#63 Goriki

Gorilla wrestler

With a name derived from Japanese words associated with strength and power Goriki is a brutal physique emphasizing raw physical force. For the audience in the North American market who wouldn’t learn his name until much later he often took on a persona of a Conan the Barbarian association or any number of other names.

Not a major story line character but instead another great example of the diversity within the Kinnikuman universe of fighters and forms. His massive gorilla like stature as a supporting background competitor made a great strength and intimidation example added to the Chojin wrestling world.

As his pose suggests his character’s fighting style revolves around forceful grappling attacks and submissions that showcase his exaggerated muscular physique. Displaying a few signature movies of his own including the Gorilla Crush, Ape Hammer, and the Goriki Slam lifting an opponent overhead and driving them to the ground.

When Mattel imported the likeness for use in the M.U.S.C.L.E. series his name and back story didn’t follow in their in the rebranding strategy. Leaving the characteristics of the figure up to the imaginations of the kids grabbing them off the shelves and providing their own names. Imposing and hostile looking, no doubt he found his way into many battles from the playgrounds to the living rooms.