View source for Antonio Inoki

{{Short description|Japanese wrestler and politician (1943–2022)}}
{{Redirect|Inoki|the Italian rapper|Inoki (rapper)|the Nokia to iPhone data migration tool|iNoki}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_suffix    = [[List of Japanese court ranks, positions and hereditary titles|Junior Fourth Rank]]
| image               = Antonio Inoki IMG 0398-2 20121224.JPG
| caption             = Inoki in 2012
| office              = Member of the [[House of Councillors]]
| constituency        = [[Japanese House of Councillors national proportional representation block|National PR]]
| term_start          = 29 July 2013
| term_end            = 28 July 2019
| constituency1       = National PR
| term_start1         = 23 July 1989
| term_end1           = 22 July 1995
| party               = [[Democratic Party for the People|DPP]] (2019)
| otherparty          = [[Sports and Peace Party|Sports and Peace]] (1989–1995)<br />[[Japan Restoration Party|JRP]] (2013–2014)<br />[[Party for Future Generations|PFG]] (2014–2015)<br />[[Assembly to Energize Japan]] (2015–2016)<br/>[[:ja:無所属クラブ (日本 2014)|Independents Club]] (2016–2019)
| birth_name          = {{nihongo|Kanji Inoki|猪木寛至|Inoki Kanji}}
| birth_date          = {{Birth date|1943|2|20|df=y}}<ref name="PS55">{{Cite news|title=Power Slam|work=This Month in History: February |publisher= SW Publishing|id=55|page=28|date=January 1999}}</ref>
| birth_place         = [[Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama|Tsurumi, Yokohama]], [[Empire of Japan|Japan]]<ref name=wwebio>{{cite web |url= http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/inductees/antonioinoki/|title=Antonio Inoki's WWE Hall of Fame profile|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=29 March 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105112715/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/antonioinoki|archive-date=5 January 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>
| death_date          = {{death date and age|2022|10|1|1943|2|20|df=y}}<ref name="death"/>
| death_place         = [[Minato, Tokyo]], Japan<ref name="death"/>
| spouse              = Diana Tuck<br>(separated after 1965)<br/>{{marriage|[[Mitsuko Baisho]]|1971|1987|reason=divorced}}<br/>{{marriage|A third wife|1989|2012|reason=divorced}}<br/>{{marriage|Tazuko Tada|2017|2019|reason=her death}}
| children            = 3
| relatives           =  [[:pt:Juichi Sagara|Juichi Sagara]] (brother)<ref name= ejmas /><br>[[:ja:猪木快守|Pablo Inoki]] (brother)<ref name= daily20110327 /><br />Simon Inoki (son-in-law)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-contacted-simon-inoki-book-charlie-dempsey-japan|title=WWE Contacted Simon Inoki To Book Charlie Dempsey In Japan|work=Fightful| last= Lambert| first= Jeremy| date= 16 January 2024|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref><br>Hirota Inoki (grandson)<ref name=AEWGrandsons>{{cite web| url= https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-wrestledream-results|title=AEW WrestleDream Results|work=[[All Elite Wrestling]]|date=2 October 2023 |accessdate=27 April 2024}}</ref><br>Naoto Inoki (grandson)<ref name=AEWGrandsons/>
| module              = {{Infobox professional wrestler
|child = yes
|names = Antonio Inoki<br />The Kamikaze<br />Kanji Inoki<br />Kazimoto<br />Killer Inoki<br/>Kinji Onoki<br />Little Tokyo<br />Moeru Toukon<br />Tokyo Tom
|height = {{height|ft=6|in=3}}<ref name=wwebio/>
|weight = {{convert|224|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=wwebio/>
|billed = [[Tokyo]], Japan
|trainer = [[Rikidōzan]]<br />[[Karl Gotch]]
|debut = 30 September 1960<ref name="pwhfbio"/>
|retired = 4 April 1998<ref name=wwebio/><ref name="pwhfbio"/>
}}
}}
{{Professional wrestling sidebar}}

{{Nihongo|'''Antonio Inoki'''|アントニオ猪木|''Antonio Inoki''}} (born {{nihongo|'''Kanji Inoki'''|猪木寛至|Inoki Kanji|lead=yes}}; 20 February 1943 – 1 October 2022) was a Japanese [[professional wrestler]], [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#school|professional wrestling trainer]], [[martial arts|martial artist]], politician, and [[Promoter (entertainment)|promoter]] of professional wrestling and [[mixed martial arts]] (MMA). He is best known as the founder and 33-year owner of [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW). He is considered to be one of the most influential professional wrestlers of all time,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 October 2022 |title=Antonio Inoki leaves behind a complicated, dual legacy - Slam Wrestling |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2022/10/02/antonio-inoki-leaves-behind-a-complicated-dual-legacy/ |access-date=28 October 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title= Antonio Inoki leaves behind a legacy that rivals any in combat sports |url=https://deadspin.com/antonio-inoki-leaves-behind-a-legacy-that-rivals-any-in-1849605570/ |access-date=28 October 2024 |website= [[Deadspin]].com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=1 October 2022 |title=Inoki, famed combat sports trailblazer, dies at 79 |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/34698840/antonio-inoki-famed-combat-sports-trailblazer-dies-79 |access-date=28 October 2024 |website= [[ESPN]].com |language=en}}</ref> and one of the biggest key influences on MMA in Japan and internationally.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2022 |title=Combat sports world reflects on the life of Antonio Inoki, an MMA pioneer famous for first-of-its kind fight vs. Muhammad Ali |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mma/news/antonio-inoki-combat-sports-reflects-pioneer-muhammad-ali/doxoyyv8sdmqekbxcwu632tu |website= [[Sporting News]] |place= Canada |language=en-ca |access-date=28 October 2024}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

