Antonio Inoki

The founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and a pioneer of strong style.

Antonio Inoki was a Japanese professional wrestler, professional wrestling trainer, martial artist, politician, and promoter of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts (MMA). He is best known as the founder and 33-year owner of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He is considered to be one of the most influential professional wrestlers of all time, and one of the biggest key influences on MMA in Japan and internationally. Inoki began his professional wrestling career in the 1960s for the Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance (JWA) under the tutelage of Rikidōzan. He is credited with developing strong style and shoot style wrestling in the 1970s and 1980s.

Quick Facts

Office: Member of the House of Councillors
Constituency: National PR
Took office: 29 July 2013
Left office: 28 July 2019
Party: DPP (2019)
Birth name: Kanji Inoki, 猪木寛至, Inoki Kanji
Born: 20 February 1943
Birthplace: Tsurumi, Yokohama, Japan

Lore & Background

Antonio Inoki founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 1972 after being fired from the JWA for planning a takeover. His first match as a New Japan wrestler was against Karl Gotch. In 1975 he faced Lou Thesz, taking a vicious Greco-Roman backdrop within the first seconds. In 1976, Inoki fought Pakistani Akram Pahalwan in a special rules match that turned into a shoot; Inoki won with a double wrist lock, injuring Pahalwan's arm after the latter refused to submit. On 8 December 1977, Inoki faced The Great Antonio, who began no-selling and stiffing Inoki; Inoki shot on him with palm strikes, a single leg takedown, repeated kicks, and stomps before the match was stopped. In June 1979, Inoki lost to Zubair Jhara Pahalwan in the fifth round. In 1995, Inoki and the North Korean government held a two-day wrestling festival in Pyongyang, drawing 165,000 and 190,000 fans to Rungnado May Day Stadium. The main event saw the only match between Inoki and Ric Flair, with Inoki winning. Inoki wrestled his retirement match on 4 April 1998 against Don Frye. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010.

Reader's Guide

Antonio Inoki debuted in professional wrestling during the early 1960s, quickly rising through the Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance before founding New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 1972. His signature moves included the backdrop suplex and various leg kicks that emphasized power and realism. Inoki's most famous feuds defined an era of global expansion. His rivalry with Hulk Hogan brought immense attention to NJPW in the United States during the 1980s, while his historic match against Muhammad Ali in Tokyo showcased his ambition beyond the squared circle. These encounters cemented his reputation as a man who challenged the world's greatest athletes. His legacy is defined by the Strong Style philosophy, which blended legitimate striking with professional wrestling storytelling. This approach influenced generations of Japanese wrestlers and remains the backbone of modern NJPW competition. Even after retiring from full-time action, Inoki remained the spiritual leader of the promotion until his passing in 2022.

Did You Know?

Inoki was a twelve-time professional wrestling world champion, notably being the inaugural IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the first Asian WWF Heavyweight Champion, a reign not officially recognized by WWE.
In 1995, Inoki headlined two shows with Ric Flair in North Korea that drew 165,000 and 190,000 spectators, the highest attendances in professional wrestling history.
Inoki converted to Shia Islam while in Iraq and adopted the Islamic moniker Muhammad Hussain Inoki.
Inoki was a co-creator of the karate style Kansui-ryū along with Matsubayashi-ryū master Yukio Mizutani.
Inoki successfully negotiated with Saddam Hussein for the release of Japanese hostages in Iraq before the outbreak of the Gulf War.