Antonio Inoki (アントニオ猪木), real name Kanji Inoki^[1] (猪木寛至 Inoki Kanji), born February 20, 1943) is a Professional Wrestling Promoter and retired Japanese professional wrestler and mixed martial artist who now resides in New York City. His stage name was inspired by Antonino Rocca, a professional wrestler. In his career as a wrestler and later New Japan Pro Wrestling owner, Inoki is an icon in professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. is the 51st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the town of Yokohama in Aomori Prefecture, see Yokohama, Aomori. ... For other uses, see Tokyo (disambiguation). ... Rikidōzan (Japanese: 力道山, Korean: 역도산, November 14, 1924 - December 15, 1963) was a professional wrestler, known as the Father of Puroresu and one of the most influential men in wrestling history. ... Categories: American professional wrestlers | Professional wrestling stubs ... is the 273rd day of the year (274th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1960 (MCMLX) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Kintaro Ohki (born February 24, 1929 Jeollanam-do, South Korea (then just Korea), died October 26, 2006 Seoul, South Korea) was a South Korean professional wrestler known professionall as Kim Il or KIM Il in the JWA, All Japan and IWE promotions from the 1950s to 1980s. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 51st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For the video game, see Pro Wrestling (video game). ... A promoter is a regulatory region of DNA located upstream (towards the 5 region) of a gene, providing a control point for regulated gene transcription. ... ... For the fighting styles that combine different arts, see hybrid martial arts. ... New York, New York and NYC redirect here. ... Antonino Rocca (born Antonino Biasetton, April 13, 1928 – March 15, 1977) was a professional wrestler from Argentina of Italian descent. ... New Japan Pro Wrestling (新日本プロレス, shin nihon puroresu) is a major professional wrestling federation in Japan, founded by Antonio Inoki in 1972. ... New Japan Pro Wrestling is one of the most popular professional wrestling promotions in the World. ... For the fighting styles that combine different arts, see hybrid martial arts. ...

Early life

Kanji Inoki was born in an affluent family in Yokohama in 1943. He was the sixth son and the second youngest of the seven boys and four girls. His father, Sajiro Inoki, a businessman and politician, died when Kanji was 5 years old. For the town of Yokohama in Aomori Prefecture, see Yokohama, Aomori. ...

Inoki entered the Higashidai Grade School. By the time he was in 7th grade at Terao Junior High School, he was 180 centimeters tall, and joined the basketball team. He later quit and joined a track and field club as a shot putter. He eventually won the championship at the Yokohama junior high school track and field competition. Inoki was taught karate by an older brother while in 6th grade, and was scouted for a career in professional sumo while in junior high school. This article is about the sport. ... Athletics, also known as track and field or track and field athletics, is a collection of sport events. ... Shot put The shot put is an athletics (track and field) event involving putting (throwing in a pushing motion) a heavy metal ball (called the shot) as far as possible. ... For other uses, see Karate (disambiguation). ...

The family fell on hard times in the post-war years, and in 1957, the 14 year-old Inoki immigrated to Brazil with his grandfather, mother and brothers. His grandfather died during the journey to Brazil.

Inoki won regional championships in Brazil in the shot put, discus throw, and javelin throw, and finally the All Brazilian championships in the shot put and discus [1]. The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... An athlete throwing the javelin. ... Shot put The shot put is an athletics (track and field) event involving putting (throwing in a pushing motion) a heavy metal ball (called the shot) as far as possible. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ...

Early professional wrestling career

Inoki met prominent Rikidozan at the age of 17. He was brought back to Japan for the Japanese Wrestling Association as Rikidozan's disciple. One of his dojo classmates was Giant Baba. After Rikidozan's death, Inoki worked under the taller Baba's shadow until he joined the original Tokyo Pro Wrestling in 1966. Returning to JWA in late 1967, he was made Baba's partner and the two dominated the tag team ranks as the "B-I Cannon", winning the NWA International tag team belts four times. Rikidōzan (Japanese: 力道山, Korean: 역도산, November 14, 1924 - December 15, 1963) was a professional wrestler, known as the Father of Puroresu and one of the most influential men in wrestling history. ... Nihon Puroresu Kyōkai (日本プロレス協会, Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance or Japan[ese] Wrestling Association) was the first professional wrestling promotion to be based in Japan. ... Shohei Baba (Baba Shōhei, 1938–1999) was a professional wrestler and co-founder of All Japan Pro Wrestling. ... The original Tokyo Pro Wrestling was a professional wrestling promotion in Japan from 1966 to 1967. ... Year 1966 (MCMLXVI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the 1966 Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the 1967 Gregorian calendar. ...

