216lb)
Birth Date:15 February 1977
Birth Place:Ibaraki Prefecture
Trainer:Great Sasuke
Debut:June 2, 1993
Retired:October 3, 2009

[1] (February 15, 1977 – October 6, 2010)[2] was a Japanese professional wrestler, better known by the ring name . Naniwa was known for his comedic gimmick, in which he performed mannerisms of crabs. This was also reflected upon in the design of his wrestling mask.

Professional wrestling career

Naniwa debuted professionally in 1993 in Michinoku Pro Wrestling as a face. He participated in the 1995 Super J-Cup, managing to get to the quarterfinals, but he was later eliminated by eventual winner Jyushin Thunder Liger.[2] In the late 1990s, Naniwa competed in the United States for Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). He wrestled Gran Hamada in January 1998 at the ECW House Party event.[3] After this, Naniwa took a brief hiatus for a few years but made his return in 2006, again under his Gran Naniwa ring name, competing in a match for New Japan Pro-Wrestling's now defunct WRESTLE LAND "brand".

Death

Kimura died on October 6, 2010, due to a heart attack at the age of 33.

Championships and accomplishments

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Profile at Puroresu Central. Puroresu Central. 2013-11-26.
  2. Web site: http://www.njpw.co.jp/prof/free_misc10.html . ja:選手名鑑 . . ja . October 9, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101124204750/http://www.njpw.co.jp/prof/free_misc10.html . November 24, 2010 .
  3. Web site: Japan News: Japanese pro wrestler Gran Naniwa dies at age 33, briefly wrestled for ECW in 1990s. 2010-11-21. Caldwell. James. 2010-11-21. Pro Wrestling Torch.