A South Korean professional wrestler, known for his impressive in-ring performances and championships in various promotions, including the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
Kintar ki, born Kim Il, is renowned as one of the pioneering figures in Korean professional wrestling, with a career spanning from the late 1950s to the early 1980s. He is famously known as the forgotten third student of the legendary Rikidzan, a Korean-born Japanese wrestler who is considered the "Father of Puroresu."
Kim Il was born on February 24, 1929, in South Korea. Before venturing into professional wrestling, he was an accomplished Ssireum player, a traditional Korean form of wrestling. His desire to learn from the best led him to illegally enter Japan in 1958 to train under Rikidzan.
After being arrested and released, Ki finally got his chance to train with Rikidzan and joined the Japan Wrestling Association (JWA). He made his professional debut in November 1959 under the ring name Kintar ki.
Ki's early career was marked by impressive performances, including his debut match against Kanji Inoki (later known as Antonio Inoki) and Shohei Baba (later known as Giant Baba) on September 30, 1960. The trio was groomed to become the eventual successors to Rikidzan.
However, Rikidzan's murder in 1963 led Ki to return to his homeland to promote professional wrestling in Korea. During this period, he also traveled to Texas, competing for Big Time Wrestling in Dallas as Kintar ki and for Dory Funk's Western States Sports promotion in Amarillo as Tetsur Sato.
Ki participated in a historic match against NWA World Heavyweight Champion Lou Thesz in 1964, which turned into a legitimate shoot contest. Ki's decision to shoot on Thesz ended the match abruptly, with Thesz emerging victorious.
Throughout his career, Ki faced other notable opponents, including Mark Lewin, whom he defeated to become the top star in Korea.
Kintar ki's contributions to the development of professional wrestling in Korea are undeniable. He played a crucial role in popularizing the sport in his homeland and inspired generations of Korean wrestlers.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including Rikidzan's untimely death and the difficulties of competing in a foreign land, Ki persevered and left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling.
Kintar ki's legacy serves as a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and passion. His impact on professional wrestling extends beyond his own accomplishments, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.
42 Years Old
A dominant force in women's wrestling, winning four Olympic gold medals and ten World Championships, with an unprecedented undefeated streak at the Olympics and World Championships.
