Muhammad Hussain Inoki, better known as Antonio Inoki, was a renowned Japanese professional wrestler, martial artist, politician, and influential figure in professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. He held numerous world championship titles, including being the inaugural IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the first Asian WWF Heavyweight Champion, although the latter reign remains unrecognized by WWE. His legacy is cemented in his significant contributions to both wrestling and martial arts.
February 20, 1943: Birth of Antonio Inoki
Muhammad Hussain Inoki, better known as Antonio Inoki, was born on February 20, 1943.
1943: Early Life and Family Background
Antonio Inoki was born into a wealthy family in Yokohama in 1943. He began learning karate at the age of six and later excelled in track and field, becoming a champion shot putter in junior high school.
1957: Emigration to Brazil and Athletic Achievements
In 1957, at the age of 14, Inoki moved to Brazil with his family. He continued to excel in athletics, winning regional championships in shot put, discus, and javelin, and eventually becoming the All Brazilian champion in shot put and discus.
1964: Early Wrestling Career and Training
Inoki's journey into professional wrestling began after meeting Rikidōzan in Brazil. He returned to Japan and joined the Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance (JWA), where he trained under notable figures such as Karl Gotch, Isao Yoshiwara, and Kiyotaka Otsubo. He also trained alongside Giant Baba. In 1964, he embarked on an excursion to the United States to further hone his skills.
1965: Marriage to Diana Tuck
In 1965, Antonio Inoki married Diana Tuck, an American woman also known as Linda Tuck. The couple had a daughter but separated two years later.
1966: Joining Tokyo Pro Wrestling
In 1966, after his excursion to the United States, Inoki joined Tokyo Pro Wrestling and quickly rose to prominence as their top star.
1967: Return to JWA and Tag Team Success
In late 1967, Inoki rejoined JWA and formed a formidable tag team known as the "B-I Cannon" with Giant Baba, capturing the NWA International Tag Team Championship belts four times.
1967: Closure of Tokyo Pro Wrestling
Tokyo Pro Wrestling, Inoki's wrestling home, ceased operations in 1967 due to internal conflicts.
May 16, 1969: First Tournament Victory
On May 16, 1969, during the 11th World Big League tournament, Antonio Inoki achieved a significant victory by defeating Giant Baba, who was on a streak of four consecutive tournament wins. This marked Inoki's first tournament win.
July 1969: Television Debut and Rise to Prominence
Inoki's popularity surged in July 1969 when NET (now TV Asahi) began broadcasting Japanese professional wrestling, featuring him as their main attraction.
December 2, 1969: NWA World Heavyweight Championship Challenge
Inoki challenged Dory Funk Jr. for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship on December 2, 1969.
March 26, 1971: NWA United National Championship Victory
On March 26, 1971, Antonio Inoki won the NWA United National Championship.
1971: Marriage to Mitsuko Baisho
In 1971, Antonio Inoki married actress Mitsuko Baisho. They had a daughter, Hiroko, and later divorced in 1987.
1971: Departure from JWA and Founding of NJPW
Inoki was dismissed from JWA in late 1971 for his alleged involvement in a takeover attempt. Undeterred, he established New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972.
1972: Founding of New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Antonio Inoki founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972.
1972: First Match in NJPW
Antonio Inoki's debut match as a New Japan wrestler was against Karl Gotch.
1975: Match against Lou Thesz
In 1975, Inoki faced the legendary Lou Thesz in a match where he endured a powerful Greco-Roman backdrop early on.
June 26, 1976: Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki
On June 26, 1976, Antonio Inoki faced off against boxing legend Muhammad Ali in a highly anticipated match in Tokyo. The fight, bound by restrictive rules that limited both fighters' moves, ended in a draw. Ali suffered leg injuries from Inoki's repeated kicks, highlighting the clash of styles between boxing and wrestling.