After spending his adolescence in [[Brazil]], Inoki began his professional wrestling career in the 1960s for the [[Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance]] (JWA) under the tutelage of [[Rikidōzan]]. After he changed his in-ring moniker to '''Antonio Inoki''' in 1963, a [[Homage (arts)|homage]] to accomplished Italian wrestler [[Antonino Rocca]], Inoki became one of the most popular stars in [[Professional wrestling in Japan|Japanese professional wrestling]]. He is credited with developing [[strong style]] and [[shoot wrestling|shoot style wrestling]] in the 1970s and 1980s. He parlayed his wrestling career into becoming one of Japan's most recognizable athletes, a reputation bolstered by his [[Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki|1976 fight]] against world champion [[boxing|boxer]] [[Muhammad Ali]] — a fight that served as a predecessor to modern day MMA. In 1995 Inoki headlined [[Collision in Korea|two shows]] with [[Ric Flair]] in [[North Korea]] that drew 165,000 and 190,000 spectators, the [[List of professional wrestling attendance records|highest attendances in professional wrestling history]].<ref name="Hall">{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Nick |title=Collision in Korea: Pyongyang's historic socialism and spandex spectacular |url=https://www.nknews.org/2020/04/collision-in-korea-pyongyangs-historic-socialism-and-spandex-spectacular/ |website=[[NK News]] |date=29 April 2020 |access-date=1 June 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200603164258/https://www.nknews.org/2020/04/collision-in-korea-pyongyangs-historic-socialism-and-spandex-spectacular/ |archive-date=3 June 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Inoki wrestled his retirement match on 4 April 1998 against [[Don Frye]], and was inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]] in [[WWE Hall of Fame (2010)|2010]].<ref name=wwebio/> Inoki was a twelve-time [[professional wrestling world champion]], notably being the inaugural [[IWGP Heavyweight Champion]] and the [[list of WWE Champions|first]] Asian [[WWE Championship|WWF Heavyweight Champion]], a reign not officially recognized by [[WWE]].

Inoki began his promoting career in 1972, when he founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He remained the owner of NJPW until 2005 when he sold his controlling share in the promotion to the [[Yuke's]] video game company. In 2007, he founded the [[Inoki Genome Federation]] (IGF). In 2017, Inoki founded ISM and the following year left IGF. He was also a co-creator of the [[karate]] style Kansui-ryū (寛水流, ''Kansui-ryū'') along with [[Matsubayashi-ryū]] master Yukio Mizutani.<ref>{{cite book|author=Sujitaro Tamabukuro|title=疾風怒涛!! プロレス取調室（毎日新聞出版）: UWF&PRIDE格闘ロマン編|date=2017|publisher=PHP}}</ref>

In 1989, while still an active wrestler, Inoki entered politics as he was elected to the Japanese [[House of Councillors]]. During his first term with the House of Councillors, Inoki successfully negotiated with [[Saddam Hussein]] for the release of Japanese hostages in [[Iraq]] before the outbreak of the [[Gulf War]]. While in Iraq, Inoki converted to [[Shia Islam]] and adopted the Islamic moniker '''Muhammad Hussain Inoki''' ({{langx|ar|محمد حسين اينوكي|Muhamad Husayn Aynwky}}). His first tenure in the House of Councillors ended in 1995, but he was reelected in 2013. In 2019, Inoki retired from politics.

==Early life, family and education==
{{expand-section| date= September 2025}}
Kanji Inoki was born into an [[Wealth|affluent]] family in [[Yokohama]] on 20 February 1943. Of the 11 siblings (seven boys and four girls), he was second-youngest and the sixth son. Their father Sajiro Inoki was a businessman and politician who died when Kanji was five years old. 

Inoki was taught [[karate]] by an older brother while in 6th grade. By the time he was in 7th grade at Terao Junior High School, he was {{cvt|5|ft|11|in|sigfig=3}} tall. He joined the [[basketball]] team but switched to [[track and field]] as a [[shot put]]ter. He eventually won the championship at the Yokohama Junior High School track and field competition.

The family suffered financial difficulties in the post-[[World War II]] years. At age 14, Inoki emigrated to [[Brazil]] with his grandfather, mother, and brothers. His grandfather died during the journey to Brazil. Inoki won regional championships in Brazil in shot put, [[discus throw|discus]], and [[javelin throw|javelin]] and won the All Brazilian championships in shot put and discus.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.twc-wrestle.com/inokienglish.html| title= Antonio Inoki | website= twc-wrestle.com| publisher= | url-status= |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20060506225845/http://www.twc-wrestle.com/inokienglish.html |archivedate=6 May 2006| date= | access-date= 10 May 2014}}</ref> 

Inoki's brother [[:pt:Juichi Sagara|Juichi Sagara]]<ref name= ejmas>{{cite journal |title= Karate in Brazil -- An Overview| url= https://ejmas.com/jcs/jcsart_alcantara1_1200.htm | first1= Ubaldo |last1= Alcantara| first2= Toni| last2= Rodrigues| journal= Journal of Combative Sport| date= December 2000| publisher= EJMAS| accessdate= 2025-09-12}}</ref> was a karate master and is credited as one of the people responsible for bringing [[Shotokan]] to [[Brazil]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://arakakisensei.com.br/| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20240813071018/https://arakakisensei.com.br/|title=Helio Arakaki Sensei| website= arakakisensei.com.br |date= | publisher= Muryokan Desenvolvimento do Potencial Humano LTDA-ME |archivedate= 2024-08-13 |accessdate= 2025-09-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.escuelashotokan.com/maestros/sagara.htm|title= Escuela Shotokan Lamdonado - Karate-do Uruguay| website= escuelashotokan.com |accessdate= 15 August 2024}}</ref> Inoki's brother [[:ja:猪木快守|Pablo Inoki]], a [[tenor]] and [[political activist]], once led the Inoki-founded [[Sports and Peace Party]].<ref name="daily20110327">{{cite web| url= http://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2011/03/27/0003897619.shtml |title= 猪木の実兄・快守さん死去] 『デイリースポーツ』|trans-title= Inoki's older brother, Kaimori, passes away |date= March 26, 2011| language= ja| website= daily.co.jp| publisher= | access-date= March 28, 2011}}</ref>

==Professional wrestling career==
===Early career (1960–1971)===
Inoki met [[Rikidōzan]] at the age of 17 in Brazil and went back to Japan for the [[Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance]] (JWA) as his [[wiktionary:disciple|disciple]]. He trained in the JWA [[dojo]] under the renowned [[Karl Gotch]], complementing further his training under [[amateur wrestler]] Isao Yoshiwara and [[kosen judo]]ka Kiyotaka Otsubo.<ref>{{cite book|last=Sakurai|first=Yasuo |title=G-Spirits - Antonio Inoki|date=2010|publisher=Tatsumi Publishing|isbn=978-4800271235}}</ref> One of his dojo classmates was [[Shohei Baba|Giant Baba]]. After Rikidozan's [[Murder of Rikidōzan|murder]], Inoki worked in Baba's shadow until he left for an excursion to the [[United States]] in 1964.

