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20 Intriguing Facts About Antonio Inoki: The Wrestling Legend Turned Politician

Long drawn to Antonio Inoki’s captivating presence inside and outside the ring, I’ve been captivated by his larger-than-life persona. Despite my considerable knowledge about his groundbreaking wrestling career, the veil shrouding the man behind this legendary figure remains largely intact.

Accompany me on a journey to unravel the tale of this pioneering athlete who shattered barriers in the realm of wrestling. Recognized as a wrestling luminary, Inoki’s story comprises a mosaic of compelling chapters, depicting the fusion of athleticism and political engagement.

His impact reverberated worldwide, from epic clashes with esteemed adversaries to reshaping the landscape of professional wrestling. Venturing from the ring to political spheres, Inoki’s leap into diplomatic missions and subsequently Japanese politics delineates a unique progression from the arena to diplomatic arenas.

Together, let’s explore 20 captivating facets of Antonio Inoki’s life, each peeling back a layer of the multifaceted personality that embodies the titles of wrestling legend and political luminary.

1. Inoki was born in an affluent family in Yokohama in 1943

Inoki was born in 1943 in Yokohama, Japan to a prosperous family as the sixth son and second youngest of eleven children. His father Sajiro Inoki was a businessman and politician who passed away when Kanji was only five years old.

Being part of a large family of seven brothers and four sisters, Inoki grew up in an environment of significant sibling relationships and family responsibility after losing his father at a young age.

The affluent upbringing provided by his parents was impacted by his father’s untimely death, which shaped Inoki’s early life and path forward.

2. Antonio spent his adolescent years in Brazil

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Inoki experienced major upheaval as a child when his father died when he was just five years old. This loss deeply impacted his family, who fell into hardship in the postwar years in Japan.

At age 14, facing difficult circumstances, Inoki emigrated with his grandfather, mother, and brothers to Brazil in 1957. Tragically his grandfather passed away during their voyage to Brazil. Inoki spent his formative adolescent years in Brazil after this life-changing move from Japan.

Having lost his father and grandfather, Inoki had to mature quickly as a teenager living in a new country.

3. He once played basketball in junior high school

When Inoki was in 7th grade at Terao Junior High School, he had already grown to be 5 feet 11 inches tall, which was exceptionally tall for his age. This great height advantage led Inoki to join his school’s basketball team, where his stature could be an asset on the court.

Playing basketball allowed the unusually tall young Inoki to hone his athletic skills and make use of his oversized frame. His interest and participation in basketball at such a pivotal age indicates Inoki’s natural abilities and early inclination toward sports.

His path towards professional wrestling and combat sports was foreshadowed by his basketball experience capitalizing on his height as a 7th grader.

4. He won regional championships in Brazil in shot put, discus throw, and javelin throw

Inoki’s impressive height as a 7th grader led him to initially play basketball. However, he soon quit basketball and joined his school’s track and field club as a shot putter instead.

His natural athletic talents allowed Inoki to excel at the shot put. He showcased his abilities by winning the shot put championship at the city-wide Yokohama Junior High School track and field competition. Inoki was able to find success in different sports during his adolescent years.

His achievements in shot put demonstrated his physical strength and competitive spirit, which paved the way for his future career in professional wrestling. Even as a young student, Inoki’s athletic gifts were evident.

5. He began his professional wrestling career in the 1960s

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After growing up in Brazil, Inoki returned to Japan in the 1960s and launched his professional wrestling career with the Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance (JWA) under the guidance of legend Rikid艒zan.

Inoki rapidly gained popularity to become one of the biggest stars ever in Japanese pro wrestling history. Leveraging his wrestling fame, he grew into one of Japan’s most famous athletes overall.

Starting as a JWA newcomer trained by Rikid艒zan, Inoki’s combination of wrestling ability and charisma propelled him to great success nationally. His wrestling career served as a platform for him to become a household name in Japanese sports and pop culture.

6. He trained under the renowned Karl Gotch

At 17, Inoki met wrestling legend Rikid艒zan in Brazil, who brought him to Japan’s Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance (JWA) as a disciple.

In the JWA dojo, Inoki trained under renowned wrestler Karl Gotch, further complementing his prior training with amateur wrestler Isao Yoshiwara and judo expert Kiyotaka Otsubo.

