Many Japanese wrestlers learned early in their career in Mexico, but it was Hiroaki Hamada who first embraced Lucha Lubre, and created a unique style all his own.

Hamada wrestled more in Mexico in Japan, and would even marry a Mexican woman, and they had two daughters who would also wrestle professionally, mostly in Mexico.  He won multiple titles in Mexico and Japan, and even ventured into the United States on occasion, winning the NWA Americas Title in Los Angeles in 1981.  

Hamada was a near top guy for decades and although he never wrestled for the WWE, in terms of influence, we will argue that he is the most underrated performer of all-time.