Tiger Mask II, a.k.a. Mitsuharu Misawa, Dead at 47

Some of you may know my affinity for wrestlers that don a mask. Going back to guys like the Masked Superstar, Mil Mascaras, The Spoiler and of course, current star Rey Mysterio, I have always though the mask added some intrigue and mystique to a character. Sadly, Tiger Mask II has passed away recently. His real name is Mitsuharu Misawa and he died after suffering a heart attack in the ring following a suplex during a tag team match in Japan. He was 47.

Above is a legendary match in which Misawa wrestled as Tiger Mask II and took on Bret Hart while “The Hitman” was touring Japan.

By the way, CM Punk wore wrist tape with the name "Misawa" written over the top during Monday's Raw in tribute to the legendary grappler.