Remembering Pro-Wrestling Legend: Antonio Inoki
Photo Credit: AEW
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Celebrated professional wrestling hero Antonio Inoki sadly passed away at 79 on October 1st, 2022. MMA & wrestling owes immense debts concerning gratitude to this legendary pioneer. Inoki left one irresistible legacy behind. His stardom exemplifies how greatness is defined. A famed dignitary had shaped the Japanese wrestling scene into a mainstream accomplishment.
Our website WrestleBuddy dedicates this article to Mr. Inoki. Learning about the WWE Hall of Famer’s death comes with great sadness. Let’s pay respects to a true renaissance man.
Understanding Inoki’s history?
Inoki began his career in the JWA (Japanese Wrestling Association. Japan’s inaugural pro-wrestling promotion & ex-sumo Rikidozan organized it. Before Antonio became such a widely known persona, Rikidozan obtained massive celebrity in Japan. His famed wrestling students were Inoki & “ Giant “ Baba! These two would develop a popular style titled Puroresu. The JWA struggled after Rikidozan’s tragic death. Anoki attempted to take over the company. Anoki departed & found NJPW ( New Japan Pro Wrestling) circa 1972.
New Japan maintained considerable acclaim by assembling its reputation as the best wrestling globally. Inoki was more than just a wrestler/ promoter & he established his wrestling style within Japan & internationally because Inoki wanted to showcase this presentation as superior by comparison when touring various countries. His wrestling bolstered Japan’s notoriety.
Inoki encountered Pro-Wrestling’s best throughout his illustrious performing history. Numerous territories allowed him to face extraordinary superstars like Andre The Giant & Hulk Hogan in both America & Japan. He would transition into a megastar through his rivalry against Boxing legend & Champion Mohammed Ali by introducing American audiences to Inoki! The strategy here was to feature a series of matches where Inoki competed against athletes who presented assorted styles relating to martial arts. Inoki’s goal was to prove wrestling’s supremacy. Ali represented that prominent fighter.
In 1975, Ali challenged any fighter of Asian descent, saying he would give them a million dollars if they could beat him. Inoki accepted as the promoter’s reportedly offered Ali Six-Million dollars for his participation. It would emanate on June 26th, 1976, at Budokan! Stories later publicized that conflicted with each other about their fight being fixed or gimmicked concerning which side wanted that. Ali famously cut brilliant promos to help build the matchup. Both athletes fought in an MMA-15 round type fight & the result was a draw.
Inoki’s legendary battles:
Accomplished shoot-wrestler Karl Gotch was Inoki’s first wrestling match in NJPW (1972). Later, he competed against Lou Thesz in 1975. Inoki puts former strongman turned pro wrestler in his place, Antonio Barichievich-The Great Antonio. Barichievich no-sells Inoki’s offense & stiffed him. Inoki then retaliates by beating up his opponent. They had to stop the match as a result. Inoki defeated WWWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund in Tokushima, Japan & won the Title on November 30th, 1979. Other rivalries featured Tiger Jeet Singh, Masa Saito, Big Van Vader, Stan Hansen, & Bruiser Brody & more.
Inoki the politician:
In the early 90s, Inoki became involved in politics. He got elected to the Japanese Diet, similar to the U.S. Senate in America. Inoki became a member of the Sports and Peace Party, a political party he founded. His belief was peace could be achieved through wrestling. In 1990, shortly before the outbreak of the Gulf War, He met with Sadam Hussein to negotiate the release of several Japanese Hostages. Inoki created the wrestling event, “ The Festival of Sport and Peace. “ During this trip to Iraq, Inoki converted to Islam. A fact that had not been revealed until 2012.
North Korea Ambassador:
Inoki tried mending relations between Japan & North Korea. Their relationship remained strained due to the Korean War. He formulated another wrestling show that would become part of another festival, “ The Pyongyang International Sports and Culture Festival for Peace. “ New Japan & WCW ( World Championship Wrestling) possessed a working alliance.
The two companies exchanged talent, and Inoki requested American stars for the show. What ensued was one dream match between “ The Nature Boy” Ric Flair against Antonio Inoki match headlining the event named “ Collision in Korea! “ Each wrestler personified eminence & these two have only faced off in North Korea, representing both’s first & only meeting. Notable Inoki rival Mohammed Ali was present. Inoki wrestled Flair in front of 190,000 people, a record number. Most attendees had to leave.
Inoki’s reemergence:
Inoki did a retirement tour of sorts between 1994 & 1998, titled the “ Final Countdown! “
This exceptional succession displayed his mixed-martial arts skills under pro-wrestling rules & also accentuated some well-regarded rematches. Inoki overwhelmed WCW Television Champion Steve ( William Regal) & secured a non-title victory at Clash of Champions XXVII. Circa April 4, 1998, Inoki defeated Don Frye in his last official match germane to Inoki’s career.
Inoki founded a new promotion & WWE Hall of Fame!
Inoki began starting back promoting once more. He established Inoki Genome Federation (2007). Inoki became a WWE Hall of Famer in 2010, and Stan Hansen inducted him.
Remarkable wrestling success:
Hall of Fame worthy & territory dominant entails multiple championships & accolades, 4-time NWA International Tag Team Champion, All Asia Tag Team Champion four times. IWGP World Heavyweight Champion-once, NWA North American Tag Team Title-holder one-time. NWA Texas Heavyweight Champion in Big Time Wrestling. NWA United National belt winner NWA Hollywood Wrestling & PWI ranked Inoki at No. 5 out of 500 respecting best singles wrestlers. WCW Hall of Fame ( Class of 1995).
There will never be another like Antonio Inoki. His entrepreneurial spirit inspired generations. The invention of a storied wrestling style that he brought to the profession’s forefront is unparalleled. The profound influence on modern wrestling today speaks incredible volumes.
Inoki revitalized & revolutionized pro-wrestling greatly. This industry couldn’t have asked for anybody that would express wrestling’s masterful story. He was a tremendous ambassador, always looking to provide an outlet that cultivated peace among nations.
Mr. Inoki, thanks for your impeccable contributions concerning something wrestling fans like me cherish.
We will miss you, sir. RIP Antonio Inoki, 1943-2022.
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