Fired from JWA in late 1971 for planning a takeover of the promotion, Inoki founded New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1972. His first match as a New Japan wrestler was against Karl Gotch. During his career, Inoki has had classic bouts with Tiger Jeet Singh, Johnny Powers, Stan Hansen, Hulk Hogan, André the Giant, Big Van Vader, and Masa Saito. In 1995 the Japanese and Korean governments came together to hold a two-day wrestling festival for peace in Pyongyang, North Korea. The event drew 150,000 and 190,000 fans respectively to May Day Stadium. The show featured The Steiner Brothers, Road Warrior Hawk, Hiroshi Hase, Chris Benoit, and others. The main event saw the first and only match between Inoki and Ric Flair with Inoki coming out on top. Days before this event, Antonio Inoki and the Korean press went to the grave and birthplace of Rikidozan and paid tribute to him. Year 1971 (MCMLXXI) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar) of the 1971 Gregorian calendar, known as the year of cyclohexanol. ... A takeover in business refers to one company (the acquirer, or bidder) purchasing another (the target). ... New Japan Pro Wrestling (新日本プロレス, shin nihon puroresu) is a major professional wrestling federation in Japan, founded by Antonio Inoki in 1972. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Categories: American professional wrestlers | Professional wrestling stubs ... Jagjit Singh Hans (wrestled as Tiger Jeet Singh) is a semi-retired professional wrestler. ... Johnny Powers (1852-1930) of Chicago, born in Kilkenny, Ireland was a Democratic Chicago aldermen from 1888 to 1927. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Terrence Gene Bollea (born on August 11, 1953) is an American actor and semi-retired professional wrestler better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan. ... André René Roussimoff (May 19, 1946 – January 27, 1993), best known as André the Giant, was a French professional wrestler and actor. ... For the football player of the same name see Leon White (football player). ... Categories: American professional wrestlers | Professional wrestling stubs ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... The RÅ­ngnado May First Stadium, or May Day Stadium, is a monumental stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, completed on May 1, 1989. ... The Steiner Brothers is the tag team of real-life brothers Scott Steiner & Rick Steiner. ... This article is about the professional wrestler. ... Hiroshi Hase (born on May 5, 1961 in Oyabe, Toyama, Japan) is a retired Japanese professional wrestler who worked for New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling, prior to transitioning to a position in the Japanese parliament. ... Christopher Michael Benoit (IPA: ) (May 21, 1967 – June 24, 2007) was a Canadian professional wrestler who wrestled for Extreme Championship Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, and World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Richard Morgan Fliehr[2] (born on February 25, 1949 in Minneapolis, Minnesota[2]) better known by his ring name Ric Flair , is a legendary American professional wrestler of iconic staus signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on its SmackDown! brand. ... Rikidōzan (Japanese: 力道山, Korean: 역도산, November 14, 1924 - December 15, 1963) was a professional wrestler, known as the Father of Puroresu and one of the most influential men in wrestling history. ...

On November 30 1979, Inoki defeated then WWF Champion Bob Backlund in Tokushima, Japan but, in a re-match on December 6th, Backlund pinned Inoki. However, then WWF president, Hisashi Shinma declared the match a no-contest due to interference from Tiger Jeet Singh and Inoki still held the title. However, Inoki refused the title on the same day and it would be declared vacant. Backlund later defeated Bobby Duncum in a Texas Death Match to regain the title on December 12. As Inoki refused the title his reign is not included, nor is it recognized, by the WWE in its official history and Backlund is recognized as having one reign from 1978-1983. Robert Louis Backlund (b. ... Hisashi Shinma was a figurehead president of the WWE, then known as WWWF, from 1978 through 1984 before he was successed by Jack Tunney. ...

Inoki as a mixed martial arts fighter

Antonio Inoki was amongst the group of professional wrestlers who were tutored in the art of hooking and shooting by the professional wrestler Karl Gotch. Inoki then went on to stage a series of mixed martial arts matches against champions from numerous other disciplines of martial arts. Inoki named his method of fighting Strong style professional wrestling. This method of professional wrestling as taught to Inoki by Karl Gotch, which borrowed heavily from professional wrestling's original catch wrestling roots, is one of the most important influences of modern shoot wrestling. Categories: American professional wrestlers | Professional wrestling stubs ... Catch wrestling is a popular style of wrestling. ... Shootfighting Shoot wrestling is a general term that describes a range of hybrid fighting systems originating in Japan in the late 1970s, in close association with Japanese professional wrestling. ...

Antonio Inoki was a pioneer of mixed martial arts and has faced many opponents from all dominant disciplines of combat from various parts of the world, such as Akram Pahalwan in Pakistan, Willie Williams of Kyokushin Karate, Olympic judo gold medalist Willem Ruska and WBA and WBC World Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali. Akram Pahalwan also known as Iki Pehlwan was a Pakistani pehlwan (wrestler) . He was the nephew of the Great Gama of India. ... This article is about the martial art and sport. ... Willem Ruska (born on August 29, 1940 in Amsterdam), is a Dutch judoka. ... World Boxing Association (WBA) is a boxing organization that sanctions official matches, and awards the WBA world championship title, at the professional level. ... WBC logo mark The World Boxing Council was initially created by 11 countries: the United States, Argentina, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Philippines, Panama, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, and Brazil plus Puerto Rico, met in Mexico City on February 14, 1963, upon invitation of the then President of Mexico, Adolfo López... For other persons named Muhammad Ali, see Muhammad Ali (disambiguation). ...