After a long excursion of wrestling in the United States, Inoki found a new home in [[Tokyo Pro Wrestling]] in 1966. While there, Inoki became their biggest star. His first major feud in Japan was against [[Johnny Valentine]], [[NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Toronto version)|NWA United States Champion]] in [[Toronto, Ontario|Toronto]]. Inoki defeated Valentine on 19 December 1966 in Osaka to claim a version of the title. The company folded in January 1967, due to turmoil behind the scenes, and Inoki abandoned the title.

Returning to JWA in late 1967, Inoki was made Baba's partner and the two dominated the tag team ranks as the "B-I Cannon", winning the [[NWA International Tag Team Championship]] belts four times.

On 16 May 1969, during the 11th [[Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance#Annual tournaments##World Big League|World Big League]], Inoki stopped Giant Baba's fourth consecutive victory and won his first tournament.

In July 1969, when NET (currently [[TV Asahi]]) started broadcasting Japanese professional wrestling, Inoki was the [[Ace (professional wrestling)|ace]] of NET's wrestling broadcasts, as Baba's matches were monopolized by [[Nippon TV]] under the agreement between the JWA and Nippon TV. On 2 December 1969, he challenged [[Dory Funk Jr.]] for the [[NWA World Heavyweight Championship]], and on 26 March 1971, won the [[NWA United National Championship]] from [[John Tolos]], establishing the title in Japan.

===New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1972–2005)===
[[File:Ernie Ladd and Antonio Inoki - Wrestling Annual - June 1975 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Antonio Inoki wrestling with [[Ernie Ladd]] in June 1975]]
Fired from JWA in late 1971 for planning a [[takeover]] of the promotion, Inoki founded [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) in 1972. His first match as a New Japan wrestler was against [[Karl Gotch]]. In 1975 he faced [[Lou Thesz]], with Inoki taking a vicious Greco-Roman backdrop within the first seconds of the match.

In 1976, Inoki fought with [[Pakistan]]i [[Akram Pahalwan]] in a special rules match. The match apparently turned into a [[Shoot (professional wrestling)|shoot]], with an uncooperative Akram [[biting]] Inoki in the arm and Inoki retaliating with an [[eye poke]]. At the end, Inoki won the bout with a [[Armlock#Double wristlock (Gyaku ude-garami)|double wrist lock]], injuring Pahalwan's arm after the latter refused to submit. According to referee [[Teruo Takahashi|Mr. Takahashi]], this finish was not scripted and was fought for real after the match's original flow became undone.<ref>{{cite book| first= Teruo| last= Takahashi| authorlink= Teruo Takahashi| title= Ryūketsu no majutsu saikyō no engi subete no puroresu wa shōdearu| language= ja| trans-title= Vampiric Magic: Ultimate Acting — All Pro Wrestling is a Show | year= 2001| publisher= | isbn= | page= }}</ref>

On 8 December 1977, Inoki was involved in a match against former [[strength athletics|strongman]] turned professional wrestler Antonio Barichievich better known as [[Great Antonio|The Great Antonio]]. Barichievich inexplicably began no-selling Inoki's attacks and then stiffing Inoki; Inoki responded by shooting on Barichievich, retaliating with a series [[Strike (attack)#Palm|palm strikes]], grounding him with a [[Takedown (grappling)#Single leg takedown|single leg takedown]] and following with up repeated [[Soccer kick#In professional wrestling|kicks]], and then stomping his head repeatedly as he lay on the mat before the match was stopped.<ref>{{cite web|title=Great Antonio vs. Antonio Inoki – A Match That Almost Proved Deadly| date=9 December 2020 |url=https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/great-antonio-antonio-inoki/#:~:text=Antonio%20Inoki%20%E2%80%93%20A%20Match%20That%20Almost%20Proved,real%20fight%29%2C%20anything%20can%20happen%20and%20usually%20does.|publisher= | work= prowrestlingstories.com|access-date=3 March 2021|archive-date=29 January 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210129154235/https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/great-antonio-antonio-inoki/#:~:text=Antonio%20Inoki%20%E2%80%93%20A%20Match%20That%20Almost%20Proved,real%20fight%29%2C%20anything%20can%20happen%20and%20usually%20does.|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 1979, Inoki wrestled Akram's countryman [[Zubair Jhara Pahalwan]], this time in a regular match, and lost the fight in the fifth round.<ref>{{cite web|title=Revival of Bholu Brothers' legacy|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1095495|publisher=Dawn News|access-date=20 August 2014|date=25 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819214735/http://www.dawn.com/news/1095495|archive-date=19 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, 22 years after Zubair Jhara's death, he announced he would take Jhara's nephew Haroon Abid under his guardianship.<ref name=Guardianship>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1095495|title=Revival of Bholu Brothers' legacy|last=Umar|first=Suhail Yusuf {{!}} Muhammad|date=25 March 2014|work= dawn.com |access-date=21 October 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225142529/https://www.dawn.com/news/1095495|archive-date=25 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Antonio Inoki hitting Killer Khan 1982.png|thumb|Inoki (top) pounding [[Killer Khan]]'s (bottom) head during a match in 1982]]
On 30 November 1979, Inoki defeated [[WWE Championship|WWF Heavyweight Champion]] [[Bob Backlund]] in [[Tokushima]], Japan, to win the championship.<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 August 2021|title=Antonio Inoki WWF Champion - The Title Reign WWE Refuse to Acknowledge| url=https://atletifo.com/wrestling/wwe/antonio-inoki-wwf-champion/|access-date=2 September 2021|website=Atletifo Sports|language=en-US| archive-date=2 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902212401/https://atletifo.com/wrestling/wwe/antonio-inoki-wwf-champion/|url-status=live}}</ref> Backlund then won a rematch on 6 December. However, WWF president [[Hisashi Shinma]] declared the re-match a no contest due to interference from [[Tiger Jeet Singh]], and Inoki remained champion. Inoki refused the title on the same day, and it was declared vacant. Backlund later defeated [[Bobby Duncum, Sr.|Bobby Duncum]] in a [[Texas Death match]] to regain the title on 12 December. Inoki's reign is not recognized by WWE in its WWF/WWE title history and Backlund's first reign is viewed as uninterrupted from 1978 to 1983.

In 1995, Inoki and the North Korean government came together to hold a [[Collision in Korea|two-day wrestling festival for peace]] in [[Pyongyang|Pyongyang, North Korea]]. The event drew 165,000 and 190,000 fans respectively to [[Rungnado May Day Stadium]]. The main event saw the only match between Inoki and [[Ric Flair]], with Inoki coming out on top.<ref name="Hall"/> Days before this event, Inoki and the Korean press went to the grave and birthplace of Rikidōzan and paid tribute to him.

