Antonio Inoki was a legendary pro wrestler in Japan. Inoki has been considered Vince McMahon in the land of the rising Sun. He was a Japanese pro wrestler, a wrestling promoter, a martial artist, and a politician as well.
Yahoo Japan reported that Antonio Inoki passed away on October 1st at the age of 79 in his home. The exact reason for Inoki’s death is not revealed yet.
Former professional wrestler Antonio Inoki (real name Kanji Inoki), who served two terms as a member of the House of Councilors, died at his home on the 1st. he was 79 years old.
The Japanese Legend began his wrestling career in Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance in the 1960s. He was released from the promotion in 1971. Inoki then started his own wrestling promotion called New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1972. Antonio Inoki’s popularity rose after his match against Boxer Muhammad Ali in 1976. He then entered into politics in 1989. His first political term ended in 1995. Inoki was re-elected to the Japanese House of Councillors in 2013 and served until 2019.
Antonio Inoki competed in a match against Ric Flair for two shows in North Korea in 1995 and it was the largest fan attendance for wrestling shows in pro wrestling history.
Antonio Inoki contributed so much to pro wrestling and he trained many wrestlers including Akira Maeda, Bad News Allen, Brian Adams, First Tiger Mask, Heddi Karaoui, and Shinsuke Nakamura. Inoki was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010 which Inoki truly deserved.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling is deeply saddened at the passing of our founder, Antonio Inoki.
His achievements, both in professional wrestling and the global community are without parallel and will never be forgotten.
Our thoughts are with Inoki’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/n8zA9hj78e
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) October 1, 2022
WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki.https://t.co/rHmdY8cdvi
— WWE (@WWE) October 1, 2022
.@IMPACTWrestling would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Antonio Inoki. We are saddened to learn of his passing and know his legacy will live forever. pic.twitter.com/acCxKxDNK7
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) October 1, 2022
The National Wrestling Alliance sends its condolences to the friends and family of pro wrestling pioneer Antonio Inoki.
An NWA Tag Team and United National Champion and most importantly, a legend that will forever be remembered in our business and beyond. pic.twitter.com/sqyG8Y26QC
— NWA (@nwa) October 1, 2022
One of the most important figures in the history of our business, and a man who embodied the term “fighting spirit.” The legacy of WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki will live on forever.
— Triple H (@TripleH) October 1, 2022
RIP Antonio Inoki, a pioneer in the pro wrestling industry. Inoki’s influence and his achievements will live on forever in the wrestling world; he’s an inspiration to all of the dreamers. Thank you sir.
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) October 1, 2022
お疲れ様でございました🙏#燃える闘魂 #アントニオ猪木 pic.twitter.com/sFADReF0aY
— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) October 1, 2022
We send our deepest condolences to Antonio Inoki’s family and friends. Thank You for everything Inoki.