Tag: Antonio Inoki

DragonKingKarl: Spring 1986 in pro wrestling history

Posted on by Karl Stern

Welcome to the latest DragonKingKarl Show as Karl Stern continues his long form history of pro wrestling series, taken from the pages of the DragonKingKarl’s 1986-1987 Pro Wrestling Omnibus.

Business is starting to slump temporarily in the wake of all the big shows in the spring of 1986. Stan Hansen has the AWA World heavyweight title stripped from him, Antonio Inoki is having big matches in Japan, and World Class continues to have various Von Erich problems.

But 1987 is coming and the first few chess pieces for that record-shattering year are starting to fall into place.

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Antonio Inoki humanoid robot ‘Android Inoki’ set for 2027 launch

Posted on by Ian Carey

Developers are planning on releasing a lifelike humanoid robot of Antonio Inoki in 2027.

At a press conference on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, Inoki Genki Factory announced that it is hoping to have “Android Inoki” launched in time for Inoki’s birthday on February 20, 2027. The company is led by president Keisuke Inoki, Antonio Inoki’s younger brother.

The press conference marked the formal launch of the Android Inoki Project, a collaboration between Inoki Genki Factory, AVITA, and SMBC Value Creation.

The aim of the project, according to its developers, is to preserve Inoki’s legacy in an interactive format for future generations and educational purposes. Inoki, the founder of NJPW, passed away on October 1, 2022, at the age of 79.

The project is being done in two stages. The first involves building an AI version of Inoki designed to replicate his speech patterns and personality traits. That AI component will ultimately be integrated into an android robot body intended to physically resemble Inoki.

Inoki Genki Factory wrote:

“Inoki Genki Factory Co., Ltd., AVITA Corporation, and SMBC Value Creation Co., Ltd. have announced the launch of the “Android Inoki” project to create an AI Inoki and humanoid robot, coinciding with Antonio Inoki’s birthday (February 20th).

This project is an effort to embody the legacy of Antonio Inoki, who left behind achievements and ideas that should be passed on to future generations, using humanoid and AI technology as a foundation. It will be based on the technology of AVITA, led by Hiroshi Ishiguro (Professor Emeritus at Osaka University), a leading researcher in human-like humanoid robots and androids.

Furthermore, this project is not merely entertainment, but is positioned as an initiative with social significance, such as “the inheritance of personality, thoughts, and memories” and ‘presenting a legacy to the next generation in an interactive form,’ and will be promoted as an example of AVITA’s initiatives in the field of physical AI.“

In February 2024, IGF announced plans to create an AI version of Inoki with the goal of helping finish his unfinished poetry collection. The company now says the newly announced Android Inoki Project is essentially a fresh start.

Social media posts from IGF include an AI version of Inoki. The video is below:

WOL: TNA Impact on AMC recap, AI Antonio Inoki?

Posted on by F4W Staff

Wrestling Observer Live is back with “Filthy” Tom Lawlor and Lance Storm to end the week in Bryan Alvarez’s absence.

A Filthy Fun Friday features a full review of TNA Impact on AMC, what Lance’s favorite Sylvester Stallone movie is, AI Antonio Inoki (get it?) has arrived with an Android version on the way, and not much more!

A fun show as always so check it out~!

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Pacific Rim: Hulk Hogan’s history and legacy in Japan

Posted on by Jim Valley

Fumi Saito knew Hulk Hogan for over 40 years, going back to the AWA when they both lived in Minnesota.

On this episode of Pacific Rim, Fumi talks about Hulk Hogan before WWE, Hogan’s first tour in NJPW, how Stan Hansen and Andre the Giant mentored and helped Terry Bollea better define the image and wrestling style of Hulk Hogan, which match in Japan earned Hogan nearly $250,000 in today’s money, and Fumi’s stories about his friend Terry away from the ring.

It’s nearly two hours of Pacific Rim. Check it.

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For subscribers: Dave Meltzer’s obituary for Hisashi Shinma

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Subscribers can get an early look at Dave Meltzer’s obituary for Hisashi Shinma who passed away at 90 years old.

Here’s an excerpt:

“Hisashi Shinma, one of the most influential figures in the history of pro wrestling, as a promoter, booker, business manager and political figure who had a long association with Antonio Inoki, passed away on 4/21 at the age of 90.

