When they hear the name Ultimo Dragon, people usually think of his masks and costumes that made him quite recognizable in the ring. However, he is much more than that. This Japan-born hybrid wrestler is one of the most underrated professional fighters still active today. During his rich career, he managed to combine some rather different fighting techniques including his native Japanese, traditional Mexican lucha libre, and encompassing it all with some good old American wrestling. Although he is mostly known for his not-so-great time at the WWE, he is actually a record-holder when it comes to the number of concurrent championships. So, as a tribute to this great and underrated athlete, here are some things you probably didn’t know about Ultimo Dragon.
Moved to Mexico Early On
Yoshihiro Asai, better known by the stage name he adopted later on – Ultimo Dragon, was born in Japan in 1966 and graduated at NJPW in 1987. However, his talent wasn’t really recognized in this promotion that looked for bigger, more imposing characters. Because of that, early on in his career, he decided to travel to Mexico and continue working on his wrestling skills following the Mexican well-known lucha libre style. It is there that he took on the name Ultimo Dragon which translates to, obviously, the Last Dragon. It is meant to signify that he is the last student of the late kung-fu master Bruce Lee. While this gimmick didn’t really catch on, the name remained.
Invented Asai Moonsault
One of Asai’s greatest contributions to the world of professional wrestling is certainly a special move that came to be known as Asai Moonsault. In general, moonsaults are attacks where a wrestler climbs the top rope in the ring, facing away from his opponent and, with a strong flip falls either on a standing or lying down wrestler. During his time in Mexico, Asai studied this popular move, especially the springboard type where a wrestler bounces from the ropes before doing his backflip. What Ultimo did was he took the move outside of the ring and, with this little change, created a whole new feel to it. Ever since he started using it, Asai Moonsault has become one of the most popular and beloved moves in the sport.
Nearly Abandoned His Mask
Ultimo Dragon spent only one year in WWE, but it was such a terrible year that many people expected not to see him in the ring ever again. However, as surprising as it may sound, WWE actually wanted Asai for at least another season. They’ve probably realized that he was, no doubt, an excellent wrestler who just didn’t get to show everything he could do. What’s even more interesting is the fact that Asai also thought about the return, without his mask, using his real name, in order to start things fresh. There was even a scripted plan of Stephanie McMahon being the one who would rip his mask off because he seemed handsome to her. Somehow though, he kept his senses and decided not to risk destroying the gimmick he had worked so long on. He simply went back to Japan and continued his career there.
Helped Other Wrestlers
Certainly the most amazing thing about Ultimo Dragon is how much he actually wanted to help out his fellow wrestlers, and received help in return. He really showed that no good deed goes unrewarded. During the 90’s, Chris Jericho showed great interest in performing for ECW, which was then at its highest point, but couldn’t get their attention. That’s when Ultimo Dragon stepped in and thanks to his amazing matches with Jericho that showcased all of his skills, he was soon invited to perform. The same can be said for Rey Mysterio, whom Asai basically introduced to the USA and who eventually became a bigger star than Ultimo. Of course, the two never forgot about it and, as soon as the opportunity arose, lobbied to get him into the WWE. It was a true wrestling camaraderie.
Egoistic Wrestler
Now, as much as his intentions were good towards other wrestlers and though he helped many rise to the top, Ultimo Dragon was, in fact, an egoistic athlete according to many. Asai’s main concern was that he looked good in the ring, and then everybody else. This was confirmed by many of his colleagues including Rey Mysterio, who always had the utmost respect for him. It is said that this type of behavior is typical of Mexican lucha libre wrestlers. Although Asai was, in fact, Japanese, he came to identify so much with the Mexican culture that it only seemed natural he would adapt some of their characteristics. Despite that, Ultimo was, and still is, one of the greatest professional wrestlers that didn’t get enough recognition in the sport.
Did you know all these facts about Ultimo Dragon? What are your favorite ones?
