Former WWE President Hisashi Shinma Passes Away at 90

A legendary figure in the history of professional wrestling has passed on. Hisashi Shinma—former on-screen President of WWE and a pivotal force in shaping New Japan Pro Wrestling—has died at the age of 90.

WWE confirmed the news, stating, “WWE is saddened to learn that Hisashi Shinma has passed away.” Fans who followed WWE during the late 1970s and early 1980s will remember Shinma as the authority figure before Jack Tunney took over. But his legacy runs far deeper than just what was seen on screen.

Behind the curtain, Shinma was one of the most influential minds in wrestling, helping Antonio Inoki build NJPW into a global powerhouse. He’s also the man credited with giving Satoru Sayama the iconic Tiger Mask gimmick, which would go on to influence generations of high-flyers and cruiserweights across the globe.

Shinma also helped broker a talent-sharing deal between WWE and NJPW—one that introduced names like Tatsumi Fujinami to Western audiences and opened the doors for international Superstars.

“He served a crucial role in helping negotiate a talent-sharing arrangement between New Japan and WWE that helped many talented competitors,” WWE noted.

Hisashi Shinma leaves behind a legacy defined by cross-cultural influence, creative genius, and a vision that shaped two of wrestling’s biggest companies for decades.