A legend passes on.

Source: WrestleView.com

According to numerous wrestling sources, legendary wrestler Karl Gotch (real name Karl Istaz) passed away on Saturday night in Tampa, Florida with his family and friends. Gotch was only a few days shy of his 83rd birthday.

According to The Wrestling Observer, Gotch was nicknamed "The God of Professional Wrestling" during his time in Japan as the trainer for New Japan Pro Wrestling and later for the original UWF. He had a reputation in many circles as the toughest man alive.

The German Suplex is named after him.

RIP Karl Gotch

it's a sad day, but it's one of those timely deaths that would eventually come and he lived a fantastic life.

if anyone has ever watched any japanese wrestling and liked it...you owe a big thanks to Karl Gotch. he practically gave birth to Puro by popularizing it there and training the legends like Antonio Inoki, Tiger Mask and many other Puro legends.