Hisashi Shinma — a key figure from the early days of NJPW who was once recognized as the in-storyline president of the WWF — has passed away at 90 years old.

Hisashi Shinma was known as the on-show President of WWE in the late 1970s and early 1980s, preceding the administration of Jack Tunney. Behind the scenes, however, he was known as a master booker.

Shinma was used as on-screen talent for WWE, being booked as the President of the company from 1978 to 1984. He was involved in the battle for the WWF Title between Bob Backlund and Antonio Inoki.

In 1979, two wrestling icons collided in the ring in a talent-sharing arrangement between New Japan Pro Wrestling and the WWF, negotiated by then-WWF figurehead Hisashi Shinma. (He preceded Jack ...

Hisashi Shinma WWE. Older WWE fans may recall Jack Tunney as on screen President in the 80s/early-90s. Before him, Hisashi Shinma acted as the promotion's public figurehead. Previous Next.