Antonio Inoki was one of the most popular pro wrestlers worldwide. His contribution to wrestling is immense and respected to this day. The Japanese legend wrestled all over the globe with some of the biggest names in the industry. A look at Inoki’s in-ring opponents over the years will give you an idea of the star power he held. From boxing legend Muhammad Ali to André the Giant, Inoki fought the biggest names in combat sports history.

Hulk Hogan is another big name that shared the ring with Inoki in Japan. Hogan and Inoki wrestled against each other quite a few times while also teaming up on other occasions.

Certainly, two of the biggest stars on either side of the world coming together was a spectacle. After Inoki’s sudden demise a day ago, Hulk Hogan shared an emotional message paying tribute to the wrestling great.

Hulk Hogan shares a photo of him and Inoki from Japan

Founder of the New Japan Pro Wrestling, one of the world’s largest pro wrestling companies, very few people have the kind of profound impact on the wrestling world as Antonio Inoki did. His legendary matches with Muhammad Ali and Ric Flair are a part of wrestling folklore.

His death at the age of 79 has left the wrestling world in sorrow. From Ric Flair to Triple H, many legends in the business paid their tributes and respect for Antonio Inoki.

Hulk Hogan also shared a photo on Instagram of Antonio Inoki and reminisced about their time in Japan.

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In the photo, Hogan and Inoki are posing together in traditional Japanese gear. Moreover, the Hulkster also had a message for his former in-ring partner.

He wrote, “It seems like I spent half my wrestling career working with New Japan, after many years I became accepted and traveled on the Japanese bus, worked out, lived, and sometimes fought the Americans, Inoki was truly ICHIBAN, rip my brother, love you Ax Bomba”.

Interestingly enough, ‘Ichiban’ means ‘number one’ and it was Hogan’s nickname during his wrestling days in Japan. Indeed, this was a heartfelt tribute by the former WWE Champion to Inoki.

Antonio Inoki believed wrestling should be bigger than what it was and Hogan epitomized that later in his career. Both Inoki and Hogan revolutionized the wrestling business in their own ways and will be forever remembered for that.

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