World-renowned Wrestler From WNY Honored by Consulate General of Japan

Known by his ring name, "The Destroyer," Richard John Beyer has been honored upon the occassion of his bestowal of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays by Ambassador Reiichiro Takahashi, the Consul General of Japan in New York.

In 1954, he began wrestling in the United States. In the 1960s, he moved to Japan, where he actively competed in the ring for three decades. 

The Order of the Rising Sun is a Japanese order, established in 1875, by Emperor Meiji of Japan. The order is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements.