Antonio Inoki passes away
WWE remembers Antonio Inoki.
1943-2022 pic.twitter.com/I9JF377dLb— WWE (@WWE) October 1, 2022
Antonio Inoki, the founder of New Japan Pro Wrestling and former 12-time world champion, has passed away. He was 79 years old.
The news was broken by Yahoo! Japan, which states that Inoki died in his home on October 1st. He had been quite ill for years, including a battle with systemic amyloidosis.
Inoki’s wrestling career stretches back to the 1960s, where he became one of Japan’s most recognized figures. His fame took off even further in 1976 when he had an exhibition match with boxing legend Muhammad Ali, a bout that served as a predecessor to modern day mixed martial arts.
Inoki founded NJPW in 1972, a promotion that continues to thrive in the competitive wrestling industry. He would also be the very first wrestler to hold the IWGP heavyweight championship. Inoki wrestled his last match in 1998, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010.
Aside from his legacy in the world of wrestling Inoki was a respected politician. He entered into politics in 1989 where he was elected into the Japanese House of Councillors. During his first term he successfully negotiated the release of Japanese hostages from Saddam Hussein, a feat that was accomplished shortly before the outbreak of the Gulf War.
RIP Antonio Inoki. On an international scale, few people have influenced the sport like Inoki. His legend will live forever. Today, the IWC has lost a giant – a real superhero of pro wrestling that will be forever missed. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
— Tim Hornbaker (@TimHornbaker) 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
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
Very sad to hear the passing of a true icon of Professional Wrestling worldwide. Antonio Inoki inspired so many wrestlers for so many decades including me in my in ring days. I had the opportunity to wrestle on several tours for Inoki in NJPW – he truly changed the game. RIP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/WSyAKB9XCY
— taz (@OfficialTAZ) 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
RIP Antonio Inoki. I would listen to Kowalski tell Inoki stories for hours on end. Thank you for your immense contributions to our sport and the unrivaled legacy you leave behind. Honored to have met you. Godspeed sir.
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) October 1, 2022
Rest in peace Antonio Inoki 🕊 a true wrestling icon
— KEN SHAMROCK (@ShamrockKen) 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
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
