Best American to never work in Japan?

[Rex Idol]

I thinking about this watching Kurt Angle last night. I've always thought that Angle v. Akiyama would be a great match, but then the thought occured to me that with the way the business is now, it's very possible that a guy like Kurt might never work a tour with a Japanese promotion. So that got me thinking - who are the best workers to never wrestle in Japan? And I don't mean on an all WWE show that just happens to take place in Japan.

I was thinking of some possibilities, but I don't know for sure if they have or haven't : Curt Hennig? Bret Hart? Taz? Anyone here know about these guys working in Japan? Or other names?

[Luds]

Bret wrestled in NJ a couple of times according to Diana's book

[Mutoh-Mania]

Johnny Valentine ever compete in Japan?

[El Pollo Guerrera]

Bret Hart did wrestle for a short while in New Japan, and he was part of the big SWS shows in 1991, with a hoard of other WWF wrestlers (Hogan, Savage, Slaughter, Hennig, Warrior, Rockers) fighting against Japanese wrestlers (Tenryu, Oya, Nagasaki, Fuyuki).

Taz also wrestled for a short time in WING, where he was a part of Kevin Sullivan's "army". I also heard that Taz fought in at least one shoot-fight, but I don't know against who or where.

Now, I would like to see Angle fight against the best that Japan has to offer, but the only other wrestlers I'd like to see wrestle in Japan are independants (Mike Quackenbush, Low Ki, American Dragon).

Well..... a part of me would like to see The Rock wrestle in Japan, but only to get his clock cleaned by a superior wrestler (his matches against Benoit showed how limited his ability really is).

[Hisaharu Tanabe]

Bret was one of the junior heavyweight guys during the Fujinami and Tiger Mask (Sayama) days.

Hennig also wrestled for New Japan and All Japan.

Originally posted by Mutoh-Mania
Johnny Valentine ever compete in Japan?

Yup. He was one of Inoki's biggest rivals. He was even invited to the 30th anniversary ceremony of Inoki's wrestling career.

Buddy Rogers, Antonio Rocca, and Gorgeous George never wrestled in Japan. Rocca was a special referee for Inoki-Thesz match in the 70s, though.

[Mutoh-Mania]

Oh those words of wisdom

[Yoshimitsu]

How bout Ric Flair? He ever travel up to the orient and compete?

If not then Kurt Angle would definately be my number one choice.

[OldSchoolFan]

Flair worked japan quite a bit. I know he was in the G1 tournament at least once.

[Infinit]

Shawn Michaels, to the best of my recollection, never wrestled in Japan.

Infinit

[Hisaharu Tanabe]

Michaels wresteld in Japan at least once.

http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/s.../misc/sws.html

[Pheonix_Chi25]

Personally I'd love to see Taz, Lesnar, Angle and The WGTT in Japan. Also Let Booker T and Christian go over. Imagine Lesnar Vs. Takayama, Takayama would be destroyed.

[Black_Flag_Of_Ulster]

Bret worked for NJ when there was the Stampede-NJ deal. Taz also worked in UWFI.

As for Angle and Lesnar, never say never. Hart worked Funk's Wrestlefest in 97 and so did Foley, while they were under WWF contract. But Vince wouldnt allow his Superstars to be used improperly (i.e. have them job to 'goofs')

[Peru-Yakuza]

Flair worked japan quite a bit. I know he was in the G1 tournament at least once.

He defended the NWA belt several times for All-Japan.

[Peru-Yakuza]

Michaels wresteld in Japan at least once.

http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/s.../misc/sws.html

This card list show Michaels 3 times, Hisa. It's quite possible that he and Jannetty also did SWS tours, not just supercards.

[edgehead1984]

Angle would do great in Japan, In my view, I would like to see him vs. Nagata.