Inoki's retirement from professional wrestling matches came with the staging of the "Final Countdown" series between 1994 and 1998. This was a special series in which Inoki re-lived some of his martial arts matches under traditional professional wrestling rules, as well as rematches of some of his most well known wrestling matches. As part of the Final Countdown tour, Inoki made a rare [[World Championship Wrestling]] appearance; defeating WCW World Television Champion [[William Regal|Steven Regal]] in a non-title match at ''[[Clash of the Champions XXVIII]]''. On 4 April 1998, Inoki defeated [[Don Frye]] in the final official match of his professional wrestling career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodward |first=Hamish |date=23 November 2023 |title=Antonio Inoki Last Match Was Against Either Renzo Gracie Or Tatsumi Fujinami | website= Atletifo.com |url=https://atletifo.com/features/antonio-inoki-last-match-was-against-either-renzo-gracie-or-tatsumi-fujinami/ |access-date=24 November 2023 |language=en-GB}}</ref> After his retirement in 1998, Inoki founded a new wrestling promotion, the Universal Fighting-Arts Organization (UFO).

Inoki would later participate in four exhibition matches after his retirement. On 11 March 2000, at a Rikidōzan memorial event, Inoki was defeated by Japanese actor and singer [[Hideaki Takizawa]]; later that year during a New Year's Eve event, he wrestled Brazilian mixed martial artist [[Renzo Gracie]] to a time limit draw. On 31 December 2001, he teamed with [[The Great Sasuke]] to defeat [[Giant Silva]] and Red & White Mask;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=337693|title=Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2001|work=Cagematch.net |archive-date=1 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001222351/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=337693|url-status=live| accessdate= 1 October 2022}}</ref> two years later, on 31 December 2003, Inoki wrestled the final match of his career, facing [[Tatsumi Fujinami]] as part of Fujinami's retirement ceremony.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4zvUgzInds |title=Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2003 藤波辰爾引退セレモニー 「アントニオ猪木vs藤波辰爾 エキシビションマッチ」|via=[[YouTube]] |date=31 December 2003 |accessdate= 1 October 2022|archive-date=20 December 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211220012109/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4zvUgzInds|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2005, [[Yuke's]], a Japanese video company, purchased Inoki's controlling 51.5% stock in New Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://uk.games.ign.com/objects/026/026882.html |title=Yuke's Media Creations| website= uk.games.ign.com| publisher= [[IGN]] |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091027024845/http://uk.games.ign.com/objects/026/026882.html |archive-date=27 October 2009 |access-date= 10 February 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/7196/Yukes_Buys_Controlling_Share_of_New_Japan_Pro_Wrestling.php |title=Yuke's Buys Controlling Share of New Japan Pro-Wrestling| website= Gamasutra.com| date= 15 November 2005| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101110161439/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/7196/Yukes_Buys_Controlling_Share_of_New_Japan_Pro_Wrestling.php |archivedate= 10 November 2010 | access-date= 10 May 2014}}</ref>

===Post NJPW years (2005–2022)===
In 2007, Inoki founded a new promotion called [[Inoki Genome Federation]] (IGF).{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

On 1 February 2010, [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) announced on its Japanese website that Inoki would be inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]]. Inoki was presented with a Hall of Fame certificate by WWE's Ed Wells.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}

In 2017, Inoki created a new company, ISM. ISM held its first event on 24 June of that year. On 23 March 2018, Inoki left IGF.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

In October 2019, Inoki appeared at a [[Pro Wrestling Zero1]] event at the [[Yasukuni Shrine]], which is controversial for [[Controversies surrounding Yasukuni Shrine|its relation to World War II]].<ref>{{cite web | url= https://superluchas.com/zero1-yasukuni-shrine-150th-anniversary-antonio-inoki-invitado-especial/ | title= Zero1: 'Yasukuni Shrine 150th Anniversary' Antonio Inoki invitado especial| website= Superluchas | date=6 November 2019 |language= es |trans-title= Zero1: 'Yasukuni Shrine 150th Anniversary' special guest Antonio Inoki | archive-date=13 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813141438/https://superluchas.com/zero1-yasukuni-shrine-150th-anniversary-antonio-inoki-invitado-especial/ | url-status=live| access-date= 2025-09-12}}</ref>

In August 2022, Inoki established the Inoki Genki Factory to serve as his official management company.<ref name=NuIgf>{{cite web |url= https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/08/26/antonio-inoki-bringing-back-igf-as-a-management-company-called-inoki-genki-factory/| title= Antonio Inoki bringing back 'IGF' as a management company called 'Inoki Genki Factory' |work= POST Wrestling| last= Thompson| first= Andrew |date=26 August 2022| accessdate=9 April 2024}}</ref> It was later reported that the Inoki Genki Factory was looking into the idea of hosting professional wrestling and mixed martial arts events.<ref name=NuIgf/>

==Political career==
===House of Councillors===
====1989–1995: First stint====
Following in his father's footsteps, Inoki entered politics in 1989, when he was elected into the [[House of Councillors]] as a representative of his own [[Sports and Peace Party]] in the [[1989 Japanese House of Councillors election]]. Inoki's win secured him among the highest offices ever won by a [[Professional wrestling personalities in politics|professional wrestling personality in politics]]. The Sports and Peace Party later formed a parliamentary alliance with the [[Democratic Socialist Party (Japan)|Democratic Socialist Party]].<ref name=EnBio>{{cite web|url=https://www.inokigenki.com/en/history/index.html|title=Biography of Antonio Inoki|work=Inoki Genki Factory|accessdate=15 August 2024}}</ref> On 14 October 1989, Inoki was stabbed during a political event in [[Aizuwakamatsu]], [[Fukushima Prefecture]].<ref name=EnBio /> Emulating [[Muhammad Ali]], Inoki traveled to [[Iraq]] in 1990 in "an unofficial one-man diplomatic mission" to negotiate with [[Saddam Hussein]] for the release of Japanese hostages before the outbreak of the [[Gulf War]].<ref name=HuWash/> He personally organized [[:ja:スポーツと平和の祭典|a wrestling event]] in Iraq to entice Saddam to free the 41 captive Japanese nationals, this ultimately proved to be a success with 36 Japanese nationals freed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Iraq to Free 36 Japanese Hostages|url=https://apnews.com/article/19304168907ddd3d0cecf9995f65d01c|access-date=4 January 2021|website=AP NEWS|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122220627/https://apnews.com/article/19304168907ddd3d0cecf9995f65d01c|url-status=live}}</ref> Inoki subsequently retained his seat in the [[1992 Japanese House of Councillors election]]. He failed to win re-election in the [[1995 Japanese House of Councillors election]] following a number of scandals reported in 1994, and left politics for the next eighteen years.<ref name=2013PoliticalReturn>{{cite web|url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/all/2013/columndtl/201306050011-spnavi |title= アントニオ猪木が出馬「日本に元気を」 政界再進出の決め技は独自の外交路線| language= ja| trans-title= Antonio Inoki runs for office to 'revitalize Japan' — his signature move in re-entering politics is his unique diplomatic approach| date=5 June 2013 |work=Sports Navi|publisher=[[Yahoo!]]| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130724003126/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/sports/fight/all/2013/columndtl/201306050011-spnavi|archive-date=24 July 2013|url-status=live |access-date=22 July 2013}}</ref>