1976: Inoki vs. Ali
In 1976, Antonio Inoki participated in a highly publicized fight against world champion boxer Muhammad Ali, a match that is considered a precursor to modern mixed martial arts.
1976: Controversial Match with Akram Pahalwan
In 1976, Inoki's match with Pakistani wrestler Akram Pahalwan became a controversial event. The match, initially planned as a worked exhibition, escalated into a real fight with Akram biting Inoki and Inoki retaliating. Inoki eventually won but the legitimacy and conduct of the fight remain debated.
1976: Pioneering Mixed Martial Arts
Throughout his career, Antonio Inoki engaged in a series of high-profile matches against opponents representing various combat disciplines, including boxing, judo, karate, kung fu, sumo wrestling, and professional wrestling. Notably, he fought prominent karate competitor Everett Eddy, who had previously competed in a mixed-skills bout against boxer Horst Geisler. Inoki's bout with Eddy ended with Eddy being knocked out by a professional wrestling powerbomb followed by a leg drop. Another notable match saw Inoki face off against 6'7" Kyokushin karate stylist Willie Williams, renowned for allegedly fighting a bear in the 1976 Japanese film "The Strongest Karate 2." This fight was stopped by a doctor after both competitors were repeatedly thrown from the ring. While many of Inoki's matches were predetermined and scripted, they are widely regarded as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts (MMA). His innovative approach to combat sports earned him recognition as a pioneer in the field. Carlson Gracie, a respected figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a business associate of Inoki, attested to Inoki's fighting prowess, describing him as "one of the best fighters he'd seen."
December 8, 1977: Altercation with The Great Antonio
On December 8, 1977, Inoki's match with Antonio Barichievich, known as The Great Antonio, turned into a legitimate fight. Inoki resorted to shoot fighting techniques, striking Barichievich and delivering kicks and stomps, highlighting the unpredictable nature of these events.
1977: Release of "Ali Bombaye (Zaire Chant) I"
The song "Ali Bombaye (Zaire Chant) I", which would later be remixed into Inoki's theme song "Inoki Bombaye", was released as part of Muhammad Ali's biographical film.
1978: Start of Bob Backlund's First Reign as WWF Champion (According to WWE)
WWE recognizes Bob Backlund's first reign as WWF Champion as an uninterrupted period from 1978 to 1983.
June 1979: Loss to Zubair Jhara Pahalwan
In June 1979, Inoki faced Zubair Jhara Pahalwan, a wrestler from Pakistan, in a regular match and suffered a defeat in the fifth round.
November 30, 1979: WWF Heavyweight Championship Win and Controversy
Inoki defeated Bob Backlund for the WWF Heavyweight Championship on November 30, 1979, in Japan. However, the reign is not recognized by WWE due to a controversial rematch and subsequent events, adding another layer of intrigue to Inoki's career.
1983: End of Bob Backlund's First Reign as WWF Champion (According to WWE)
WWE recognizes the end of Bob Backlund's first reign as WWF Champion as 1983.
1987: Divorce from Mitsuko Baisho
In 1987, Antonio Inoki and actress Mitsuko Baisho divorced.
1989: Third Marriage and Birth of Son
Antonio Inoki entered into his third marriage in 1989. His third wife gave birth to Inoki's first son. The couple divorced in 2012.
1989: Entry into Politics
Antonio Inoki entered politics in 1989 when he was elected to the Japanese House of Councillors.
1989: Entry into Politics
Inspired by his father's political career, Antonio Inoki ventured into the realm of politics in 1989. He secured a seat in the House of Councillors, representing his own Sports and Peace Party in the 1989 Japanese House of Councillors election. His victory was significant as it marked one of the highest political offices achieved by a professional wrestler.
1990: Diplomatic Mission to Iraq
In 1990, emulating Muhammad Ali's humanitarian efforts, Inoki undertook an unofficial diplomatic mission to Iraq. He successfully negotiated with Saddam Hussein for the release of Japanese hostages ahead of the Gulf War, demonstrating his commitment to peace and diplomacy.
