Long before wrestling became a worldwide industry, stars across different countries and territories were developing styles, characters, and traditions that would influence generations. Rikidōzan — The father of Japanese professional wrestling whose enormous popularity helped establish puroresu as a major part of Japanese culture. Toyonobori — An early Japanese wrestling star who succeeded Rikidōzan as one of the country’s leading attractions and helped establish the International Wrestling Enterprise. Seiji Sakaguchi — A former elite judoka who became one of Japan’s biggest heavyweight stars and an important figure in the growth of New Japan Pro Wrestling. Great Togo — A controversial but influential Japanese-American wrestler and promoter who became one of America’s most notorious heels during the postwar wrestling boom. Thunder Sugiyama — A decorated amateur wrestler who became a major Japanese professional star across several promotions during the 1960s and 1970s. Don Curtis —...