On this page, you find the full wrestling profile of Willem Ruska, with his Career History, real name, age, height and weight, the Promotions he worked for, all the Face/Heel turns, the Championship Titles he won, his Finishers, Theme Songs, Tag Teams and Stables, his appearance changes through the years, and more.
Willem Ruska was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands on August 29, 1940.
He died on February 14, 2015 at the age of 74.
Willem Ruska was inducted in the NJPW Hall of Fame in 1990 as part of the NJPW Greatest 18 Club wing.
He is the only judoka to win two gold medals in Judo in one Olympics.
Willem Ruska Profile Index
Profile Info
- GenderMale
- Real NameWillem Ruska
- Ring Names
- Willem Ruska (November 18, 1977 - November 13, 1994)
- Wilhelm Ruska (March 30, 1977 - November 17, 1977)
- Willem Ruska (August 7, 1976 - March 29, 1977)
- Wilhelm Ruska (May 25, 1976 - August 6, 1976)
- Willem Ruska (February 6, 1976 - May 24, 1976)
- Born August 29, 1940
- Died February 14, 2015 (aged 74)
- Nationality
Netherlands - Birth PlaceAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Billed From
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Height 6 ft 2 in (189 cm)
- Weight
- 243 lbs (110 kg)
- NicknamesTarzan of the Tatami
- NotesHe is the only judoka to win two gold medals in Judo in one Olympics.
Career History
-
Roles
- Wrestler (September 23, 1994 - November 13, 1994)
- Wrestler (February 6, 1976 - December 11, 1980)
-
Promotions History
Promotion from to Promotion 
NJPWBrand
Heavyweight
September 23, 1994 November 13, 1994 Promotion NJPWBrand
Heavyweight
February 27, 1979 December 11, 1980 Promotion NJPWBrand
Heavyweight
April 21, 1978 June 7, 1978 Promotion 
WWWFMarch 13, 1978 March 30, 1978 Promotion NJPWBrand
Heavyweight
November 18, 1977 December 8, 1977 Promotion 
NWAMarch 30, 1977 October 9, 1977 Promotion 
CWFMay 25, 1977 October 9, 1977 Promotion 
NWA HOLLYWOODApril 21, 1977 May 6, 1977 Promotion 
BTW SFMarch 30, 1977 April 1, 1977 Promotion NJPWBrand
Heavyweight
August 7, 1976 December 9, 1976 Promotion NWA, NWA HOLLYWOODMay 25, 1976 June 24, 1976 Promotion NJPWBrand
Heavyweight
February 6, 1976 February 6, 1976 -
Images History
Sep 1994
Mar 1978
Feb 1976
Aug 1972 -
Face / Heel Turns
Alignment Details from to Heel February 6, 1976 November 13, 1994
Titles & Accomplishments
Career Awards
- NJPW Hall of Fame - NJPW Greatest 18 Club (Year1990)
Judo medals
- At the Olympics
- 1972 Munich - Men’s +93 kg (GOLD)
- 1972 Munich - Men’s Open class (GOLD)
- At the World Judo Championships
- 1967 Salt Lake City - Men’s +93 kg (GOLD)
- 1971 Ludwigshafen - Men’s +93 kg (GOLD)
- 1969 Mexico City - Men’s Open class (SILVER)
- At the European Judo Championship
- 1966 Luxembourg - Men’s +93 kg (GOLD)
- 1967 Rome - Men’s +93 kg (GOLD)
- 1969 Oostende - Men’s +93 kg (GOLD)
- 1969 Oostende - Men’s Open class (GOLD)
- 1971 Göteborg - Men’s +93 kg (GOLD)
- 1972 Voorburg - Men’s +93 kg (GOLD)
- 1965 Madrid - Men’s Open class (SILVER)
- 1970 Berlin - Men’s +93 kg (SILVER)
- 1970 Berlin - Men’s Open class (SILVER)
- 1965 Madrid - Men’s +93 kg (BRONZE)
- 1967 Rome - Men’s Open class (BRONZE)
- At the Olympics