====2013–2019: Second stint====
[[File:Inoki closing speech (14948871659).jpg|thumb|Inoki delivering a speech in North Korea, 2014. Inoki's regular visits to the country strained his relations with the [[Japanese Diet]].]]
On 5 June 2013, Inoki announced that he would again run for a House of Councillors seat in the [[National Diet]] under the [[Japan Restoration Party]] ticket.<ref name=2013PoliticalReturn/><ref>{{cite news| last= Yoshida| first= Reiji |date= 5 June 2013| url= http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/06/06/national/antonio-inoki-eyes-diet-return-on-nippon-ishin-ticket/| title= Antonio Inoki Eyes Diet Return on Nippon Ishin Ticket| work= [[Japan Times]]| publisher= | url-status= dead| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20130621091445/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/06/06/national/antonio-inoki-eyes-diet-return-on-nippon-ishin-ticket/ |archivedate=21 June 2013 |access-date= 2025-09-12}}</ref> Inoki won the election to return to Japan's Upper House as an MP.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_72175.shtml|title=Political news: McMahons donate to Governor Christie, Linda to run for election again? Inoki wins in Japan|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=22 July 2013|access-date=22 July 2013| work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130724235110/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_72175.shtml|archive-date=24 July 2013| url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url= http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/he-fought-ali--now-hes-an-mp-20130722-2qepz.html |title= He fought Ali – now he's an MP | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104233420/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/he-fought-ali--now-hes-an-mp-20130722-2qepz.html |archivedate=4 January 2014 | work= [[Brisbane Times|brisbanetimes.com.au]] |date= 23 July 2013| access-date= 10 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20130726013824/http://japandailypress.com/japanese-wrestling-legend-antonio-inoki-wins-seat-in-upper-house-2232650/ Japanese wrestling legend Antonio Inoki wins seat in Upper House]}}. The Japan Daily Press (22 July 2013). Retrieved on 10 May 2014.</ref>

In November 2013, he was suspended from the Diet for 30 days because of an unauthorized trip to North Korea.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2013112100750|title=Inoki Banned from Diet for 30 Days over N. Korea Visit|publisher=[[Jiji Press]]| access-date= 22 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127135411/http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2013112100750| archive-date=27 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> He had visited on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the armistice in the [[Korean War]], and had met with senior North Korean figure [[Kim Yong-nam]] during his visit.<ref>{{cite news |title= 訪朝の猪木氏、金永南氏と会談 朝鮮中央通信伝える| language= ja| trans-title= Inoki visits North Korea and meets with Kim Yong Nam, reports Korean Central News Agency| url=http://www.asahi.com/politics/update/0729/TKY201307290027.html|access-date=6 January 2014 |newspaper=朝日新聞; asahi.com |date= 29 July 2013| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131102210734/http://www.asahi.com/politics/update/0729/TKY201307290027.html|archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status= live}}</ref> This was Inoki's 27th visit to North Korea; he explained that the [[North Korean abductions of Japanese citizens]] had caused the Japanese government to "close the door" on diplomacy with the North, but that the issue would not be resolved without ongoing communication, and that he saw his relationship with North Korean-born [[Rikidōzan]] as a crucial link to the people of the North.<ref>{{cite news| title= 独占インタビュー アントニオ猪木「北朝鮮でオレが見たもの」|language= ja| trans-title= Exclusive Interview with Antonio Inoki: 'What I Saw in North Korea' | url= http://gendai.ismedia.jp/articles/-/37987?page=2|access-date=9 January 2014 |newspaper=週刊現代| via= gendai.ismedia.jp |date=4 January 2014| quote= 私はこれまで27回も訪朝して、北朝鮮国民の暮らしぶりを見てきましたから、あの国のありのままの姿を知っています。ところが日本政府は、拉致問題が明らかになって以降、完全にドアを閉ざし、日朝関係は膠着状態に陥ってしまった。誰かがメッセージを送り続けなければ、拉致問題も解決しません。[I have visited North Korea 27 times and seen how the North Korean people live, so I know what the country is really like. However, since the abduction issue came to light, the Japanese government has completely closed its door, and Japan-North Korea relations have reached a stalemate. Unless someone continues to send a message, the abduction issue will not be resolved.] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109023057/http://gendai.ismedia.jp/articles/-/37987?page=2|archive-date=9 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

He was reportedly considering running for [[2014 Tokyo gubernatorial election|governor of Tokyo in 2014]] following another visit to North Korea.<ref>{{cite news| title= 猪木議員 都知事選出馬あるぞ 本命候補に躍り出る？ |url= http://www.sponichi.co.jp/society/news/2014/01/03/kiji/K20140103007313110.html |access-date=6 January 2014 |newspaper=スポーツニッポン |date=3 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040346/http://www.sponichi.co.jp/society/news/2014/01/03/kiji/K20140103007313110.html |archive-date=6 January 2014}}</ref>

Inoki joined the splinter of the Japan Restoration Party, [[Party for Future Generations]], in 2014. In January 2015, he helped to establish a new party named the [[Assembly to Energize Japan]], which he left in 2016, to sit in the [[:ja:無所属クラブ (日本 2014)|Independents Club]].

