'Super Dragon' wrestler Lee to retire
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Lee Wang-pyo
By Kwon Ji-youn
A professional wrestling championship will be held to mark “Super Dragon” Lee Wang-pyo’s retirement.
The World Wrestling Association (WWA) said that the “Forever Champion ― 2015 WWA International Pro-wrestling Championship” will take place at the renovated Jangchung Gymnasium in central Seoul on May 25 to celebrate the close of Lee’s 40-year wrestling career. Lee made his pro wrestling debut in 1975 with the Korean Wrestling Association, founded by Olympic gold medalist Kim Il.
The event will feature WWA 2009 heavyweight champion Bob Sapp, “Leatherface” Michael Kirchner, WWA Far East Heavyweight Champion No Ji-sim, WWA World Tag Team Champions Hong Sang-ji and Kim Jong-wang and members of Japan’s Pro Wrestling Noah. An Ultra Fighting Championship is also scheduled.
“I’m honored to retire at Jangchung Gym, where Kim Il retired,” Lee said.
Lee, who spent most of his career competing in Korea and Japan, won his first WWA world title in 2000. In 2009, he lost the title to Sapp, but regained it in 2010. He now serves as promoter of the WWA.