Killer Khan Obituary And Death Cause: What Happened to WWE Legend Masashi Ozawa?
Masashi Ozawa, better known by his ring name Killer Khan, was one of the most formidable and fearsome wrestlers of his era. He passed away at the age of 76 on Saturday, December 30, 2023, after suffering a ruptured artery. He collapsed at his restaurant in Tokyo and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Who was Killer Khan?
Killer was born in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, on March 6, 1947. He started his professional wrestling career in November 1971, after training under Antonio Inoki, the founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He adopted the name Killer Khan, inspired by the Mongol ruler Genghis Khan, and developed a savage and brutal style of wrestling. He also used a signature move called the “green mist”, where he would spit a green liquid into his opponent’s eyes, blinding them temporarily.
WWE is saddened to learn that Masashi Ozawa, known to sports-entertainment fans as Killer Khan, passed away at age 76. WWE extends its condolences to Ozawa’s family, friends and fans.https://t.co/wSguYBguMu pic.twitter.com/6sAepliJ1l
— WWE (@WWE) December 30, 2023
Khan made his debut in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1981, where he feuded with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Bob Backlund, Pedro Morales, Andre the Giant, and Hulk Hogan. He was managed by Freddie Blassie and later by Mr. Fuji, who helped him cheat and win matches. He was known for his imposing physique, standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing over 300 pounds. He also wore a distinctive Mongolian-style outfit and a horned helmet to the ring.
One of his most memorable rivalries was with Hulk Hogan, who was the WWF Champion at the time. Khan attacked Hogan and blinded him with the green mist, setting up a series of matches between them. Hogan eventually defeated Masashi Ozawa in a steel cage match at Madison Square Garden in November 1981, ending their feud.
Killer left the WWF in 1982 and returned to Japan, where he continued to wrestle for NJPW and other promotions. He also toured other countries, such as Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Australia. He had another stint in the WWF in 1987, where he resumed his feud with Hulk Hogan and also faced off against other stars, such as Randy Savage, Jake Roberts, and Ricky Steamboat. He retired from wrestling in November 1987, after losing to Bam Bam Bigelow at the Survivor Series.
RIP Killer Khan
— On This Day in WWE (@OTD_in_WWE) December 30, 2023
He had a couple of runs in the WWF, including in 1987 when he confronted WWF Champion Hulk Hogan and blinded him with green mist
This led to a limited house show run between the two
📺YouTube/Wrestling Reaper
pic.twitter.com/T6bCYjcru0
After his retirement, Masashi Ozawa ventured into other fields, such as business, music, and acting. He opened a restaurant called Izakaya Kanchan in Shinjuku, Tokyo, where he served his customers and fans. He also released several songs, such as “Furusato Makaka” and “Shinjuku Sanhyakugoya”, showcasing his singing talent. He even appeared in a Hollywood movie, “3 Ninjas Kick Back”, where he played a bodyguard.
Killer Khan was married to his wife, Yoko, and had two children, a son and a daughter. He was a devoted family man and a generous person, who donated to various charities and causes. He was also a respected figure in the wrestling community, who influenced many wrestlers, such as The Great Khali, Umaga, and Yokozuna.
Masashi Ozawa Cause of Death And Obituary
Killer Khan’s death has saddened many fans and wrestlers, who have paid tribute to him on social media and other platforms. WWE issued a statement on its website, expressing its condolences to his family, friends, and fans. WWE also aired a video package on its programming, highlighting his career and achievements.
Masashi Ozawa was a legend of wrestling, who entertained millions of fans with his unique and powerful style. He was a pioneer of the sport, who paved the way for many wrestlers of Asian descent. He was a man of many talents, who excelled in various fields. He was a hero to many, who inspired and helped others. He was Masashi Ozawa, and he will be remembered. Rest in peace, WWE legand.