1990: Conversion to Islam
In 1990, while in Iraq negotiating the release of Japanese hostages, Antonio Inoki converted to Shia Islam and was given the name Muhammad Hussain Inoki. He later identified as both Muslim and Buddhist.
May 1991: Meeting with Gennady Yanayev
In May 1991, Antonio Inoki visited Russia and had a meeting with Gennady Yanayev, the vice president of the Soviet Union. This meeting, occurring three months before the Soviet coup attempt, was depicted in the manga "Rasputin the Patriot."
1992: Re-election to the House of Councillors
Antonio Inoki's political career continued as he successfully secured re-election to the Japanese House of Councillors in the 1992 election, solidifying his position in the political landscape.
1994: The Final Countdown Begins
Antonio Inoki embarked on his "Final Countdown" retirement tour spanning from 1994 to 1998. This series saw Inoki revisiting his mixed martial arts roots with matches contested under professional wrestling rules and rematches of his iconic wrestling encounters.
1994: Political Scandals
Antonio Inoki faced a setback in his political career in 1994 when a series of scandals were reported, casting a shadow over his reputation and political standing.
1995: Collision in Korea
Collision in Korea, a wrestling event featuring Antonio Inoki, took place. It would later be featured on an episode of "Dark Side of the Ring."
1995: Departure from Politics
Following the controversies and scandals that plagued his political career, Antonio Inoki failed to win re-election in the 1995 Japanese House of Councillors election, leading to his departure from politics for the next 18 years.
1995: Inoki and Flair in North Korea
In 1995, Antonio Inoki, alongside Ric Flair, headlined two professional wrestling shows in North Korea. The events drew 165,000 and 190,000 spectators respectively, setting a record for the highest attendance in professional wrestling history.
1995: Collision in Korea
In 1995, Antonio Inoki, in collaboration with the North Korean government, organized a two-day wrestling festival for peace in Pyongyang, North Korea. The event, held at Rungnado May Day Stadium, drew massive crowds of 165,000 and 190,000 fans respectively. The highlight of the event was the historic match between Inoki and Ric Flair, where Inoki emerged victorious. In a gesture of respect and remembrance, Inoki and the Korean press visited the grave and birthplace of Rikidōzan, paying tribute to the legendary wrestler.
1995: End of First Term in the House of Councillors
Inoki's first term in the Japanese House of Councillors concluded in 1995.
April 4, 1998: Inoki's Retirement Match
Antonio Inoki wrestled his retirement match on April 4, 1998, against Don Frye.
March 11, 2000: Rikidōzan Memorial Match
On March 11, 2000, during a special event honoring the legacy of Rikidōzan, Inoki faced Japanese actor and singer Hideaki Takizawa in a match where Inoki was defeated.
2000: Inoki's Foray into MMA Promotion
In 2000, after retiring from professional wrestling, Inoki ventured into promoting mixed martial arts (MMA) events. He organized events like NJPW Ultimate Crush, blending pro-wrestling and MMA, and the annual Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye shows.
2001: Inoki's Foray into MMA Promotion
In 2001, after retiring from professional wrestling, Inoki ventured into promoting mixed martial arts (MMA) events. He organized events like NJPW Ultimate Crush, blending pro-wrestling and MMA, and the annual Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye shows.
December 31, 2001: Tag Team Triumph
On December 31, 2001, Inoki teamed up with The Great Sasuke to secure a victory against the formidable duo of Giant Silva and Red & White Mask.
2002: Inoki's Foray into MMA Promotion
In 2002, after retiring from professional wrestling, Inoki ventured into promoting mixed martial arts (MMA) events. He organized events like NJPW Ultimate Crush, blending pro-wrestling and MMA, and the annual Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye shows.
