NJPW founder and WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki passes away
According to a report from Yahoo Japan, Antonio Inoki passed away at the age of 79. He had been struggling with several health issues in recent years.
Inoki is the founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and is regarded as one of the most popular stars in Japanese professional wrestling history.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010 by another pro wrestling legend, Stan Hansen.
【速報】アントニオ猪木さん死去
news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/24b35…
Inoki began his professional wrestling career in the 1960s under the Japanese Wrestling Association banner. He quickly rose to stardom in the industry. In 1976, he fought legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.
Inoki is also known for his matches against Ric Flair in North Korea. The two pro wrestling icons closed out Day 2 of a record-breaking North Korea show that drew an audience of 150,000 and 190,000 across two days. According to reports, this is the highest attendance in pro wrestling history.
The Japanese wrestling legend is also a 12-time world champion and the inaugural IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. He also won the WWF Heavyweight Championship once, but his run remains unrecognized by WWE.
Inoki was also a pioneer in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.
Wrestling fans paid their tribute to Antonio Inoki on social media
In reaction to Antonio Inoki's passing away, wrestling fans took to Twitter to pour homage to the legend.
Numerous Twitter handles paid respect to Inoki, who passed away on the 60th anniversary of his pro wrestling debut.
Check out the Twitter reactions below:
Antonio Inoki passes away at the age of 79 on the 60 year anniversary of his pro-wrestling debut.
RIP to the legend. twitter.com/yahootopicsedi… https://t.co/4udZytXFXU
RiP Antonio Inoki. The Lion Mark lives on forever. Forever. Forever. https://t.co/NpG5czQoIf
There is no NJPW without Antonio Inoki. One of the most important wrestlers in the history of the business. He wasn't looking too great there at the end, glad he can rest. Wow.
Antonio Inoki passed away today at the age of 79
Over the past couple of years I have been watching pretty much everything New Japan has on tape from the 1980's that is in circulation
Inoki really was a deity to those fans & even the wrestlers
He was a true icon
RIP Inoki-san https://t.co/sXJRSn0YzV
We lost Antonio Inoki and Coolio in the same week. This ain’t fair https://t.co/LQQ0AVz1Fh
Just now seeing about Antonio Inoki. Not much I can say that anyone else hasn't. A multi-business pioneer and game changer, a genuine legend and absolute elite tier all-time bullshitter. https://t.co/Oin0rzRKux
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RIP to the legendary Antonio Inoki. He really birthed a generation out here.
Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye! 🕊️🙏🏽 https://t.co/skGLU3m0Pp
As mentioned earlier, Inoki founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 1972. His first match as an NJPW wrestler was against Karl Gotch. He remained the owner of the promotion till 2005, when he sold his shares to Yuke's video game company.
Meanwhile, his reign as the WWF Heavyweight Champion began after he defeated Bob Backlund in Tokushima, Japan, to win the title in 1979. Backlund eventually won the rematch on December 6.
However, the rematch was ruled a no contest by Hisashi Shinma due to interference from Tiger Jeet Singh. Inoki later vacated the title. As mentioned earlier, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010.
The Sportskeeda community sends its heartfelt condolences to Antonio Inoki's friends and family at this sorrowful time.