Shinma was a key figure from the start of New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1972.  New Japan was started by Inoki after he failed in a takeover attempt of the JWA, the top promotion in Japan.  He is historically credited with so many concepts that led to building New Japan into the largest grossing pro wrestling company in the world in the early 80s.  His reputation is that he put together many of the most iconic matches and concepts.

Other historians claim that he was perhaps the most overrated figure and most of what he was credited for were ideas of Inoki.  The idea is that with Inoki as an active wrestler and top star, he could not publicly be associated with the idea he was the key business decision-maker.”

Click here to read the full obituary.

DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: History of insider wrestling terminology, GKT finals

Posted on by Karl Stern

I have a great DragonKingKarl podcast for you today with a variety of pro wrestling history topics.

  • The finals of the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament (GKT) are here and you, the listener, have voted. So who won between Antonio Inoki vs. Mitsuharu Misawa? How did we end up with an all-Japanese final? Get all that and more in this episode.
  • Plus, I talk more history from the 1930s at Madison Square Garden and the later days of Ed “Strangler” Lewis’ time as champion in New York.
  • Finally, wrestling lingo is in the news so I take a look at the history of insider wrestling terminology. It is older than most people think.

So, Hippodromers, join me for a great show packed with pro wrestling history!

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DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: Sid Vicious, Sting, Antonio Inoki

Posted on by Karl Stern

This week on my podcast I mention the passing of one of my favorites, Sid Vicious. Plus we look at more history from Madison Square Garden as Ed Strangler Lewis returns, the finals of the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament are set as Sting takes on Antonio Inoki, plus we dive into a 1984 pro wrestling magazine for a look at the Von Erichs, Ted DiBiase, and many more. Join me for a deep dive into pro wrestling history.

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DragonKingKarl: Inoki vs. Tanahashi, Southeastern Championship Wrestling in 1984

Posted on by Karl Stern

It is a truly packed edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show today as I talk about the latest match in my GKT (aka the Greatest Kayfabe Tournament) where you, the listener, have voted on who would win in their primes between Antonio Inoki and Hiroshi Tanahashi.

I then travel back to 1931 for more history from Madison Square Garden and Jim Londos.

Then, the second half of the show is entirely focused on Southeastern Championship Wrestling in 1984 which was a transitional time for them. I talk about “The Forgettable Man” Vic Rain, Jimmy Golden, Bob Armstrong, Ron Fuller, Rick McGraw, Boris Zhukov, and more!

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DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: GKT continues, more MSG history

Posted on by Karl Stern

Welcome to a revamped edition of the DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show, perhaps version 2.0 or a reboot or whatever you might like to call it.

On this episode, I present the next match in my Greatest Kayfabe Tournament (GKT): Antonio Inoki vs. Steve Austin. The votes are in and we have a winner.

I then take another look back to the history of pro wrestling at Madison Square Garden in NYC as the 1930s begin and we find out if Jim Londos was really such a big deal.

You’ll hear all that plus much more classic pro wrestling history. Just click below to listen.

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DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: What’s so special about 1983?

Posted on by Karl Stern

1983 was one of the most important years in the history of professional wrestling.

Here’s some examples:

  • The building of the WWF national expansion
  • The fall of the territories
  • The eventual birth of the major yearly event
  • Hulkamania
  • The fall of Jimmy Snuka
  • The success of Mid-South Wrestling
  • The best year of Southeastern Wrestling
  • An era of flux for Memphis
  • The red-hot Von Erichs vs. Freebirds war in World Class
  • The 1980s peak and beginnings of the fall of the AWA
  • The massive shows in Mexico
  • The birth of the IWGP title in Japan

There’s a lot to talk about. 

Check out my new book DragonKingKarl Stern’s 1983 Pro Wrestling Omnibus available now at Amazon.

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DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: July 1983 in pro wrestling

Posted on by Karl Stern

My longform history of pro wrestling series picks back up with a detailed look at every major event and news story from July 1983 including a shadow break-off NWA group threatening to form with Southwestern Wrestling, ICW, Georgia Championship Wrestling, Bill Watts, and more.

The feud between new NWA World Champion Harley Race and former champion Ric Flair heats up, plus Hulk Hogan wins the IWGP title tournament in Japan in that crazy “shoot but not really” match with Antonio Inoki.

