As a macabre omen, last night a minute of applause was dedicated to Kato Kung Lee at the Arena Mexico, thinking that he had already passed away. Delicate in health, the wrestler from Panama was still alive but struggling between life and death after spending more than a week in the hospital.
At 1:47 pm today, Kato Kung Lee ceased to exist due to cardiac arrest. The innovative Panamanian master, who inspired a whole generation of wrestlers combining martial arts with wrestling, said goodbye to us.
Away from the rings due to a pulmonary thrombosis, Kato Kung Lee continued in the wrestling world by appearing at conventions and tributes. Many remembered him when in the seventies he shared the ring with a young Japanese named Satoro Sayama, who learned a lot from Kato before transforming into Tiger Mask.
Kato was also feared because he was a true fighter. His opponents knew that a good punch from Kato could end a fight whenever he wanted. Thirty years ago, El Hijo del Santo felt nervous before his mask match in Tijuana due to Kato's real danger, despite promoter Benjamin Mora trying to reassure him.
Kato appeared without a mask in EMLL shows at the beginning of the television boom, earning new fans with his unique moves, like running on the ropes, something that nobody has been able to imitate.
Rest in peace, Mr. Johnny Lezcano, the great Kato Kung Lee.