Legendary Wrestler Antonio Inoki Dies at Age 79

His fight with Muhammad Ali is considered the precursor to MMA.

Sports
5.3K 1 Comments

The legendary Japanese wrestler and politician Antonio Inoki has died at the age of 79. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010, Inoki was known early on for his work in promoting the Japan Pro-Wrestling Alliance where he studied under the late Rikidōzan.

Known for his flamboyant style which included his signature red scarf, Inoki was at the forefront of what we know today as mixed martial arts and super fight promotions with his match against Muhammad Ali in 1976. Pitting his grappling against the world champion boxer, the world tuned in to see how a striker would fare against a diverging discipline.

Later in his career, Inoki moved into politics where he worked on bettering relations with North Korea, and he even secured the release of Japanese hostages in Iraq. In 2020, the celebrated sportsman revealed he was battling heart disease, where he eventually succumbed to systemic transthyretin amyloidosis on October 1, 2022.

Check below to see WWE’s tribute to Japan’s pioneer of MMA.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

James Earl Jones Dies at 93
Entertainment

James Earl Jones Dies at 93

The prolific actor was known as the voice of Darth Vader.

Rich Homie Quan Dead at Age 34
Music

Rich Homie Quan Dead at Age 34

No cause of death has been confirmed yet.

Bristol Studio Teams up With the NBA To Pay Homage To Legendary Dynasties
Fashion

Bristol Studio Teams up With the NBA To Pay Homage To Legendary Dynasties

Crafting seven distinct collections for the likes of Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors and more.


Miami Heat Unveil Statue to Honor Legendary Dwyane Wade at Kaseya Center
Sports

Miami Heat Unveil Statue to Honor Legendary Dwyane Wade at Kaseya Center

Commemorating Wade’s iconic “This is my house” pose.

Laura and Deanna Fanning for Kiko Kostadinov Prepares to Dominate SS23
Fashion

Laura and Deanna Fanning for Kiko Kostadinov Prepares to Dominate SS23

With “it” bags, cowboy boots, workwear-inspired trousers, functional knitwear, and unconventional touches coming together harmoniously.

'Scorn' Releases Chilling Visuals of Its Nightmarish Horror Game
Gaming

'Scorn' Releases Chilling Visuals of Its Nightmarish Horror Game

Inspired by the works of H.R. Giger and Zdzisław Beksiński.

Phillips Returns With Voutilainen and Zenith for a Niobium Cal 135-O Watch
Watches

Phillips Returns With Voutilainen and Zenith for a Niobium Cal 135-O Watch

With proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Disneyland Upcycles Material from Pirates of the Caribbean Ride for $6,500 USD Collectibles
Entertainment

Disneyland Upcycles Material from Pirates of the Caribbean Ride for $6,500 USD Collectibles

Sourced from two of the nearly 16,000 trees at Disneyland Resort.

Los Angeles Declares October 1 "Bad Bunny Day"
Music

Los Angeles Declares October 1 "Bad Bunny Day"

“LA’s population is 50% Latino.”


Off-White™ Re-Releases the Virgil Abloh and Jenny Holzer T-Shirt to Benefit Planned Parenthood
Fashion

Off-White™ Re-Releases the Virgil Abloh and Jenny Holzer T-Shirt to Benefit Planned Parenthood

100% of the proceeds will benefit the reproductive healthcare non-profit.

Parisian Brand côte&ciel's FW22 Collection Delicately Balances Fabrics, Form and Functionality
Fashion

Parisian Brand côte&ciel's FW22 Collection Delicately Balances Fabrics, Form and Functionality

A modular collection that features reflectivity, ready for the darker months ahead.

Ann Demeulemeester SS23 Melds Sharp Tailoring and Fluid Design Codes
Fashion

Ann Demeulemeester SS23 Melds Sharp Tailoring and Fluid Design Codes

Operating on a largely black and white palette.

Elon Musk Revealed a Humanoid Robot and Interpol Issued a “Red Notice” for Terra Founder Do Kwon in This Week’s Tech Roundup
Tech & Gadgets 

Elon Musk Revealed a Humanoid Robot and Interpol Issued a “Red Notice” for Terra Founder Do Kwon in This Week’s Tech Roundup

Intel also launched its long-awaited 13th Gen CPU family.

'Community' Movie Is Officially Happening at Peacock
Entertainment

'Community' Movie Is Officially Happening at Peacock

With original stars Joel McHale, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie, Gillian Jacobs, Jim Rash and Ken Jeong.

More ▾