Though many of Inoki's matches were dismissed by the skeptics as worked, there has been little or no proof at all to suggest the validity of the worked theory and Inoki's mixed martial arts opponents have never stated that the matches were "fake". Most of the skepticism arose from the fact that Inoki was a professional wrestler, which automatically led to an assumption that the matches might have been worked. This has yet to dent the image of Inoki in the eyes of the Japanese fans, where he is still viewed as a very legitimate wrestler.[2] In professional wrestling, a work is slang for a staged event (that is, one that enforces kayfabe). ...

The worked theory also arises from Inoki's June 26, 1976 match in Tokyo with Muhammad Ali.^[2] Inoki initially promised Ali a worked match to get him to fight in Japan, but when the deal materialized Ali's camp feared that Inoki would turn the fight into a shoot, which many believe was Inoki's intention. Ali visited a professional wrestling match involving Inoki and witnessed Inoki's grappling ability. This led Ali's camp to ask for no restrictions and no gloves.^{[citation needed]} is the 177th day of the year (178th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1976 Pick up sticks(MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other persons named Muhammad Ali, see Muhammad Ali (disambiguation). ... In professional wrestling, a shoot refers to any unplanned event – that is, the event is real and not staged. ... For other uses, see Grapple. ...

The rules of the match were announced several months in advance. However, two days before the match several new rules were added which severely limited the moves that Ali could perform. Ali had to wear gloves and Inoki could fight free style.

In the match, Ali landed a total of six punches to Inoki and Inoki kept to his back in a defensive position almost the full duration of the match of 15 rounds, hitting Ali with a low kick repeatedly. Inoki seemed to fear Ali's speed and skill.^[3] The bout ended in a draw, 3-3. Ali left without a press conference and suffered damage to his legs as a result of Inoki's repeated leg kicks. Inoki left with his ego damaged and his reputation as a fighter tarnished.^[4]

Final countdown and retirement

Inoki's retirement from professional wrestling matches came with the staging of the "Final Countdown" series in 1998. This was a special series in which Inoki re-lived some of his mixed martial arts matches under professional wrestling rules, as well as rematches of some of his most well known wrestling matches. Inoki faced Don Frye in the final match of his professional wrestling career. Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... Don Frye (born November 23, 1965) is a professional mixed martial arts fighter, actor, and professional wrestler. ...

One of the few professional wrestlers whose career lasted longer than 35 years, Inoki established the "strong style", using stiffness and realistic maneuvers borrowing from professional wrestling's original catch wrestling roots. Shoot style wrestling arose from Inoki's "strong style". To be stiff in professional wrestling is to hit an opponent with more force so as to make the attacks seem real to the fans. ... Shoot style is a form of professional wrestling in which strikes and holds are real and still, however the matches are still predetermined. ...

Influence in mixed martial arts

Many of Inoki's disciples, including the original Tiger Mask Satoru Sayama, Masakatsu Funaki, Nobuhiko Takada, Minoru Suzuki, Akira Maeda, Shinsuke Nakamura and Kazuyuki Fujita, among others, have had success in mixed martial arts, and the roster of NJPW is known to have pioneered mixed martial arts federations including RINGS, Shooto, PRIDE, and Pancrase. Tiger Mask (Japanese: タイガーマスク) began as a manga in 1968 and was later adapted into a successful anime series in 1969. ... Satoru Sayama (born November 24, 1957) is a Japanese professional wrestler, best known as the original Tiger Mask. ... Masakatsu Funaki is a well-known Japanese professional wrestler who performed in New Japan Pro Wrestling, PWFG, as well as the UWF and its later incarnation, the UWFi. ... Nobuhiko Takada (Japanese:髙田延彦, born April 12, 1962) is a Japanese mixed martial arts fighter and professional wrestler. ... Minoru Suzuki (Suzuki Minoru, 鈴木 実; stage name 鈴木みのる) is a Japanese professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. ... Akira Maeda is a Korean Japanese professional wrestler, also known as Kwik-kik-Lee for his time on the British Wrestling show World of Sport . ... Shinsuke Nakamura Shinsuke Nakamura is not to be confused with Shunsuke Nakamura, the Japanese football player. ... Kazuyuki Fujita (藤田和之 Fujita Kazuyuki, born October 16, 1970) is a Japanese professional wrestler, a mixed martial arts fighter and a former amateur wrestler. ... A ring is usually anything resembling a circle, or a noise that cycles rapidly. ... Shooto logo ISC logo This article deals with the martial arts organization, for the baseball pitch, see gyroball. ... Pride is the name of an emotion which refers to a strong sense of self-respect, a refusal to be humiliated as well as joy in the accomplishments of oneself or a person, group, nation or object that one identifies with. ... Pancrase Hybrid Wrestling is a mixed martial arts organization founded in Japan in 1993 by Masakatsu Funaki and Minoru Suzuki. ...

