Salman Hashimikov

Control21:

Salman Hashimikov arrived on the scene with his compatriot Victor Zangiev in 1989, when Antonio Inoki was able to secure their services from the Soviet Union in a bilateral partnership. While not as famous in terms of cultural impact as Victor Zangiev, Hashimikov was a solid wrestler and was briefly the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. At the time, his legitimate skills were seen as a thrilling addition to a promotion that had built itself on the “strong style” idea and where Inoki was still bringing in competitors with backgrounds in legitimate combat sports. Like Victor Zangiev, his legacy perhaps merits more consideration.

w/Vladimir Berkovich vs Gary Albright & Dan Severn (12/5/1993)

vs Riki Choshu (7/12/1989)

vs Steve Williams (2/10/1990)

vs Nobuhiko Takada (/7/18/1993)