Known as the “God of Wrestling” in Japan for his immense influence, Karl Gotch was a German-American wrestler born Charles Istaz who helped shape the Japanese pro wrestling style. With world-class mentors like Rikid艒zan and Karl Gotch, Inoki received top-notch training to launch his wrestling career in Japan.

7. He was a tag team partner with Giant Baba

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Early in his career, Inoki trained alongside classmate Giant Baba in the JWA dojo. After their mentor Rikidozan was murdered, Inoki struggled behind Baba’s shadow until leaving for America in 1964.

Returning to JWA in 1967, Inoki was paired with Baba as the tag team “B-I Cannon.” Together they dominated the tag team ranks, winning the NWA International Tag Team Championship four times. Despite initial conflict, Inoki and Baba became an unstoppable duo.

Their reign as partners exemplified Inoki coming into his own alongside his former rival Baba. After years behind Baba, Inoki finally became his equal as part of their championship tag team.

8. Inoki converted to Shia Islam in 1990 during a pilgrimage to Karbala

In 1990, during a visit to Karbala, the sacred Shiite city in Iraq, Antonio Inoki embraced Shia Islam. His conversion coincided with negotiations for the liberation of Japanese hostages in Iraq.

In this period, Inoki adopted the Islamic name Muhammad Hussain Inoki and later acknowledged himself as both a Muslim convert and a Buddhist. By 2014, Inoki mentioned his inclination towards Buddhism as his primary faith while still acknowledging his Islamic conversion.

9. He was known by three names throughout his life

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Born Kanji Inoki in 1943 in Yokohama, he was part of a large, wealthy family as the sixth of eleven children. In 1957 at age 14, Inoki emigrated with his family to Brazil where he caught the eye of wrestling legend Rikidozan.

Returning to Japan as Rikidozan’s disciple, Inoki debuted in 1960 for Rikidozan’s JWA, losing to Kintaro Oki. In 1962, he took on the ring name Antonio Inoki, after wrestler Antonio Rocca.

Under this famous name, Inoki rose to stardom in Japan. However, in a 2014 interview, Inoki revealed he had converted to Shia Islam during a 1990 trip to Iraq as a politician.

From then on, his legal name became Muhammad Hussain Inoki, though he continued using Antonio Inoki publicly. Throughout his life, Inoki went by various names from his birth name to his Muslim name, but Antonio Inoki remained his public persona.

10. Inoki was a twelve-time professional wrestling world champion

 Inoki held numerous world championship titles throughout his illustrious career. Notably, he became the inaugural IWGP (International Wrestling Grand Prix) Heavyweight Champion, establishing himself as a prominent figure in New Japan Pro-Wrestling history.

Additionally, Inoki claimed the WWF (now WWE) Heavyweight Championship, triumphing over Bob Backlund in 1979, though this reign is not officially acknowledged by WWE due to disputed circumstances.

Inoki’s twelve-time world championship record, including his groundbreaking wins as the first IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the first Asian to hold the WWF Heavyweight Championship, remains a significant part of wrestling history, despite certain titles not being recognized universally.

11.  He famously fought Muhammad Ali in 1976

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In 1976, Inoki participated in a highly publicized matchup against legendary boxer Muhammad Ali dubbed “The Greatest vs. The Strongest.” Billed as “The War of the Worlds,” this hybrid wrestling/boxing event between Ali and Inoki captivated global audiences.

Coming off a victory over Richard Dunn, undisputed heavyweight champion Ali agreed to face Inoki, who was staging exhibitions against martial arts champions to promote pro wrestling’s dominance.

Having learned to catch wrestling from Karl Gotch, Inoki represented his sport against boxing icon Ali in a groundbreaking clash between boxing and wrestling’s top stars.

12. Inoki named his method of fighting “strong style.” 

Inoki coined the term “strong style” to describe his fighting approach, inspired by Gotch’s teachings, which drew extensively from the foundational elements of catch wrestling in professional wrestling‘s origins.

This style, a significant influence on modern shoot wrestling, was shaped by Inoki’s emphasis on strength, technique, and authenticity, blending the traditional roots of catch wrestling with innovative elements to create a formidable and impactful wrestling method.

13. He founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972

In 1972, Inoki initiated his venture into promotion by founding New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), marking a pivotal moment in his wrestling career.