In September 2017, Inoki re-established his position that Japan should make more of an effort to have co-operative dialogue with North Korea, in the wake of North Korea launching [[ballistic missiles]] over [[Hokkaido]]. This was succeeded by another of Inoki's controversial trips to the nation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/09/02/national/politics-diplomacy/lawmaker-antonio-inoki-visit-north-korea-next-week-source/#.WnfUzdSLTDc|title=Lawmaker Antonio Inoki to visit North Korea again this week|date=2 September 2017|access-date=3 February 2018|work=[[The Japan Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205184618/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/09/02/national/politics-diplomacy/lawmaker-antonio-inoki-visit-north-korea-next-week-source/#.WnfUzdSLTDc|archive-date=5 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2019, Inoki announced his retirement from politics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/antonio-inoki-retires-politics/|title=Antonio Inoki Announces Retirement From Politics|author=Jeremy Thomas|date=27 June 2019|access-date=10 July 2019|work=411Mania|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710172400/https://411mania.com/wrestling/antonio-inoki-retires-politics/|archive-date=10 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Other positions===
On 23 June 1989, Inoki founded the [[Sports and Peace Party]], his own political party.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sanger|first=David|date=21 July 1989|title=Japan's Opposition Tailors Itself to the Mainstream|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/21/world/japan-s-opposition-tailors-itself-to-the-mainstream.html?pagewanted=2|access-date=|website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name=EnBio/> Inoki served as the party's [[Party leader|leader]] until the [[1998 Japanese House of Councillors election|1998 House of Councillors election]] when he was succeeded by Iichi Nishime. In 2002, Inoki was appointed a [[Goodwill ambassador|Goodwill Ambassador]] of [[Palau]];<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mvariety.com/news/local/japanese-celebrities-to-help-promote-palau/article_df17f4dd-42c5-5c1b-ac70-d2629255d880.html|title=Japanese celebrities to help promote Palau|date=14 May 2002|accessdate=15 August 2024|work=[[Marianas Variety]]}}</ref> Inoki would again be appointed a Japanese Goodwill Ambassador to Palau in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://palautimes.jp/spot/1331/|title=イノキアイランドの観光ガイド{{pipe}}アントニオ猪木オーナーの日本友好の島|date=20 April 2020|accessdate=12 April 2024|work=Palau Times}}</ref><ref name=PalauGoodwill/>

From August 2014 until December 2014, Inoki served as the director of the National Sports Bureau of the [[Party for Future Generations]] and as a chairperson of the Policy Research Committee of the House of Councillors.<ref name=EnBio/> On 1 March 2015, Inoki was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the [[2016 Summer Olympics]] by the [[National Olympic Committee of Cambodia]].<ref name=EnBio/> From 2015 until 2016, Inoki served as the supreme advisor of the [[Assembly to Energize Japan]], a political party he co-founded with [[Kota Matsuda]].

==Mixed martial arts involvement==
{{see also|Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki}}
Inoki was amongst the group of professional wrestlers who were tutored in the art of [[Catch wrestling|hooking and shooting]] by the professional wrestler [[Karl Gotch]]. This method of wrestling taught to Inoki by Gotch borrowed heavily from professional wrestling's original [[catch wrestling]] roots, and is one of the most important influences of modern [[shoot wrestling]]. Inoki named his method of fighting "[[strong style]]" and it is sometimes referred to as "Inokiism".

Inoki faced many opponents from all dominant disciplines of combat from various parts of the world, such as [[Boxing|boxers]], [[judo]]ka, [[karate]]ka, [[Chinese martial arts|kung fu]] practitioners, [[sumo]] wrestlers, and fellow professional wrestlers. These bouts included a match with then-prominent karate competitor Everett Eddy.<ref>[https://karate-in-english-lewis-wallace.blogspot.com/2009/07/everett-monster-man-eddy.html USA karate story : Chuck Norris – Joe Lewis – Bill Wallace: Everett "Monster Man" Eddy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003162041/http://karate-in-english-lewis-wallace.blogspot.com/2009/07/everett-monster-man-eddy.html|date=3 October 2011}}. Karate-in-english-lewis-wallace.blogspot.com. 18 July 2009.</ref> Eddy had previously competed in a mixed skills bout against boxer Horst Geisler and lost by knockout.<ref>Ortiz, Sergio (November 1975) [https://books.google.com/books?id=l9cDAAAAMBAJ "The Rise and Fall of Contact Karateka"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501075836/https://books.google.com/books?id=l9cDAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover&lr=&rview=1 |date=1 May 2016}}, Black Belt Magazine, Vol. 13, No. 11.</ref> The bout with Eddy ended with the karateka knocked out by a professional wrestling [[powerbomb]] followed by a [[Hulk Hogan]]-esque [[leg drop]]. Another such match pitted Inoki against 6'7" Kyokushin karate stylist [[Willie Williams (karateka)|Willie Williams]], who had allegedly fought a bear for a 1976 Japanese film titled ''The Strongest Karate 2''.<ref>See the documentary film [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0201194/ "Kings of the Square Ring"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209174629/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0201194/ |date=2017-02-09}} for excerpts</ref> This bout ended when a doctor stopped the fight after both competitors repeatedly fell out of the ring.<ref>Full bout available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0B1mugcGO4 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502041121/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0B1mugcGO4 |date=2016-05-02}}</ref> Although many of the matches were predetermined and scripted, they are seen as a precursor to modern [[mixed martial arts]] (MMA). When asked about Inoki's fighting skills, business colleague [[Carlson Gracie]] stated Inoki was "one of the best fighters he'd seen."<ref>[http://www.njpw.com/interviews/ismail.shtml]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060329044039/http://www.njpw.com/interviews/ismail.shtml|date=29 March 2006}}</ref>