2003: Inoki's Foray into MMA Promotion
In 2003, after retiring from professional wrestling, Inoki ventured into promoting mixed martial arts (MMA) events. He organized events like NJPW Ultimate Crush, blending pro-wrestling and MMA, and the annual Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye shows. It was in 2003 that he co-founded Jungle Fight.
December 31, 2003: Final Bow
Antonio Inoki wrestled the final match of his illustrious career on December 31, 2003, against Tatsumi Fujinami. This match was a part of Fujinami's retirement ceremony, marking the end of an era for both legends.
2005: Guest Appearance on Doraemon
Antonio Inoki made a guest appearance in a 2005 episode of the animated series Doraemon titled "The Pitch-Black Pop Stars." In the episode, he engaged in a wrestling match with the character Gian.
2005: Yuke's Acquires New Japan Pro-Wrestling
In a significant development in the world of professional wrestling, Yuke's, a renowned Japanese video company, acquired a controlling stake of 51.5% in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, previously owned by Antonio Inoki.
2005: Sale of NJPW
Inoki sold his controlling share in NJPW to the Yuke's video game company in 2005.
2007: Parody on "Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!"
The Japanese comedy show "Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!" featured a parody of Antonio Inoki in a 2007 episode titled "Do Not Laugh at the Hospital." Three individuals impersonated Inoki's in-ring persona.
2007: Birth of Inoki Genome Federation
Driven by his passion for combat sports, Antonio Inoki established a new professional wrestling promotion, Inoki Genome Federation (IGF), in 2007.
2007: Founding of IGF
Antonio Inoki founded the Inoki Genome Federation (IGF) in 2007.
2009: Parody on "Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!"
The Japanese comedy show "Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!" again parodied Antonio Inoki in a 2009 episode titled "Do Not Laugh as a Hotel Man." This time, guest Shin Onii was asked to imitate Inoki in the context of being a hotel bellhop.
February 1, 2010: WWE Hall of Fame Induction
In recognition of his contributions to the world of professional wrestling, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) announced Antonio Inoki's induction into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2010. Inoki was presented with a Hall of Fame certificate by WWE representative Ed Wells. He attended WrestleMania XXVI weekend festivities where he was officially inducted by Stan Hansen.
2010: WWE Hall of Fame Induction
Antonio Inoki was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010.
2012: Third Divorce
In 2012, Antonio Inoki and his third wife divorced.
June 5, 2013: Return to Politics
After an 18-year hiatus, Antonio Inoki made a return to politics in 2013, announcing his candidacy for a seat in the National Diet under the Japan Restoration Party ticket. His campaign resonated with voters, and he successfully won the election, marking his return to Japan's Upper House as a Member of Parliament (MP).
November 2013: Suspension from the Diet
Antonio Inoki's unauthorized trip to North Korea in November 2013 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice resulted in a 30-day suspension from the Diet. During his visit, Inoki met with high-ranking North Korean official Kim Yong-nam. This trip, Inoki's 27th to North Korea, was motivated by his belief in the importance of dialogue and his personal connection to the country through his relationship with North Korean-born Rikidōzan. He aimed to address the issue of North Korean abductions of Japanese citizens, advocating for ongoing communication as a means to resolve the situation.
2013: Re-election to the House of Councillors
Inoki was re-elected to the Japanese House of Councillors in 2013.
2014: Mentorship of Haroon Abid
In 2014, over two decades after Zubair Jhara Pahalwan's passing, Inoki took Haroon Abid, Jhara's nephew, under his wing.
2014: Guardianship of Haroon Abid
In 2014, Antonio Inoki took Haroon Abid, the nephew of his Pakistani wrestling rival Zubair Jhara Pahalwan, under his guardianship.
2014: Public Statement on Religious Beliefs
In 2014, Antonio Inoki clarified his religious stance, stating that he was "usually a Buddhist." This followed his earlier conversion to Islam in 1990.
