Katsuhisa Shibata Death – Heart Attack
Katsuhisa Shibata began wrestling but shifted to officiating after an injury ended his wrestling career.
1943-2010 (Age 66)
Katsuhisa Shibata was born on December 4, 1943. Like several Japanese professional wrestlers, Katsuhisa started off as a sumo.
Although Shibata’s career as a wrestler was short-lived due to injury, he would continue participating in wrestling as a referee.
From Sumo Wrestler to Pro Wrestler to Wrestling Referee
According to the January 25, 2010, Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Shibata entered the pro wrestling ranks in 1966, working in Tokyo Pro Wrestling and Japan Pro Wrestling before working on the inaugural edition of New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1972.
Shibata competed for just over a decade in wrestler/promoter Antonio Inoki’s New Japan promotion until an injury forced him to retire.
However, Shibata wasn’t done with wrestling. He shifted gears from wrestling to officiating matches. Shibata went on to referee matches from 1977 to 2009.
In later years, Katsuhisa opened a gym. He helped train his son Katsuyori Shibata, who became a wrestler and MMA fighter.
Katsuhisa Shibata Death
On January 16, 2010, Shibata passed away from a heart attack. He was 66 years old.
Did you ever see Katushisa wrestle or referee? Let us know in the comments below.
Other pro wrestlers who died in 2010 include Angelo Poffo, Baron Mikel Scicluna, Chris Kanyon, Giant Gonzalez, Grizzly Smith, Jack Brisco, Lance Cade, Ludvig Borga, Luna Vachon, Mike Shaw, Skandor Akbar, and Trent Acid.