His most famous bout was against heavyweight boxing champion [[Muhammad Ali]] on [[Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki|26 June 1976, in Tokyo]].<ref name="inokivsali">Cohen, Eric. [http://prowrestling.about.com/od/thebiggestrivalries/p/inokivsali.htm Antonio Inoki vs Muhammad Ali] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071123061604/http://prowrestling.about.com/od/thebiggestrivalries/p/inokivsali.htm |date=23 November 2007}}, ''[[About.com]]'', Retrieved on 1 December 2007.</ref> Inoki initially promised Ali a predetermined match to get him to fight in Japan, but when the deal materialized, Ali's camp feared that Inoki would turn the fight into a [[Shoot (professional wrestling)|shoot]], which many believe was Inoki's intention. Ali visited a professional wrestling match involving Inoki and witnessed Inoki's [[grappling]] ability. The rules of the match were announced several months in advance. Two days before the match, however, several new rules were added which severely limited the moves that each man could perform. One rule change, specifying that Inoki could only throw a kick if one of his knees was on the ground, had a major effect on the outcome of the fight.<ref name="inokivsali" /> Ali landed a total of six punches to Inoki, and Inoki kept to his back in a defensive position for almost the entire duration of the match of 15 rounds, hitting Ali with a low kick repeatedly.<ref name=inokiAli>{{cite web|title=Inoki vs. Ali Footage| website=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrXzH4WOUdc|access-date=4 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523220250/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrXzH4WOUdc|archive-date=23 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The bout ended in a draw, 3–3. Ali left without a press conference and suffered damage to his legs as a result of Inoki's repeated kicks.<ref name=sweetScience>{{cite web|last=Tallent|first=Aaron|title=The Joke That Almost Ended Ali's Career|work=The Sweet Science |url=http://www.thesweetscience.com/news/articles/1716-the-joke-that-almost-ended-ali-s-career/|access-date=24 October 2011|date=20 February 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221001501/http://www.thesweetscience.com/news/articles/1716-the-joke-that-almost-ended-ali-s-career|archive-date=21 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following his retirement from professional wrestling, Inoki promoted a number of MMA events such as UFO Legend, [[NJPW Ultimate Crush]] (which showcased pro wrestling matches and MMA matches on the same card), and the annual Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye shows which took place on New Year's Eve in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003. Some of the major attractions of these events involved the best of NJPW against world-renowned fighters in legitimate MMA matches. Inoki faced mixed martial artist [[Renzo Gracie]] in an exhibition match at the 2000 Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye.

On 28 August 2002, Inoki participated in the [[Pride Shockwave|Shockwave]] event co-promoted by [[K-1]] and the [[Pride Fighting Championships]]; with a reported attendance of 91,107, Shockwave remains the [[List of mixed martial arts attendance records|highest attended]] live event in MMA's history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tapology.com/search/mma-event-figures/total-attendance#:~:text=The%20current%20record%20for%20live,event%20regardless%20of%20the%20sport.|title = Total Attendance}}</ref> The event's opening ceremony saw Inoki dropping into the [[National Stadium (Tokyo)|National Stadium]] by parachute and then being joined by [[Hélio Gracie]].<ref name=":0"/> After being dubbed the "founding fathers of MMA", the two lit a ceremonial [[olympic torch|Olympic Torch]] together.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VtsDAAAAMBAJ&dq=antonio+inoki+pride+shockwave+parachute&pg=PP19|title=Black Belt|date=January 2003|publisher=Active Interest Media, Inc.|language=en}}</ref>

Future [[UFC Light Heavyweight Champion]] [[Lyoto Machida]] began his career in MMA under the management of Inoki. Machida was described by Inoki as a symbolic "successor" figure for himself, as [[Naoya Ogawa]] and [[Kazuyuki Fujita]] had been in the past.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200302.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060709230312/http://www.ichibanpuroresu.com/news/200302.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=9 July 2006|title=February 2003 News Archive|work=Ichiban Puroresu|date=February 2003|access-date=13 January 2019}}</ref> In 2003, Inoki co-founded the Brazilian MMA promotion [[Jungle Fight]] with [[Wallid Ismail]].<ref name=FightinginJungle>{{cite web|url=https://adcombat.com/news2005-04-27wallid-confirms-jungle-fight-4/|title=Wallid confirms Jungle Fight 4|work=[[ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship]]|author=Alonso, Marcelo|date=16 April 2005|accessdate=9 April 2024|quote=Wallid Ismail, co-promoter of the Jungle Fight in conjunction with main promoter Antonio Inoki, has just released the list of fighters for Jungle Fight 4, Road to Las Vegas.}}</ref> Inoki was also the ambassador for the [[International Fight League]]'s Tokyo entry before that promotion's demise. Additionally, Inoki's [[Inoki Genome Federation]] promoted both professional wrestling matches and mixed martial arts fights.

==Personal life==
Inoki married American woman Diana (also known as Linda) Tuck in 1965.<ref name="kekkon">{{Cite web |url= https://www.sponichi.co.jp/battle/news/2022/10/05/kiji/20221005s00003000152000c.html |title=猪木さん 生涯4度結婚 恋多き男の"寂しがり屋"な素顔 |work= sponichi.co.jp| publisher= Sponichi Annex|date= 5 October 2022 |language= ja | trans-title= |accessdate= 5 October 2022}}</ref> The couple had a daughter, but Inoki and Tuck separated after two years.<ref name="kekkon"/> Inoki's daughter died at age 8.<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.sponichi.co.jp/battle/news/2022/10/04/kiji/20221004s00003000001000c.html|title= 猪木さん、スポーツを通じた国際平和 独自外交で切り開いた道 |work= sponichi.co.jp| publisher= Sponichi Annex |date=4 October 2022 |language= ja | trans-title= |accessdate= 11 April 2024}}</ref> 

Inoki was married to actress [[Mitsuko Baisho]] from 1971 to 1987, and together they had a daughter, Hiroko.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.zakzak.co.jp/gei/2004_10/g2004103009.html |title= アントニオ猪木は"戦友"倍賞美津子（2） |language= ja | trans-title= | website= zakzak.co.jp |date= 30 October 2004| publisher= |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20130609062356/http://www.zakzak.co.jp/gei/2004_10/g2004103009.html |archivedate=9 June 2013| access-date= 10 May 2014}}</ref> Inoki married for a third time in 1989,<ref name="kekkon"/> with his third wife giving birth to Inoki's first son.<ref name="kekkon"/> The couple divorced in 2012.<ref name="kekkon"/> Inoki's son attended [[Columbia University]] in [[New York City]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=アントニオ猪木の息子 コロンビア大学に合格 |work= ニュース; j-cast.com | publisher= |date=25 March 2008| url=https://www.j-cast.com/2008/03/25018218.html?p=all |language= ja | trans-title= |accessdate=17 July 2024}}</ref> In 2014, Inoki took Haroon Abid, nephew of his Pakistani rival [[Zubair Jhara Pahalwan]], under his guardianship.<ref name=Guardianship/><ref>{{cite web| url= https://wgen.kodansha.ne.jp/archives/81150 |title=[追悼秘話]アントニオ猪木を「縛った女| website= kodansha.ne.jp| publisher= |language= ja | trans-title= [Memorial Secrets] The Woman Who 'Tied Up' Antonio Inoki|date=15 October 2022 |accessdate= 11 April 2024}}</ref> Inoki's fourth<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Tocana_201712_post_15199/ |title= 4度目の結婚も発覚！ アントニオ猪木や川越シェフ...実はバツ2以上の芸能人4人| work=Excite.co.jp |language= ja | trans-title= |date=3 December 2017|accessdate=1 October 2022|archive-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200726082006/https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Tocana_201712_post_15199/|url-status=live}}</ref> wife, Tazuko Tada, died on 27 August 2019.<ref>{{cite tweet| user= Inoki_Kanji| number= 1166172855433695232|title= 8月27日未明、妻・田鶴子が永眠致しました。 生前のご厚誼に深く感謝致します。カメラマンとして私の写真を撮りながら、いつも献身的に尽くしてくれました。 今は感謝の言葉しかありません。故人の遺志により、葬儀は家族葬で行います。弔問、香典、供花はご辞退申し上げます。アントニオ猪木 |language= ja | trans-title= My wife, Tatsuko, passed away in the early hours of August 27th. I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the kindness shown to her during her lifetime. She always devoted herself to taking my photographs as a photographer. All I can say now is words of gratitude. In accordance with her wishes, the funeral will be a private family funeral. We would like to ask that you please refrain from visiting, offering condolences, or sending flowers. Antonio Inoki | first= Antonio| last= Inoki |date=27 August 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=27 August 2019|archive-date= 8 November 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201108000909/https://twitter.com/Inoki_Kanji/status/1166172855433695232}}</ref> 

