 |  | |
|
|
Antonio Inoki was discovered by the great Rikidozan at the age of seventeen while he was living in Brazil. Was brought back to Japan as his disciple. After Rikidozan's death, founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 1972. His first match as a New Japan wrestler was against the legendary Karl Gotch. The pioneer of mixed martial arts. In the 1970's, fought Willie Williams of Kyokushin Karate, Olympic Judo gold medalist Willhelm Ruska and WBA World heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali. Was way ahead of his time. Has also fought the likes of Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Dory Funk Jr., Bob Backlund, Rick Flair, etc. He even was elected as a member in the Japanese Diet, the first wrestler/politician in the world. Has put on wrestling house shows in China, the former U.S.S.R., Iraq, and North Korea, all for world peace. His Peace Festival in North Korea drew a record crowd of 380,000 people in attendance over two days. Mohammed Ali was the guest of honor, as he also was at Inoki's retirement match against Don Frye at the Tokyo Dome in front of 70,000 fans. A poet. A philospher. An artist. A livng legend. A national treasure. Some believe he is a prophet. |
|
|
|
| Height: 6'3"
Weight: 225 lbs
Born: 2/20/1943
Debut: 9/30/1960
HEAVYWEIGHT |
|     |  |
|
