Antonio Inoki Named to the WWE Hall of Fame

Last night on WWE Raw, one of the greatest Japanese wrestlers of all time was announced to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Inoki started his professional career in 1960 for Japan Wrestling Assocation, and then moved on to Tokyo Pro Wrestling. In 1972, he formed New Japan Pro Wrestling which has become the biggest promotion in Japan to this day.

New Japan has developed a great relationship with stars in America including Hulk Hogan but more recently they have formed a partnership with TNA Wrestling. He also traded stars with WCW when they were in buisness. In 1995 he wrestled Ric Flair in the Tokyo Dome where over 100,000 fans attended the event. Inoki retired from competition in 1996.

Inoki is most noted for two things. The first is being part of the first Boxer vs. Wrestler match against Muhammed Ali. The second thing is having his neck broken by Hulk Hogan in a WWE Championship match when Hogan was over in Japan.

Inoki definitely deserves to be in the Hall of Fame with all of his accomplishments. He has held numerous titles in Japan and in America. He should be remembered for developing relations between American and Japanese wrestlers. Inoki is the first Japanese wrestler to ever be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and he will be inducted by wrestling legend Stan Hansen.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more Hall of Fame announcements. The Hall of Fame ceremony takes place the night before Wrestlemania and I am sure many more great names will be inducted this year.