It is due to Antonio Inoki that fighters like Naoya Ogawa, Josh Barnett, Wallid Ismail and Ryoto Machida have actively represented NJPW in mixed martial arts events giving notoriety to it and professional wrestling. Naoya Ogawa (小川直也 Ogawa Naoya) is a professional wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter from Japan. ... Joshua L. Josh Barnett (born November 10, 1977, in Seattle, Washington) is an American heavyweight mixed martial arts fighter and a professional wrestler. ... Wallid Ismail is a Brazillian mixed martial arts fighter. ... Ryoto Lyoto Machida (May 30, 1978-) is a Japanese Brazilian professional mixed martial arts fighter. ...

Inoki continues to bring fighters like Mark Coleman, Quinton Jackson, Dan Bobish to the professional wrestling ring for organizing of professional wrestling events like HUSTLE. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Quinton Ramone Rampage Jackson (born June 20, 1978) is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter who rose to prominence with his fights in Japans PRIDE Fighting Championships. ...

Antonio Inoki also organizes Mixed Martial Arts events like "NJPW Ultimate Crush" and "Jungle Fight", showing traditional professional wrestling matches and mixed martial arts matches on the same card. Some of the major attractions of these events involve the best of NJPW against world renowned fighters in mixed martial arts matches.

Antonio Inoki vs Renzo Gracie [3] was a professional wrestling match that took place at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2000 against mixed martial artist Renzo Gracie. Renzo Gracie (pronounced Henzo) (born March 11, 1967 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is a lifelong practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and a member of the legendary Gracie family from Brazil. ...

Antonio Inoki's Inoki Dojos are also known to have cross-trained wrestlers like Ken Shamrock, Kazushi Sakuraba, Chris Benoit and Samoa Joe. Ken Shamrock (born Kenneth Wayne Kilpatrick on February 11, 1964 in Macon, Georgia) is an American mixed martial arts fighter. ... Kazushi Sakuraba (Japanese: 桜庭和志, Sakuraba Kazushi, born July 14, 1968 in Akita Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese professional mixed martial arts competitor and professional wrestler. ... Christopher Michael Benoit (IPA: ) (May 21, 1967 – June 24, 2007) was a Canadian professional wrestler who wrestled for Extreme Championship Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, and World Wrestling Entertainment. ... Nuufolau Joel Joe Seanoa (born March 17, 1979), is an American professional wrestler better known by his ring name, Samoa Joe, and currently performing for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). ...

Inoki is now the ambassador for the International Fight League's Tokyo entry, the Sabres. The International Fight League is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion billed as the worlds first MMA league. ...

Decline in influence

Cultimating in 2006, Inoki's influence within New Japan has declined. An example of this has been the purchase of his image by YUKE's, who in 2005 purchased his controlling 51.5% stock in New Japan. As a result New Japan are now able to control Inoki's appearances and the use of his image. YUKEs Future Media Creators is game developer company based in Osaka, Japan. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Inoki began a new promotion in 2007 called Inoki Genome Federation that competes with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Inoki Genome Federation (IGF) is a professional wrestling promotion in Japan founded by Antonio Inoki in 2007. ... New Japan Pro Wrestling (新日本プロレス, shin nihon puroresu) is a major professional wrestling federation in Japan, founded by Antonio Inoki in 1972. ...

Political career

• In 1989, Inoki established the Sports and Peace Party (スポーツ平和党). He was elected to the House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan. Inoki was the first pro-wrestler in the world to be elected as a legislator of a country. He continued to wrestle and promote while serving as a legislator.

• Inoki met with Saddam Hussein for the release of prisoners from Iraq before the Gulf War. As is the traditional gift for a visiting head-of-state, Saddam gave Inoki a pair of golden swords.

• He served in the Diet until 1995, when he failed to win re-election, after accusations of Yakuza involvement and bribery lead to a decline in his popularity.

Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... The House of Councillors ) is the upper house of the Diet of Japan. ... The National Diet of Japan ) is Japans legislature. ... Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti (28 April 1937 – 30 December 2006) was the fifth President of Iraq and Chairman of the Iraqi Revolutionary Command Council from 1979 until his overthrow by US forces in 2003. ... For other uses, see Iraq war (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Yakuza (disambiguation). ...

