6 North Americans who wrestled under a mask in Japan

# 2 Chris Benoit - Pegasus Kid

Chris Benoit wrestled in Japan as Pegasus Kid before signing with WWE

Many wrestling fans know the story of Chris Benoit and his legacy in the ring, as well as his controversial final actions. Benoit's history before wrestling for WCW and WWE is less well known.

Before he was a main event caliber star in North America, Benoit wrestled in Japan under a mask and the name Pegasus Kid. During his time with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Benoit wrestled against fellow famous names like Big Van Vader, Owen Hart, and Scott Hall. Benoit would eventually lose his mask to Jushin 'Thunder' Liger in 1991.

Eventually, Benoit would make his way back to North America and would reach the pinnacle of the wrestling world, by becoming World Heavyweight Champion in both WCW and WWE. Benoit was well decorated in both promotions, as he became a Triple Crown Champion in WCW and WWE.

During his career, Benoit won numerous titles. He won the Tag Team titles with Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, and Edge in WWE, and Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn in WCW. He also won the WWE United States title three times and the Intercontinental Championship four times. After losing his mask, he would also win the Best of the Super Juniors Tournament in Japan twice. In the mask, he had one solitary reign with the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title.