Antonio Inoki, the legendary Japanese wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer who famously fought boxer Muhammad Ali in a mixed-rules match, passed away Saturday in Japan, TMZ Sports reported.
Inoke gained international fame in Tokyo in 1976 when he fought Ali to a draw.
He wrestled against Big Van Vader and Ric Flair, both WWE Hall of Famers and he also promoted a match with Hulk Hogan. TMZ Sports also noted that Inoke was successful in politics, successfully negotiating on separate issues with Saddam Hussein of Iraq and North Korea.
It is safe to say that there will never be another wrestler as unique as Inoki, who died of “apparent heart failure after battling illnesses for years and being confined to a wheelchair.”
The wrestling community was quick with an outpouring of tributes for the legend:
https://twitter.com/davidbix/status/1576018113883013121
“In which Antonio Inoki slaps everyone at Inoki Bom Ba Ye on New Year’s Eve 2000 to transfer his fighting spirit to them,” wrote David Bixenspan.
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
“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 wrote.
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 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 tweeted.
Rest In Peace Antonio Inoki! Thank You For The Great Matches & Memories My Friend! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/ocHcqf7bvZ
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) October 1, 2022
“Rest In Peace Antonio Inoki! Thank You For The Great Matches & Memories My Friend!” Ric Flair wrote.
Rest in peace to Antonio Inoki, an absolute legend of combat spots. pic.twitter.com/uCFflP3ByC
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) October 1, 2022
“Rest in peace to Antonio Inoki, an absolute legend of combat spo[r]ts,” Scott Coker wrote.
Inoki was 76.
