Salman Hashimokov, the first European to hold the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, passed away at the age of 75. He died in his native Russia on Thursday due to heart failure after a prolonged illness.
Hashimokov was a dominant figure in freestyle wrestling during the 1970s and 1980s, winning gold medals in the heavyweight division at the World Wrestling Championships in 1979, 1981, 1982, and 1983. He also secured gold at the European Championships in 1979 and 1981, along with silver medals in 1980 and 1984.
Recruited by Antonio Inoki to NJPW, Hashimokov trained at the New Japan Dojo before making his debut in late February 1989. Inoki heavily promoted him, and he won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship by defeating Big Van Vader on May 25, just three months into his professional wrestling career. Hashimokov held the title for 48 days before losing it to Riki Choshu in July. After participating in the Starrcade event in 1990 at the Pat O’Connor Memorial Tag Team Tournament, he took a hiatus and later returned to UWFI Japan for a two-year run before retiring from wrestling.
On behalf of PWMania.com, we extend our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Hashimokov.