In wrestling

• Finishing and signature moves

• Enzuigiri
• Octopus stretch / Manji-Gatame
• Bridging fallaway slam
• Sleeper hold
• Cross armbreaker
• Diving knee drop
• Indian deathlock
• Bare knuckled punches
• Seated armbar
• Slap

Attacking maneuvers in the kayfabe of professional wrestling are mainly used to wear down an opponent for a submission hold or as a set up for a throw. ... Professional wrestling holds include a number of set moves and pins used by competitors to immobilize their opponents or lead to a submission. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Professional wrestling throws are the application of techniques that involve lifting the opponent up and throwing or slamming him or her down, which makes up most of the action of professional wrestling. ... Professional wrestling holds include a number of set moves and pins used by competitors to immobilize their opponents or lead to a submission. ... Professional wrestling holds include a number of set moves and pins used by competitors to immobilize their opponents or lead to a submission. ... Aerial techniques are used in professional wrestling to show off the speed and agility of a wrestler. ... Professional wrestling holds include a number of set moves and pins used by competitors to immobilize their opponents or lead to a submission. ... In the context of unarmed combat or melee, a punch is a thrusting blow, esp. ... Professional wrestling holds include a number of set moves and pins used by competitors to immobilize their opponents or lead to a submission. ... Attacking maneuvers in the kayfabe of professional wrestling are mainly used to wear down an opponent for a submission hold or as a set up for a throw. ...

Championships and accomplishments

• All Japan Pro Wrestling

• AJPW All Asia Tag Team Championship (3 times) - with Michiaki Yoshimura (2) and Kintaro Ohki (1)

• Japan Wrestling Association

• NWA International Tag Team Championship (4 times) - with Shohei Baba
• JWA 11th Annual League

• NWA Big Time Wrestling

• NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• NWA World Tag Team Championship (Texas version) (1 time) - with Duke Keomuka

• NWA Hollywood Wrestling

• NWA United National Championship (1 time)

• NWA Mid-America

• NWA World Tag Team Championship (Mid-America version) (1 time) - with Hiro Matsuda

• National Wrestling Federation

• NWF Heavyweight Championship (3 times)

• New Japan Pro Wrestling

• IWGP Heavyweight Championship (1 time) (First)
• NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Los Angeles/Japan version) (2 times) - with Seiji Sakaguchi
• WWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
• NJPW Annual World League (1974)
• NJPW Annual World League (1975)
• NJPW Annual MSG League (1978)
• NJPW Annual MSG League (1979)
• NJPW Annual MSG League (1980)
• NJPW Annual MSG League (1981)
• NJPW Annual MSG Tag League (1980) with Bob Backlund
• NJPW Annual MSG Tag League (1982) with Hulk Hogan
• NJPW Annual MSG Tag League (1983) with Hulk Hogan
• NJPW Annual MSG Tag League (1984) with Tatsumi Fujinami
• NJPW IWGP League (1984)
• NJPW IWGP League (1986)
• NJPW Japan Cup Tag Team League (1986) with Yoshiaki Fujiwara

• World Championship Wrestling

• WCW Hall of Fame (Class of 1995)

• World Wide Wrestling Federation

• WWWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship (1 times)

