WWE will induct Bull Nakano, one of the greatest women’s wrestlers of all time, into its Hall of Fame during WrestleMania week in Philadelphia, officials told ESPN on Wednesday.
Bull Nakano, whose real name is Keiko Nakano, was born on January 8, 1968, in Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan. Nakano gained prominence in the world of professional wrestling during the 1980s and 1990s. She was known for her unique look, featuring brightly colored hair and elaborate face paint.
Nakano started her wrestling career at a young age and quickly rose to prominence in the All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling (AJW) promotion. She became a dominant force in women’s wrestling, winning numerous championships and accolades. Bull Nakano was particularly known for her powerful and aggressive wrestling style, as well as her feuds with other legendary female wrestlers, such as Alundra Blayze (formerly known as Madusa in WCW).
Bull Nakano had a brief stint in WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) during the mid-1990s. She joined the company in 1994 and quickly made an impact. One of her most notable moments came at SummerSlam 1994 when she defeated Alundra Blayze (formerly known as Madusa in WCW) to capture the WWE Women’s Championship. This marked a historic occasion, as Nakano became one of the few Japanese wrestlers to hold a major championship in a major American wrestling promotion at that time.
The rivalry between Bull and Alundra Blayze continued, with Blayze regaining the title later in 1994. Nakano left WWE not long after, returning to Japan and eventually retiring from professional wrestling in the late 1990s.
Bull Nakano’s time in WWE may have been relatively short, but her impact was significant. Her unique wrestling style, charisma, and success in capturing the WWE Women’s Championship helped pave the way for future international talent to compete in major American promotions. Her contributions to the women’s division during that era are remembered as part of the broader history of women’s wrestling in WWE.
Bull Nakano retired from professional wrestling in the late 1990s, but her contributions to the sport continue to be remembered and appreciated by fans. She left a lasting impact on women’s wrestling and is often regarded as one of the trailblazers in the industry.