Let’s look at this packed month in wrestling

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NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 notes: Inoki film, Pro Wrestling NOAH angle

Posted on by Ian Carey

A film on Antonio Inoki is in development and an inter-promotional angle took place following Wrestle Kingdom 17.   

A short video played after the Inoki tribute match on Wednesday that announced a movie based on the NJPW founder is being developed. A potential release date or other details on the film have not been revealed, however. 

Inoki passed away on October 1, 2022, at the age of 79. 

An inter-promotional angle also took place at the post-event press conference following Wrestle Kingdom 17. 

Los Ingobernables De Japon’s Shingo Takagi, BUSHI, SANADA, and Tetsuya Naito were being interviewed backstage when Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Kongo faction interrupted. LIJ defeated Kongo in an eight-man tag match at the NJPW vs. NOAH show from Yokohama Arena on January 8, 2022. 

Kongo’s Kenoh, Katsuhiko Nakajima, Manabu Soya, Hi69, Tadasuke, and Hajime Ohara walked into the press area and Takagi expressed that perhaps the group had confused the Tokyo Dome with Korakuen Hall. 

Kenoh said:

‘I came here to give a new year’s greeting. Happy New Year- as if! Do you really think that things are settled between KONGO and LIJ?’

Naito responded:

‘Yep. I definitely remember seeing and hearing the three count. I think people there and watching on NJPW World saw it too.’

Kenoh would later say:

‘We came here to settle this, and we can either find a time and place or do it right now. We want closure on this.’ Shingo would reply that ‘You can have whatever you want, a ten man tag, 8 man, six man. Singles, it doesn’t matter’.

Kenoh would also say “let’s figure out who’s better one-on-one” directly to Naito, setting up a potential singles match between the two in the future. 

NJPW dedicating Wrestle Kingdom 17 to Antonio Inoki, main event set

Posted on by Joseph Currier

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 will be dedicated to the company’s late founder.

During NJPW’s Declaration of Power event on Monday, it was announced that Wrestle Kingdom 17 will be held in honor of Antonio Inoki. Inoki passed away at 79 years old on October 1.

“Wrestle Kingdom 17 will be held in honour and memory of Antonio Inoki,” NJPW wrote. “More details to follow.”

A ceremony honoring the life of Inoki took place at the start of Declaration of Power.

NJPW was founded by Inoki in January 1972. In celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary, NJPW planned to reveal at Declaration of Power that Inoki had accepted the ceremonial role of “Honorary Lifetime Chairman” of NJPW. He was named Honorary Lifetime Chairman on September 1.

Wrestle Kingdom 17 is being held at the Tokyo Dome on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. It will be the first time Wrestle Kingdom has been a one-night event since 2019.

The main event for Wrestle Kingdom 17 is set coming out of Declaration of Power. Jay White will defend his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Kazuchika Okada.

White retained his title against Tama Tonga in Declaration of Power’s main event. Okada was the winner of this year’s G1 Climax tournament.

Wrestling Observer Radio: Antonio Inoki bio, Jon Moxley’s new contract

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

Dave Meltzer and I are back on Wrestling Observer Radio going over the news in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Topics include:

  • A long discussion on Dave’s Antonio Inoki bio
  • Jon Moxley’s new contract with AEW
  • Renee Paquette
  • WWE’s announcer shakeup
  • AEW Dynamite ratings and the overrun
  • More on Sammy and Andrade

Click on the link below.

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October 10, 2022 Observer Newsletter: The life and times of Antonio Inoki

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Antonio Inoki, very likely the single most influential person in the pro wrestling business aside from Vince McMahon over the past 50 years, passed away on 10/1 due to heart failure at the age of 79.

Due to the time difference, the news broke in the U.S. on 9/30. Inoki was 79.

His death was not unexpected. There have been a few network television shows this year focusing on him and his health issues. He had been suffering from a rare disease, systemic transthyretin amyloidosis.

Systemic transthyretin amyloidosis occurs when your liver produces faulty transthyretin proteins. Clumps of these abnormal proteins, called fibrils, build up in the heart’s main pumping chamber. This leads to the left heart ventricle becoming stiff and weak. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to your body and can lead to heart failure.

He had been wheelchair-bound for some time. His condition worsened of late and on a recent network television show appearance, he was so frail, he looked like he may have weighed around 100 pounds. The one-time ageless star who in his late 50s still had jet-black hair and fit athletic body, looked like he would pass away very soon.

Subscribers can read this week’s issue here.