Yoshihiro Momota
# Yoshihiro Momota

Yoshihiro Momota (百田 義浩, Momota Yoshihiro) (March 15, 1946 – November 22, 2000) was a professional wrestler and a former ring announcer, known for his tenure in All Japan Pro Wrestling. He was the son of wrestler Rikidozan and the older brother of Mitsuo Momota.

## Career

On October 21, 1972, Momota, along with Shohei "Giant" Baba and younger brother Mitsuo Momota, founded All Japan Pro Wrestling where he started out as a ring announcer for the promotion. Around the mid-1970s, Momota decided to become a wrestler just like his father and his brother. He started training with Terry Funk and Dory Funk Jr. and began wrestling in Texas before wrestling full-time for All Japan. His wrestling career didn't take off as well as planned although he did find a little success. In 1987 he retired from in-ring competition and decided to become a backstage helper and a member of the All Japan board of directors until he resigned from his position after Mitsuharu Misawa had disagreements with widow Motoko Baba. He joined Pro Wrestling Noah as a backstage helper and a member of the board of directors, but in September 2000, his health was beginning to deteriorate due to liver failure.

## Family

Momota was the son of Rikidozan, a wrestling legend who is known as the "Father of Puroresu". He also had a younger brother Mitsuo Momota. His nephew is named Chikara and made his professional wrestling debut in 2013.

## Death

On November 22, 2000, Momota died of liver failure. He was 54 years old.

## Championships and accomplishments

* All Japan Pro Wrestling

   * 11-Man Battle Royal winner (1979)
* Tokyo Sports
   * Service Award (2001)
