WWE Hall of Fame 2012: Reflecting on the Legendary Career of Yokozuna

The first time I ever saw Yokozuna was during an episode of World Wrestling Federation Superstars. At the time, I was a huge Bret Hart fan. I still am. But I remember looking at the monstrous behemoth on the television screen and being scared. It was not that the man scared me. I was afraid that my hero, "the Hitman" would not be able to overcome the mighty newcomer.

Watching Wrestlemania IX, I cheered for Bret, praying that he would somehow catch Yokozuna napping and maybe, just maybe, beat his mammoth challenger. But it was not meant to be. Yoko defeated Bret for the World Wrestling Federation Championship and, outside of a joke of a run by Hulk Hogan, would dominate the company for the next year.

I remember, vividly, watching man after man attempt to bodyslam the champion aboard the USS Intrepid, each failing in rapid succession.

Then Lex Luger made his arrival via helicopter and wasted little time in slamming Yokozuna and instantly becoming one of the two top babyfaces in the company. The road to SummerSlam 1993 was a tremendous ride for fans to take as Luger mimicked a political campaign, making stops in cities across the road and promoting his SummerSlam showdown with his new rival.

Their match at that pay-per-view, in my opinion, remains a bright spot during a period where the wrestling business had reached its all-time low.

Yokozuna would lose the title to Bret Hart at Wrestlemania X and effectively be removed from the main event picture. He would return a year later, at Wrestlemania XI, to team with Owen Hart in a victory over the Smoking Gunns for the World Wrestling Federation Tag Team championship.

Unfortunately, injuries and weight concerns would make his appearances inconsistent through 1996, the last year he would be seen on WWE television.

Unfortunately, Yoko's life came to an end on October 28, 2000, the result of pulmonary edema. In a moment I remember vividly, The Undertaker appeared on Monday Night Raw wearing a Yokozuna t-shirt, paying tribute to one of his friends and one of his greatest opponents. It brought into focus the respect that so many had for the great champion.

Yokozuna never quite gets the credit he deserves for being the face of the World Wrestling Federation during a period where business was down and in the process of transitioning into the "New Generation" era.

The 2012 Hall of Fame induction introduces a brand new audience to the mighty Samoan, an audience who may not be familiar with his work.  This Saturday night, Rodney Anaoi will take his place among the other Superstars who have paved the way for today's generation of men and women.

I, for one, am proud to say I had the honor to watch his career and hope this article, if nothing else, serves as a fitting tribute.

BANZAI