WANTED: ASIAN WWE CHAMPION

Before anyone says or thinks it, Yokozuna was not Asian but rather a Samoan (Polynesian) portraying one. So he doesn't count. We are talking mainly Japan and/or China, since that is where they will likely be billed from, but from an Asian country. Besides the point. In Japan wrestling is just as big as it is here in North America. Both with their own promotions, and whenever a promotion (a legit one) crosses the Pacific. It has been that way for decades.

So, why hasn't there been an Asian WWE Champion? Sure, we have had some superstars over the years of Asian decent, but nobody rose to the top. Some were never really able to "get over" while stars like Tajiri or Ultimo Dragon (who actually were able to garner some mid-card success in WWE). Perhaps the obvious reason could be the language barrier, North American English is said to be the hardest language to learn, and things can lose momentum with todays audiences and trying to understand broken English. Add the numerous appearances that may require a strong ability on a microphone (tv and radio talk shows, etc). Tajiri is rumored to be capable of speaking English quite fluently, but chooses to appear as though he can't in order to remain in character. There isn't anyone else who can? Even American born wrestlers like Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat (who is half Japanese) to represent their heritage? And even if there isn't, add another reason to the list of why "managers" are needed. Yokozuna only said "Bonzai!", even if he was actually Japanese, that is all he needed to say with people like Mr. Fuji (American born Japanese performer) or Jim Cornette doing the talking.
What started this thought, was watching a Hideo Itami match on NXT. Very talented, over with the crowd, and will likely make it to the main roster one day. However, I couldn't help but wonder, "Will he ever be a top contender in WWE? Will he ever wear the WWE World Heavyweight Championship?". This of course thinking back through time, and finding that there hasn't been any WWE Champions of Asian decent. There was an article years ago that had stated WWE Hall Of Famer, Antonio Inoki had defeated Bob Backlund for the WWE (WWWF) Championship in a match in Japan, but it was never recognized by WWE (WWWF). Even if this is a legit incident, reconized or not, it was in the 70's. Almost 40 years ago.

Will there ever be an Asian WWE Champion? There's been countless Caucasians, a few black wrestlers, a couple Samoan and Hispanic wrestlers, and an East Indian in Great Khali (who only captured the World title, and not the WWE title). Wrestling was and is built on diversity, it would be nice to see this continue with the WWE Championship/WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Whichever the name, but the main belt of the WWE.

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