Naoto Date, known in the ring as Tiger Mask, was a dreaded heel in American wrestling who displayed extreme brutality. He had built a reputation across major U.S. promotions, earning notoriety for his ruthless tactics. Yet after returning to Japan he turned into a hero when a young boy from the orphanage where he had grown up asked to emulate him as a villain. The boy's simple wish reminded him of his own humble beginnings and the responsibility he felt toward those children. Not wanting the child to idolize evil, Tiger chose to become a champion instead.
In both the manga and anime, the principal foe is Tigers' Den, a shadowy group that trains aspiring heels under the condition of sharing fifty percent of their profits. Tiger Mask had once been a member, fighting as "Yellow Devil," but he severed ties and redirected his earnings to the orphanage. His decision to give his money back symbolized a rejection of the Den's exploitative model. The Den's leader, enraged by this betrayal, orchestrated a series of covert attacks, targeting not only Tiger Mask but also his allies. He dispatched numerous assassins—including other wrestlers—to exact revenge.
Toei Animation Japan