Considered by many to be the greatest wrestler ever, Jumbo Tsuruta gained much success and became a national superstar in his illustrious career. Before the bulk of his success though, he had a ten match trial series over three and a half years, each a singles contest. He faced some of the best talent in the world from home and away, losing just two of the ten matches.
Jumbo Tsuruta 10 Match Trial Series (3/10/76 to 1/5/79)
1. (3/10/76 @ Nihon University Auditorium / 2/3 Falls) Jumbo Tsuruta vs. Verne Gagne went to a draw (42:57). Gagne used a sleeper hold on Tsuruta (19:12). Tsuruta used a German suplex hold on Gagne (9:54). Both men were KO'd (13:51).
2. (3/28/76 @ Tokyo Kokugikan Warehouse Outdoor Ring / 2/3 Falls) Jumbo Tsuruta vs. Rusher Kimura went to a draw (24:54). Kimura used a brainbuster on Tsuruta (13:27). Tsuruta used a double-arm suplex on Kimura (6:34). Tsuruta & Kimura went to a double pinfall (4:53).
3. (6/11/76 @ Tokyo Kokugikan Warehouse Outdoor Ring / 2/3 Falls) Terry Funk beat Jumbo Tsuruta (27:07). Tsuruta used a cradle on Funk (15:50). Funk pinned Tsuruta (6:05). Funk pinned Tsuruta (5:12).
4. (7/17/76 @ Hagino City Gymnasium / 2/3 Falls) Jumbo Tsuruta vs. Billy Robinson went to a draw (65:00). Robinson used a European leg roll clutch hold on Tsuruta (29:05). Tsuruta used a jackknife hold on Robinson (21:52). The time limit expired (9:03). The time limit expired in overtime (5:00).
5. (9/9/76 @ Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium / 2/3 Falls) Jumbo Tsuruta beat Bobo Brazil (19:27). Brazil used a Coco-Butt on Tsuruta (11:15). Brazil was counted out (5:15). Tsuruta used a jumping knee attack on Brazil (2:57).
6. (10/22/76 @ Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium / 2/3 Falls) Jumbo Tsuruta beat Abdullah The Butcher (13:29). Abdullah used an elbow drop on Tsuruta (5:55). Tsuruta used a jumping knee attack on Abdullah (3:49). Abdullah was DQ'd (3:45).
7. (12/3/76 @ Kawasaki City Gymnasium / 2/3 Falls) Jumbo Tsuruta beat Chris Taylor (17:53). Tsuruta used a missile kick on Taylor (11:20). Taylor used a body press on Tsuruta (3:07). Taylor was counted out (3:26).
8. (6/11/77 @ Setagaya Ward Gymnasium / 2/3 Falls) Harley Race beat Jumbo Tsuruta (21:58). Tsuruta used a double-arm suplex on Race (8:26). Race used an Indian Deathlock on Tsuruta (8:08). Race used an inside cradle on Tsuruta (5:24).
9. (7/28/77 @ Shinagawa Sports Center / 2/3 Falls) Jumbo Tsuruta vs. Kintaro Oki went to a draw (25:22). Tsuruta used a double-arm suplex on Oki (8:35). Oki used a brainbuster on Tsuruta (8:08). Both men were counted out (8:39).
10. (1/5/79 @ Kawasaki City Gymnasium / 2/3 Falls) Jumbo Tsuruta beat Fritz Von Erich (10:25). Von Erich used an iron claw on Tsuruta (5:53). Von Erich was DQ'd (3:27). Tsuruta used a body press on Von Erich (1:05).
