There aren’t many people who can rival Vince McMahon’s influence in the wrestling business. But there is still one name that revolutionized wrestling in the east, just like McMahon did for the west. His name is synonymous with fighting and improving oneself. Fighting none other than the greatest boxer to ever live inside a wrestling ring, he is the embodiment of ‘fighting spirit’, according to Triple H, Antonio Inoki.
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Antonio Inoki not only build a legacy through his wrestling technique and realistic matches but founded one of the major wrestling promotions today, NJPW. While it was a major move by the legend, he was not content with being connected only to the wrestling industry.
READ MORE: Wrestling Legend Who Slapped Several WWE Legends Couldn’t Raise a Hand on Brock Lesnar
So, he competed with not just professional wrestlers but people from different styles of fighting. In this era, his most popular bout was with Muhammad Ali, which ended in a draw, 3-3, and left the boxer with a serious leg injury.
Antonio Inoki’s legacy in NJPW
His contribution to NJPW was huge. For starters, he invented or coined the term ‘strong style’. A form of wrestling that is used by major wrestlers today, like Asuka and Shinsuke Nakamura, not to mention most of the wrestlers in NJPW.
Due to this unique style of wrestling and the prestige attached to it, NJPW is the most prominent wrestling promotion in the east. The legacy of Inoki is linked to that of NJPW. His vision to make wrestling seem more realistic was something that made NJPW shine brighter than any other promotion under the sun.
The wrestling industry pays tribute to Antonio Inoki
Wrestling industry giants, sports channels, current wrestlers, and legendary performers, all sent their tribute to Antonio Inoki on Twitter. People like Adam Cole and Frankie Kazarian, The Iron Sheik and Vader, paid their tribute.
RIP Antonio Inoki…a legend in every sense of the word. 🙏
— Adam Cole (@AdamColePro) October 1, 2022
Antonio Inoki, a combat sports trailblazer, influential politician and larger-than-life figure in his native Japan, died Friday at the age of 79.
He fought Muhammad Ali in perhaps the highest-profile mixed-rules bout ever.
Read more about his life: https://t.co/qlWgflEEDi pic.twitter.com/HkeJCbuotm
— ESPN (@espn) October 1, 2022
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
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
Many remembered how much he contributed to the field.
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
Further, several also shared their condolescences.
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 sorry to learn of the loss of Antonio Inoki. What a towering presence in our business! I loved his matches – especially his classic brawls with Bruiser Brody.#RIPInoki pic.twitter.com/fTgOwhpTja
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) October 1, 2022
Antonio Inoki was one of the biggest stars in wrestling history, certainly No. 2 in Japan and biggest of the last 55 years, as well as incredibly influential in both the wrestling and MMA businesses. One of the most charismatic humans I've ever met.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) October 1, 2022
Antonio Inoki….. my family and I owe you so much. Thank you for everything you did for our family, and the business we all love. Prayers to the family 🖖 RIP pic.twitter.com/QMWDPfxmam
— Big Van Vader (@itsvadertime) October 1, 2022
Thus, the wrestling world lost a very important figure.
First Ali, then Gene Lebell, now Antonio Inoki.
All three men involved in the most famous MMA fight of all time are now gone.
RIP to a Japanese wrestling icon.#antonioinoki pic.twitter.com/wMzqOa8GjB
— Paul Lazenby (@MaulerMMA) October 1, 2022
ANTONIO INOKI ONE OF THE GREATEST EVER. I WAS HIS TEACHER. WE SOLD OUT THE GARDEN AND LOVED EACHOTHER LIKE FAMILY. RESPECT THE INOKI FOREVER pic.twitter.com/QEyqz6cxDX
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) October 1, 2022
Antonio Inoki. RIP. Where does one even begin to discuss his legacy? Think of the most interesting famous person you can and times that by 100. Inoki fought Muhammad Ali and negotiated a hostage release with Saddam Hussein.
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) October 1, 2022
Thank You Antonio Inoki.
— Lince Dorado (@LuchadorLD) October 1, 2022
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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
After such adoration from so many people, it is clear the amount of impact Inoki had on people. Whether it was wrestling, MMA, or just politics, Inoki was a legend to all of them.
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Many fans hoped the legendary wrestler would rest in peace. What are your thoughts on Inoki passing away? Let us know in the comments.
