Hiroaki Hamada, known as Gran Hamada, was a Japanese professional wrestler who passed away on February 14 at his home. Born in Maebashi, Japan, he dedicated himself to wrestling from a young age and debuted in 1972 with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He stood out as the only one of his generation in Japan with experience in judo.
In the 1980s, he worked for various wrestling institutions, highlighting the All Japan Pro Wrestling, Universal Pro Wrestling, Michinoku Pro Wrestling, and the Universal Wrestling Association. Due to his height, he was sent to Mexico by the UWA, where he adopted the nickname Gran Hamada and became an iconic figure in Mexican wrestling.
He founded Universal Lucha Libre in 1990 and achieved several championships in both Mexico and Japan. His fighting style inspired numerous wrestlers, such as Último Dragón, El Gran Sasuke, and Super Delfín. Gran Hamada starred in memorable matches with prominent figures in Mexican wrestling.
In his later years, Gran Hamada experienced health issues that led him to undergo several surgeries and hospitalizations. Although the exact cause of his death has not been revealed, it is known that his health deteriorated significantly in the last years. His family has not provided detailed information about his condition.
Ayako Hamada, the wrestler's daughter, confirmed the sad news and shared that a tribute in his memory will be held on February 16 at Arena Mezquital, in Nuevo León. Hamada, an icon of wrestling who transcended borders and left a legacy in Mexico, faced health complications since 2023, which led him to depend on oxygen and undergo various surgeries.