• Universal Wrestling Association

• UWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

All Japan Pro Wrestling ) (AJPW) is a Japanese professional wrestling promotion established in 1972. ... The AJPW All Asia Tag Team Championship is a tag team championship contested for in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). ... The AJPW All Asia Tag Team Championship is a tag team championship contested for in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). ... Japan Wrestling Association (1953 – 1973) Established by Rikidozan when he petitioned the NWA for permission to launch a territory based in Japan. ... The NWA International Tag Team Championship was a National Wrestling Alliance-sanctioned title contested for in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). ... The NWA International Tag Team Championship was a National Wrestling Alliance-sanctioned title contested for in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). ... Shohei Baba (Baba Shōhei, 1938–1999) was a professional wrestler and co-founder of All Japan Pro Wrestling. ... Not to be confused with World Championship Wrestling. ... The NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship is a title that has existed since the 1930s and has had several different names. ... The NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship is a title that has existed since the 1930s and has had several different names. ... The NWA Texas World Tag Team Championship was the Texas version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles. ... The NWA Texas World Tag Team Championship was the Texas version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles. ... Hisao Tanaka (born in California) was a professional wrestler. ... The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) is the largest governing body for a group of independent professional wrestling promotions and sanctions various NWA championships. ... This page may meet Wikipedias criteria for speedy deletion. ... This page may meet Wikipedias criteria for speedy deletion. ... It is proposed that this article be deleted, because of the following concern: Non notable wrestling promotion, no third party sources, fails WP:CORP If you can address this concern by improving, copyediting, sourcing, renaming or merging the page, please edit this page and do so. ... The NWA Mid-America World Tag Team Championship was the version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles that was defended in Tennessee and Alabama. ... The NWA Mid-America World Tag Team Championship was the version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles that was defended in Tennessee and Alabama. ... Hiro Matsuda was the trainer of Hulk Hogan, Mr. ... // What Is The NWF? National Wrestling Federation, or NWF, is a professional wrestling organization currently in development in the state of Oregon. ... // The NWF Heavyweight Championship is a professional wrestling championship used as part of the National Wrestling Federation and later New Japan Pro Wrestling. ... // The NWF Heavyweight Championship is a professional wrestling championship used as part of the National Wrestling Federation and later New Japan Pro Wrestling. ... New Japan Pro Wrestling (新日本プロレス, shin nihon puroresu) is a major professional wrestling federation in Japan, founded by Antonio Inoki in 1972. ... The International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP) World Heavyweight Championship is the top professional wrestling title in Japanese promotion New Japan Pro Wrestling. ... The International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP) World Heavyweight Championship is the top professional wrestling title in Japanese promotion New Japan Pro Wrestling. ... // Information The title histories presented here show all five versions of the NWA North American Tag-Team Championship. ... // Information The title histories presented here show all five versions of the NWA North American Tag-Team Championship. ... The WWWF World Marital Arts Heavyweight Championship was a professional wrestling championship contested in the World Wrestling Federation and in New Japan Pro Wrestling. ... The WWWF World Marital Arts Heavyweight Championship was a professional wrestling championship contested in the World Wrestling Federation and in New Japan Pro Wrestling. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... The G1 Climax Tag League is a professional wrestling round-robin tag team tournament held by New Japan Pro Wrestling as a spin-off of the popular singles tournament, the G1 Climax. ... The G1 Climax Tag League is a professional wrestling round-robin tag team tournament held by New Japan Pro Wrestling as a spin-off of the popular singles tournament, the G1 Climax. ... Robert Louis Backlund (b. ... The G1 Climax Tag League is a professional wrestling round-robin tag team tournament held by New Japan Pro Wrestling as a spin-off of the popular singles tournament, the G1 Climax. ... The G1 Climax Tag League is a professional wrestling round-robin tag team tournament held by New Japan Pro Wrestling as a spin-off of the popular singles tournament, the G1 Climax. ... Terrence Gene Bollea (born on August 11, 1953) is an American actor and semi-retired professional wrestler better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan. ... The G1 Climax Tag League is a professional wrestling round-robin tag team tournament held by New Japan Pro Wrestling as a spin-off of the popular singles tournament, the G1 Climax. ... The G1 Climax Tag League is a professional wrestling round-robin tag team tournament held by New Japan Pro Wrestling as a spin-off of the popular singles tournament, the G1 Climax. ... Terrence Gene Bollea (born on August 11, 1953) is an American actor and semi-retired professional wrestler better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan. ... The G1 Climax Tag League is a professional wrestling round-robin tag team tournament held by New Japan Pro Wrestling as a spin-off of the popular singles tournament, the G1 Climax. ... The G1 Climax Tag League is a professional wrestling round-robin tag team tournament held by New Japan Pro Wrestling as a spin-off of the popular singles tournament, the G1 Climax. ... Tatsumi Fujinami (Fujinami Tatsumi, 藤波辰巳) is a Japanese professional wrestler who is famous for his gimmick as The Dragon. He is the one who is credited for inventing the Dragon Sleeper and the Dragon Suplex. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... Promo for G-1 2005 The G-1 Climax tournament is a weeklong event held each August by the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion. ... The G1 Climax Tag League is a professional wrestling round-robin tag team tournament held by New Japan Pro Wrestling as a spin-off of the popular singles tournament, the G1 Climax. ... The G1 Climax Tag League is a professional wrestling round-robin tag team tournament held by New Japan Pro Wrestling as a spin-off of the popular singles tournament, the G1 Climax. ... Yoshiaki Fujiwara (藤原喜明 Fujiwara Yoshiaki) is a Japanese professional wrestler who has worked for New Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling ZERO-ONE, and UWF. // Fujiwara was the first graduate of the New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo (Mr. ... For the Australian professional wrestling promotion, see World Championship Wrestling (Australia). ... The WCW Hall of Fame was established in 1993 to honour some of the greats of the past (most of them appearing in the NWA and Jim Crockett Promotions before WCW existed). ... The WCW Hall of Fame was established in 1993 to honour some of the greats of the past (most of them appearing in the NWA and Jim Crockett Promotions before WCW existed). ... World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. ... The WWWF World Marital Arts Heavyweight Championship was a professional wrestling championship contested in the World Wrestling Federation and in New Japan Pro Wrestling. ... The WWWF World Marital Arts Heavyweight Championship was a professional wrestling championship contested in the World Wrestling Federation and in New Japan Pro Wrestling. ... Incorporated as Lucha Libre Internacional, S.C. in January 1975 after Ray Mendoza split from the EMLL to form a new organization with Fancisco Flores and Benjamin Mora Jr. ... The UWA World Heavyweight Championship was the top title contested for in the Mexican lucha libre promotion the Universal Wrestling Association, which operated from 1975 to 1995. ... The UWA World Heavyweight Championship was the top title contested for in the Mexican lucha libre promotion the Universal Wrestling Association, which operated from 1975 to 1995. ...

