It was Lou Thesz, himself, who named Inoki as one of the top candidates for this award, just prior to his death in 2002. CAC vice president Karl Lauer said, “Lou had deep admiration for Antonio Inoki. He was always treated by Mr. Inoki with the greatest respect, and he said that quality carried over into everything he did.”
A former WWF World Heavyweight, NWF World Heavyweight, and IWGP Heavyweight champion and co-holder of several versions of the NWA World Tag Team titles (just a scant few championships from a career that spans five decades), Inoki has wrestled – and beaten – nearly every major player in the sport. Amongst his most famous victories: Hulk Hogan, Masa Saito, Bob Backlund, Tatsumi Fujinami and the legendary Andre the Giant. In 1995 he helped set the world attendance record in North Korea with a 2-day crowd estimated at 240,000 witnessing his match with Ric Flair in the main event.
Antonio Inoki has starred in movies, served on the Japanese Diet (the Japan’s version of the U.S. Senate), had countless toys made in his likeness, even faced Muhammad Ali in the ring. Nearly anything you can think of, he has accomplished. We at the Cauliflower Alley Club are proud to honor him in 2004.
