Antonio Inoki, the twelve-time professional wrestling world champion passed away on Friday at the age of 79. The entire WWE fraternity paid tribute to the Japanese legend on social media. Several WWE stars including Chief Content Officer Triple H, former wrestlers William Regal, Taz, and Mick Foley among others took to Twitter and recounted memories with the legend.
Inoki was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010 and he was also the first Japanese to win the WWF heavyweight championship. In 1976, the legendary wrestler fought the then reigning WBC/WBA heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali. The match was played under special rules at the Nippon Budokan arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The current WWE Head of Creative, Triple H took to his official Twitter handle and called the Japanese professional wrestling icon one of the most important figures in WWE history. He wrote, “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.”
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
The two-time Intercontinental champion William Regal talked about his friendship with Inoki after their 1994 fight. Regal also has several other titles to his name like five-time Hardcore Champion, a four-time European Champion, a four-time World Tag Team Champion, and the 2008 King of the Ring.
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Antonio Inoki, the legendary Japanese Pro https://t.co/eB0872a4FJ Inoki chose to Wrestle me in 1994 and then we became friends,kept in touch and was always very kind to https://t.co/jqwYii836k deepest condolences to his family & fans. pic.twitter.com/qqvk8j4Vak
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) October 1, 2022
Former wrestler and current commentator, Tazz opened up on Inoki’s impact on many wrestlers for several decades. WWE Legends ambassador Mick Foley wrote a heartfelt note on Twitter and mentioned his fondness for Inoki’s ‘classic brawls’ with Bruiser Brody.
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
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
Inoki once defeated Bob Backlund for the WWE Championship, however, the wrestling promotion company didn’t recognize that title change in their history books. The Japanese had great battles with a number of great wrestlers from that time, including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and many others.
Inoki played a crucial role in the growth of the wrestling community as he was the founder and face of the NJPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling).
