New Japan Pro Wrestling founder, Antonio Inoki sadly passed away at the age of 79 on Friday, September 30, 2022. Now, the wrestling world, and the sports world at large, have come together to honor Antonio Inoki and pay their respects on social media.
WWE remembers Antonio Inoki.
— WWE (@WWE) October 1, 2022
1943-2022 pic.twitter.com/I9JF377dLb
One of the most important figures in the history of our business, and a man who embodied the term “fighting spirit.” The legacy of WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki will live on forever.
— Triple H (@TripleH) October 1, 2022
Antonio Inoki, a combat sports trailblazer, influential politician and larger-than-life figure in his native Japan, died Friday at the age of 79.
— ESPN (@espn) October 1, 2022
He fought Muhammad Ali in perhaps the highest-profile mixed-rules bout ever.
Read more about his life: https://t.co/qlWgflEEDi pic.twitter.com/HkeJCbuotm
New Japan Pro-Wrestling is deeply saddened at the passing of our founder, Antonio Inoki.
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) October 1, 2022
His achievements, both in professional wrestling and the global community are without parallel and will never be forgotten.
Our thoughts are with Inoki’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/n8zA9hj78e
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Antonio Inoki, the legendary Japanese Pro https://t.co/eB0872a4FJ Inoki chose to Wrestle me in 1994 and then we became friends,kept in touch and was always very kind to https://t.co/jqwYii836k deepest condolences to his family & fans. pic.twitter.com/qqvk8j4Vak
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) October 1, 2022
Some of the moments in my career that I am most grateful for are a result of the friendship that evolved from our business together. Inoki san was a visionary. In some ways-too ahead of his time. 安らかに眠る
— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) October 1, 2022
Antonio Inoki….. my family and I owe you so much. Thank you for everything you did for our family, and the business we all love. Prayers to the family -- RIP pic.twitter.com/QMWDPfxmam
— Big Van Vader (@itsvadertime) October 1, 2022
Rest In Peace Antonio Inoki! Thank You For The Great Matches & Memories My Friend! ------------ pic.twitter.com/ocHcqf7bvZ
— Ric Flair (@RicFlairNatrBoy) October 1, 2022
The National Wrestling Alliance sends its condolences to the friends and family of pro wrestling pioneer Antonio Inoki.
— NWA (@nwa) October 1, 2022
An NWA Tag Team and United National Champion and most importantly, a legend that will forever be remembered in our business and beyond. pic.twitter.com/sqyG8Y26QC
Antonio Inoki. RIP. Where does one even begin to discuss his legacy? Think of the most interesting famous person you can and times that by 100. Inoki fought Muhammad Ali and negotiated a hostage release with Saddam Hussein.
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) October 1, 2022
First Ali, then Gene Lebell, now Antonio Inoki.
— Paul Lazenby (@MaulerMMA) October 1, 2022
All three men involved in the most famous MMA fight of all time are now gone.
RIP to a Japanese wrestling icon.#antonioinoki pic.twitter.com/wMzqOa8GjB
ANTONIO INOKI ONE OF THE GREATEST EVER. I WAS HIS TEACHER. WE SOLD OUT THE GARDEN AND LOVED EACHOTHER LIKE FAMILY. RESPECT THE INOKI FOREVER pic.twitter.com/QEyqz6cxDX
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) October 1, 2022
Very sad to hear the passing of a true icon of Professional Wrestling worldwide. Antonio Inoki inspired so many wrestlers for so many decades including me in my in ring days. I had the opportunity to wrestle on several tours for Inoki in NJPW - he truly changed the game. RIP -- pic.twitter.com/WSyAKB9XCY
— taz (@OfficialTAZ) October 1, 2022
.@IMPACTWrestling would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Antonio Inoki. We are saddened to learn of his passing and know his legacy will live forever. pic.twitter.com/acCxKxDNK7
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) October 1, 2022
My grandfather had so much respect for Antonio Inoki and his passion for pro-wrestling.
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) October 1, 2022
(Gene Kiniski, Stu Hart, Antonio Inoki) pic.twitter.com/OlVPOklZ9K
Very sorry to learn of the loss of Antonio Inoki. What a towering presence in our business! I loved his matches - especially his classic brawls with Bruiser Brody.#RIPInoki pic.twitter.com/fTgOwhpTja
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) October 1, 2022
I found my road… Thank you for everything Inoki-sama Rest in Power.
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) October 1, 2022
Antonio Inoki was one of the biggest stars in wrestling history, certainly No. 2 in Japan and biggest of the last 55 years, as well as incredibly influential in both the wrestling and MMA businesses. One of the most charismatic humans I've ever met.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) October 1, 2022
No words can truly describe how important Mr. Inoki was to Profesional Wrestling. So all I can say is Rest in Power Mr. Inoki. pic.twitter.com/cmpRSeElqB
— Eddie Kingston #BlackLivesMatter (@MadKing1981) October 1, 2022
一つの時代が終わったよう。
— 里村明衣子 meiko satomura (@satomurameiko) October 1, 2022
お疲れ様でございました--#燃える闘魂 #アントニオ猪木 pic.twitter.com/sFADReF0aY
— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) October 1, 2022
一つの時代が終わったよう。
— 里村明衣子 meiko satomura (@satomurameiko) October 1, 2022
Fightful sends its condolences to Antonio's family, friends, and fans.
