How Big of a Star was Nobuhiko Takada?

[YiHammer]

Just something I wondered, how popular was Takada really?

I never got to see much of Takada before his Hustle General days but during the UWFI vs NJPW I read about how he was pretty much UWFIs top guy and front runner. Could Takada be considered a top guy in Japanese history? Was he a good wrestler and what are recommended matches?

[Johnny B. Decent]

If you take a peek here at the bottom, UWFI at it's prime did very well:

www.purolove.com/misc/uwfi/results.php

Even managing to get Tokyo Dome-like crowds at Jingu Stadium.

Now, wrestling-wise, Takada was a Shoot Wrestler, a bit slower-paced and more technical then say the AJPW Five, but I would say find his 80's work in NJPW and the Second UWF and you'll find some of his best work.

That said, the end of UWFI and PRIDE FC did damage his reputation, I think.

[greatmuta]

Well he single handedly carried UWFi until Vader showed up. He drew three of the largest gates of all time with NJ and drew a big house for his Pride debut. He is a bigger star now then ever and does tv shows in Japan now.

He may have been the biggest draw in 96 with the two dome shows and the stadium show with Tenryu.

[Deleted]

Very, very big.

Also thought he was really good. I think he's my second favorite shoot style guy beside Volk Han.

[Kick Your Face]

I always thought Tamura was the best worker in UWFi, but Takada was the main star.