His creation of NJPW significantly influenced the wrestling landscape, transforming it into a worldwide successful promotion. Inoki maintained ownership of NJPW until 2005 when he relinquished his majority stake to the Yuke’s video game company, marking the end of his long-standing tenure as the promotion’s owner.

His involvement in establishing and steering NJPW solidified his legacy as a key figure in shaping the wrestling industry.

14. He won numerous awards and accolades in wrestling

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Inoki amassed several awards and honors in wrestling, reflecting his significant contributions to the sport.

Among his notable accolades are the “Most Outstanding Wrestler” recognition by Wrestling Observer Newsletter, several “Match of the Year” awards for his exceptional in-ring performances, and multiple championship titles, including the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

Inoki’s achievements in wrestling, marked by his prowess in the ring and impactful contributions to the sport’s evolution, earned him widespread acclaim and admiration within the wrestling community.

15. He successfully negotiated with Saddam Hussein for the release of Japanese hostages before the outbreak of the Gulf War

In 1989, Antonio Inoki ventured into politics while continuing his wrestling career, securing a seat in the Japanese House of Councillors.

While serving his initial term, Inoki, despite being an active wrestler, effectively mediated negotiations with Saddam Hussein, resulting in the release of Japanese hostages before the onset of the Gulf War.

This diplomatic feat showcased Inoki’s ability to navigate international relations and wield his influence positively, leveraging his political position for humanitarian efforts despite his concurrent commitment to professional wrestling.

16. Inoki was a successful politician

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Antonio Inoki, initially elected to the Japanese House of Councillors in 1989 while concurrently pursuing a wrestling career, demonstrated adeptness in politics.

Notably, during his first term, he effectively mediated discussions with Saddam Hussein, securing the release of Japanese hostages before the Gulf War’s eruption. Though his initial tenure concluded in 1995, Inoki’s return to the House of Councillors in 2013 showcased his enduring appeal and success as a politician.

His ability to bridge wrestling and diplomacy, negotiating international crises while balancing political commitments, highlights Inoki’s multifaceted achievements in both arenas.

17. He was the founder of the Inoki Genome Federation 

Following the sale of his controlling stake in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) to Yuke’s video game company, Antonio Inoki established the Inoki Genome Federation (IGF) in 2007.

In 2017, Inoki launched ISM and departed from IGF the subsequent year. Inoki’s IGF was notable for promoting a blend of professional wrestling contests and mixed martial arts bouts, showcasing a diverse range of athletic competitions under his leadership.

18. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010

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On April 4, 1998, Antonio Inoki participated in his retirement match against Don Frye, marking the end of his wrestling career. In 2010, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) revealed on its Japanese website that Inoki would join the Class of 2010 in the WWE Hall of Fame.

This announcement occurred on February 1, 2010. Inoki received his Hall of Fame certificate from WWE’s Ed Wells and expressed his intention to attend WrestleMania XXVI weekend events. During this weekend, he was officially inducted into the Hall of Fame by Stan Hansen.

19. He retired from politics in 2019

Antonio Inoki retired from politics in 2019. After a significant and multifaceted career in both professional wrestling and politics, Inoki announced his retirement from the political arena in 2019.

His departure marked the conclusion of his active involvement in politics, culminating in his decision to step away from political engagements and focus on other endeavors after years of contributing to Japanese politics as a member of the House of Councillors.

20. Inoki promoted several MMA events, such as NJPW Ultimate Crush 

After concluding his wrestling career, Inoki organized various MMA events, including NJPW Ultimate Crush, featuring both pro wrestling and MMA bouts on the same card.

Additionally, he orchestrated annual Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye shows on New Year’s Eve from 2001 to 2003. These events notably showcased top talents from NJPW facing globally recognized fighters in mixed martial arts contests.

Among the attractions was the Inoki vs. Renzo Gracie professional wrestling match held at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2000, highlighting Inoki’s crossover from wrestling to engaging with renowned figures in MMA competitions.

After this ringside view of Inoki’s journey, I have immense respect for his boundary-breaking impact in and out of the ring. Though I’ve always been enthralled by his persona, I’ve just scratched the surface of his story.

Learning about his transition from wrestler to politician showed me how he became a cultural icon. As Inoki’s enduring legacy continues to inspire, I’ll be remembering the trailblazing spirit and showmanship of this one-of-a-kind performer.