Vol. 47: Antonio Inoki (1943-2022)

What this episode covers

Outside of the ring, he is also arguably the second greatest promoter of all time behind Vince McMahon. His whole story is way too long to tell in a single episode but we will do the best we can. Inoko popularized the inter-promotional show concept where wrestlers from multiple promotions appeared on the same card. He wanted to present pro wrestlers as being just as tough as other combat sports fighters, so he billed himself as a World Martial Arts Champion. He is believed to be the only person to defeat both Hulk Hogan and Andre The Giant by submission. Fans even pleaded with him to slap them, because they believed his fighting spirit might be slapped into them. Career Accomplishments WCW HALL OF FAME - 1995 WRESTLING OBSERVER HALL OF FAME - 1996 TRAGOS/THESZ HALL OF FAME - 2005 PRO WRESTLING HALL OF FAME - 2009 WWE HALL OF FAME - 2010 INTERNATIONAL PRO WRESTLING HALL OF FAME - 2021

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