MMA record

16 wins (9 KO, 5 submissions, 2 pins), 1 loss (1 KO), 3 draws[4]
Result	Opponent	Method	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Win	Chota Chochoshvili	Submission (kimura)	1989-05-25	2	1:07	Osaka, Japan	Won WWF World Martial Arts title.
Loss	Chota Chochoshvili	KO	1989-04-24	5	1:20	Tokyo, Japan	Lost WWF World Martial Arts title.
Win	Leon Spinks	Pin	1986-10-09	8	1:23	Tokyo, Japan	Retained WWF World Martial Arts title.
Win	Anoalo Atisanoe	Pin	1984-09-20	5	0:25	Osaka, Japan	Retained WWF World Martial Arts title.
Draw	Willie Williams	Draw (both fell out of the ring)	1980-02-27	4	1:24	Tokyo, Japan	Retained WWF World Martial Arts title.
Win	Kim Klokeid	KO	1979-12-13	3	0:58	Kyoto, Japan	Retained WWF World Martial Arts title.
Win	Willem Ruska	Submission (bow and arrow)	1979-10-05		15:06	South Korea	Retained WWF World Martial Arts title.
Draw	Jubel Pelwan	Draw	1979-06-16	5		Lahore, Pakistan	Retained WWF World Martial Arts title.
Win	Mike Dayton	TKO	1979-04-03	6	1:19	Fukuoka, Japan	Retained WWF World Martial Arts title.
Win	Mr. X	Submission (arm scissors)	1979-02-06	3	0:50	Osaka, Japan	Retained WWF World Martial Arts title.
Win	Karl Mildenberger	Submission (boston crab)	1978-11-09	4	1:15	Frankfurt, Germany	Awarded WWF World Martial Arts title on 1978-12-18.
Win	Everett Eddie	KO	1978-06-07	7	1:58	Fukuoka, Japan
Win	Johnny Lee	KO	1978-04-04	3	1:19	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Win	Chuck Wepner	Submission (boston crab)	1977-10-25	6	1:35	Tokyo, Japan
Win	Everett Eddie	KO (leg drop)	1977-08-08	5	1:38	Tokyo, Japan
Win	Akrum Pelwan	TKO (kimura, broken arm)	1976-12-12	3	1:05	Karachi, Pakistan
Win	Willem Ruska	TKO	1976-12-09		21:27	Tokyo, Japan
Win	André the Giant	TKO (head to ring corner post)	1976-10-07		23:44	Tokyo, Japan
Draw	Muhammad Ali	Draw (time limit)	1976-06-26	15		Tokyo, Japan
Win	Willem Ruska	TKO (back suplexes)	1976-02-06		20:56	Tokyo, Japan

Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Soviet_Union. ... The juji-gatame armbar (see below) is one of the most effective and versatile joint locks. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 145th day of the year (146th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... For other uses, see Osaka (disambiguation). ... The WWWF World Marital Arts Heavyweight Championship was a professional wrestling championship contested in the World Wrestling Federation and in New Japan Pro Wrestling. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Soviet_Union. ... Year 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 114th day of the year (115th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... For other uses, see Tokyo (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Leon Spinks (born July 11, 1953 in St. ... Year 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 282nd day of the year (283rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... This article is about the year. ... is the 263rd day of the year (264th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 58th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Soviet_Union. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... is the 347th day of the year (348th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... For other uses, see Kyoto (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Netherlands. ... Willem Ruska - Born 29th August 1940 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ... Professional wrestling holds include a number of set moves and pins used by competitors to immobilize their opponents or lead to a submission. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... For other uses, see 5th October (Serbia). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_South_Korea. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... is the 167th day of the year (168th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...   (Urdu: لاہور, Punjabi: لہور, pronounced ) is the capital of the Punjab and is the second largest city in Pakistan after Karachi. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... is the 93rd day of the year (94th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... is the 37th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Germany. ... Karl Mildenberger (born Kaiserslautern 23rd November 1937) is a retired German heavyweight boxer. ... Boston crab The Boston crab is a professional wrestling hold that typically starts with the opponent laying back-first on the mat, with the wrestler standing and facing them. ... Year 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 313th day of the year (314th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Germany. ...   (German: , English: American English: ) is the largest city in the German state of Hesse and the fifth-largest city in Germany, with a mid-2007 population of 663,567. ... Year 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 352nd day of the year (353rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Year 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 158th day of the year (159th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... This article is about a city in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Year 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 94th day of the year (95th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Nickname: City of Brotherly Love, Philly, the Quaker City Motto: Philadelphia maneto (Let brotherly love continue) Location in Pennsylvania Coordinates: Country United States State Pennsylvania County Philadelphia Founded October 27, 1682 Incorporated October 25, 1701 Mayor John F. Street (D) Area    - City 369. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Chuck Wepner (born February 26, 1939) is a former heavyweight boxer, of Bayonne, New Jersey. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... is the 298th day of the year (299th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Hulk Hogan performing the Atomic Leg Drop on Mr. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... is the 220th day of the year (221st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Year 1976 Pick up sticks(MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 346th day of the year (347th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...   (Sindhi: , Urdu: ) is the largest city in Pakistan and is the provincial capital of Sindh province. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Netherlands. ... Year 1976 Pick up sticks(MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 343rd day of the year (344th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... André René Roussimoff (May 19, 1946 – January 27, 1993), best known as André the Giant, was a French professional wrestler and actor. ... Year 1976 Pick up sticks(MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 280th day of the year (281st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... For other persons named Muhammad Ali, see Muhammad Ali (disambiguation). ... Year 1976 Pick up sticks(MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 177th day of the year (178th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Netherlands. ... The Big Show performs a Vertical suplex on JBL during a house show. ... Year 1976 Pick up sticks(MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 37th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ...

