We’ve lost a legend in the world of professional wrestling.
Yahoo Japan is reporting that Antonio Inoki has passed away at the age of 79. Inoki died at his home earlier today (Saturday morning in Japan). While the details of his passing have not been announced, it was well known that Inoki had been in poor health for quite some time now.
Inoki was the definition of a legend in professional wrestling, with a career that spanned almost 40 years in the ring.
Trained by the legendary Rikidōzan at the age of 17, Inoki began his career in 1960 for the Japanese Wrestling Association. Prior to a career in pro wrestling, Inoki lived in Yokohama until his family fell on difficult times.
When Inoki was fired from the Japanese Wrestling Association promotion in 1971 for attempting a takeover of the company, he would go on to found New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Inoki would continue to wrestle in and own NJPW for decades, helping make it one of the most dominant wrestling companies in the world. And that still rings true to this day. New Japan was later bought by Yuke’s in 2005.
Inoki held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, NWF Heavyweight Championship, NWA International Tag Team Championship, NWA United National Championship, and numerous other championships during his illustrious career. He’s also a member of the WWE Hall of Fame, WCW Hall of Fame, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Inoki would go on to have a career in politics, as he founded the Sports and Peace Party in 1989. He was elected to the House of Councilors, serving from 1989 to 1995. He also served from 2013 to 2019.
Inoki faced off against Don Frye in his retirement match back in 1998.
We send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Antonio Inoki.
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