On March 15, it was announced that legendary Japanese wrestler The Great Muta would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2023, joining fellow inductee Rey Mysterio. Muta is a world-renowned and feared wrestler, performing in Japanese promotions All Japan Pro Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH, but also notably in the U.S.-based World Championship Wrestling. Muta began his career in NJPW, where he made a name for himself before heading to WCW, where he battled with the likes of Sting, Lex Luger and even “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, then going by his “Stunning” nickname. The iconic competitor won titles all over the globe, becoming a nine-time heavyweight champion in the process. Muta’s legacy includes being an innovator of moves that are still used to this day, including the Muta Lock submission hold and the Shining Wizard, used currently by SmackDown Superstar Tegan Nox. In addition, he often sprayed mysterious mist into his opponents’ eyes, inspiring future Superstars such as Tajiri and Asuka to utilize the devastating strategy. Though not the inventor of the moonsault, Muta’s perfection of it wowed audiences dating back to the 1980s. Muta wrestled for over 39 years, but hung up his boots this year, facing off against current WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura in one of his final matches. WWE congratulates The Great Muta on his worthy inclusion into the WWE Hall of Fame.
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