2014: Potential Gubernatorial Run
Following his visit to North Korea, Antonio Inoki considered running for the position of Governor of Tokyo in 2014. This potential political move highlighted his continued interest in public service and his desire to contribute to Japanese society beyond his wrestling career.
2014: Joining Party for Japanese Kokoro
In 2014, Antonio Inoki aligned himself with the Party for Japanese Kokoro, a splinter group that emerged from the Japanese Restoration Party, further demonstrating his evolving political affiliations.
January 2015: Co-founding Assembly to Energize Japan
Continuing his active involvement in shaping Japan's political landscape, Antonio Inoki co-founded the Assembly to Energize Japan in January 2015, showcasing his commitment to political reform and his vision for a revitalized Japan.
2016: Joining the 'Independents Club'
In 2016, Antonio Inoki made another political transition by leaving the Assembly to Energize Japan and joining the 'Independents Club,' a group of politicians not affiliated with any particular political party. This move reflected his independent stance and his willingness to work across party lines.
September 2017: Advocating for Dialogue with North Korea
Antonio Inoki, in September 2017, reiterated his stance on the importance of Japan engaging in constructive dialogue with North Korea, particularly in light of North Korea's ballistic missile launches over Hokkaido. Inoki's call for diplomacy was followed by another one of his controversial trips to North Korea.
2017: ISM: A New Venture
Antonio Inoki continued his entrepreneurial journey in the world of professional wrestling by founding ISM in 2017. The company held its inaugural event on June 24 of the same year, marking a new chapter in Inoki's career.
2017: Founding of ISM and Departure from IGF
Inoki founded ISM in 2017 and subsequently left IGF the following year.
March 23, 2018: Departure from IGF
Antonio Inoki made a significant decision to step down from his position at IGF on March 23, 2018, marking a turning point in his association with the promotion.
June 2019: Retirement from Politics
In June 2019, Antonio Inoki announced his retirement from politics, marking the end of his long and eventful career in public service.
August 27, 2019: Passing of Tazuko Tada
On August 27, 2019, Antonio Inoki's fourth wife, Tazuko Tada, passed away.
October 2019: Appearance at Yasukuni Shrine Event
Antonio Inoki's appearance at a Pro Wrestling Zero1 event held at the Yasukuni Shrine in October 2019 sparked controversy due to the shrine's historical ties with World War II.
2019: Retirement from Politics
Antonio Inoki retired from politics in 2019.
May 2021: Appearance on "Dark Side of the Ring"
Antonio Inoki appeared in a May 2021 episode of the Vice on TV series "Dark Side of the Ring." The episode focused on the 1995 Collision in Korea wrestling event.
2021: Health Concerns and Wheelchair Use
In 2021, it was reported that Antonio Inoki was using a wheelchair due to spinal issues.
October 1, 2022: Death of Antonio Inoki
Antonio Inoki passed away on October 1, 2022.
January 4, 2023: Wrestle Kingdom 17 Tribute
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) dedicated their Wrestle Kingdom 17 event on January 4, 2023, to the memory of Antonio Inoki.
January 16, 2023: Posthumous Honors and Recognition
Antonio Inoki received several posthumous honors on January 16, 2023. He was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government and recognized with the Junior Fourth Rank in Japan's ikai court ranks system.
October 1, 2023: WrestleDream in Honor of Inoki
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) paid tribute to Antonio Inoki with a special event titled WrestleDream on October 1, 2023, marking the one-year anniversary of his passing. AEW has decided to make WrestleDream an annual event in Inoki's honor.
2023: Release of "Looking for Antonio Inoki"
A documentary film titled "Looking for Antonio Inoki," focusing on the life and career of the wrestling legend, was released in 2023.
January 2024: Naoto Inoki's Training Revelation
In January 2024, it came to light that Naoto Inoki, Antonio Inoki's grandson, was training in professional wrestling under Katsuyori Shibata, after previously training at the L.A. Inoki Dojo. He also trains in mixed martial arts (MMA) at Blackhouse MMA.