Trivia

Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines. The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones.

• Inoki is one of the founders of Kansuiryu Karate[5].

• Inoki was married to actress Mitsuko Baisho from 1971 to 1987. Initially the wedding was going to be paid by JWA, but JWA fired him in late 1971, so Inoki had to form NJPW to keep feeding his new family. Inoki and Baisho have a daughter, Hiroko (who uses her father's surname). Hiroko is married to Simon Inoki, who in 2005 was named President of NJPW.

• Antonio Inoki started the Universal Fighting Arts Organization with Satoru Sayama and Naoya Ogawa in 1997. The organization is no longer in the business since 2002 after the Tokyo Dome show.

• Inoki appeared in the movie, The Bad News Bears Go To Japan, as a wrestler.

• During one visit to a school in the 80's, Inoki was punched twice by a student. Inoki slapped the student across the face, knocking him down. The student, who later turned out to be an Inoki fan, then rose, bowed deeply, and thanked Inoki for the slap. The incident became very famous as the then live clip of the binta (slap in the face) was shown many times on Japanese television. Now various celebrities and even common people in Japan ask Inoki to slap them to install courage or even as some sort of strange blessing. The slap's name is the "Fighting Spirit (or Toukon) Slap." (闘魂ビンタ)

• His theme song is "Honō No Fighter" (炎のファイター). It was originally used in the 1977 Muhammad Ali biopic The Greatest and was given the rights to the music by Ali as a present of respect. While he normally uses a Samba version during his entrances, during his retirement "Final Countdown" a Harpist played the song live at events. An orchestral version has also been used in various situations, including the presentation of trophies after tournaments. The theme also has a line that goes "Inoki Bom-by-ye!" which is a tribute to Muhammad Ali, who heard a similar battle cry (Ali Bom-by-ye) during his trip in Africa to promote Rumble In The Jungle.

Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... Mitsuko Baisho (倍賞美津子 Baishō Mitsuko, born 22 November 1946 in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese actress. ... Year 1971 (MCMLXXI) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar) of the 1971 Gregorian calendar, known as the year of cyclohexanol. ... Year 1987 (MCMLXXXVII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Satoru Sayama (born November 24, 1957) is a Japanese professional wrestler, best known as the original Tiger Mask. ... Naoya Ogawa (小川直也 Ogawa Naoya) is a professional wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter from Japan. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... Tokyo Dome Baseball at the Tokyo Dome The Tokyo Dome and the amusement park Tokyo Dome City Attractions. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ... For other persons named Muhammad Ali, see Muhammad Ali (disambiguation). ... The Greatest is a 1977 film about the life of boxer Muhammad Ali, in which Ali plays himself. ... For other uses, see Samba (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Harp (disambiguation). ... For other persons named Muhammad Ali, see Muhammad Ali (disambiguation). ... The Rumble in The Jungle was a historic boxing event that took place on October 30, 1974, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, then known as Zaire. ...

References

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 195th day of the year (196th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Screenshot of About. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 335th day of the year (336th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 338th day of the year (339th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 338th day of the year (339th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• Puroresu.com: Antonio Inoki
• Website of the film 'Catch - the hold not taken', featuring Inoki
• Inoki's Mixed Martial Arts History.
• Article on NJPW's Influence in Mixed Martial Arts on NJPW.com
• All Roads Lead To Inoki on NJPW.com
• Antonio Inoki and Mizutani-sensei form Kansuiryu Karate in 1979
• Muhammad Ali vs Antonio Inoki