Inoki has two grandsons, Hirota and Naoto Inoki. Hirota was a swimmer for [[Santa Monica College]],<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.smccorsairs.com/sports/mswimdive/2021-22/bios/inoki_hiro_dxic|work= smccorsairs.com| publisher= [[Santa Monica College]] |title=Hirota 'Hiro' Inoki| accessdate= 11 April 2024}}</ref> having previously set school records in swimming at [[El Segundo High School]].<ref>{{cite web| url= https://www.facebook.com/ElSegundoHigh/posts/pfbid02RFCPwyY9WmSm9qbpJKcavJsKFrsXPPj4HdYgTW8UqnCuNFUW1oHRFf5HuKsUr1fl|title=Congratulations to Hirota Inoki, a member of the ESHS swim team, who beat the school record last week in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 42.69! With this amazing accomplishment, he qualifies for the City Section Division Championships. 🏊‍♂️|publisher= [[El Segundo High School]] |via= Facebook |date=6 April 2021|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref> In June 2023, Hirota was appointed to the board of directors of the Inoki Genki Factory.<ref>{{Cite web|title=アントニオ猪木さん、孫の寛太氏がＩＧＦ役員就任...海外ネットワーク部門担当 |language= ja | trans-title= Antonio Inoki's grandson Kanta appointed as IGF executive officer... in charge of overseas network division |work=スポーツ報知; hochi.news | publisher= |date=8 June 2023 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20230608-OHT1T51088.html?page=1| accessdate=17 July 2024}}</ref> In January 2024, it was reported that Naoto was training in professional wrestling under [[Katsuyori Shibata]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/katsuyori-shibata-training-antonio-inoki-grandson/|title=Katsuyori Shibata Reportedly Training Antonio Inoki's Grandson|work=411 Mania|author=Lee, Joseph|date=19 January 2024|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref> having previously trained under the staff of the L.A. Inoki Dojo.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.facebook.com/inoki.dojo/posts/pfbid0pcAp2dGEtqh1vPGFDnqcn9pSLFPUJBKLkqdjsuhm4TvE6219pqQ624krSXi3vEpsl|title=WWE Hall Of Fame Antonio Inoki Grandson Naoto Inoki Training!! #inokidojo #strongstyle #puroresu #ichiban #ichibaaaan| publisher=Inoki Dojo |via= Facebook |date=21 March 2020|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref> Naoto additionally trains in [[mixed martial arts]] (MMA) at [[Black House (MMA)|Black House MMA]].<ref name="bio">{{cite web| url=https://www.instagram.com/naoto_inoki/ |title= Naoto Inoki |via= [[Instagram]] |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20240411190926/https://www.instagram.com/naoto_inoki/ |archivedate=11 April 2024 | date= 11 April 2024| access-date= 11 April 2024}}</ref> On 20 July 2024, Naoto made his professional wrestling debut, defeating Casanova at a Backyard Squabbles event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o14oVZl4XzQ|title=Naoto Inoki (w/ Durango Kid) vs Casanova for Backyard Squabbles (07-20-24)|work=Lucha Wrestling Puroresu |via= [[YouTube]]|date=21 July 2024|accessdate=12 August 2024}}</ref>

Inoki had a [[Real life|real-life]] [[Frenemy|friendship turned rivalry]] with former tag team partner [[Giant Baba|Shohei "Giant" Baba]], with Inoki vowing to never enter one of Baba's [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) [[Wrestling ring|rings]].<ref name=BabaPledge>{{cite web|title=Antonio Inoki: The Defender of Strong Style|url=https://www.prowrestlinghall.net/antonio-inoki|author=Lister, John|work=[[International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame]]|accessdate=October 18, 2025}}</ref> In one of his last major public appearances prior to his death, Inoki appeared at an AJPW-promoted memorial show for Baba in February 2019; Inoki paid his respects to his former friend from ringside, unwilling to break his personal vow to never step inside an AJPW ring.<ref name=BabaPledge/>

Inoki converted to [[Shia Islam]] in 1990 during a pilgrimage to [[Karbala]], the Shiite holy city in [[Iraq]]. He had traveled to Iraq to negotiate the release of several Japanese hostages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://grantland.com/features/antonio-inoki-japan-politics-pro-wrestling-ric-flair-saddam-hussein-iraq-north-korea-kim-jong-un-hostages/|title=Wrestler, Statesman, Hostage Negotiator, Legend: The Life of Antonio Inoki|date=22 July 2014|accessdate=16 February 2022|work=[[Grantland]]| last= Hanaoka| first= Mimi|archive-date=16 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216141017/https://grantland.com/features/antonio-inoki-japan-politics-pro-wrestling-ric-flair-saddam-hussein-iraq-north-korea-kim-jong-un-hostages/|url-status=live}}</ref> While in Iraq, Inoki undertook the Islamic moniker '''Muhammad Hussain Inoki''' ({{langx|ar|محمد حسين اينوكي|Muhamad Husayn Aynwky}}), later reportedly describing himself as both a Muslim convert and a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]].<ref name= SpiritualJourney>{{cite web| last=Seeto| first=Damian| date=22 December 2012| url= http://www.rantsports.com/pro-wrestling/2012/12/22/wwe-hall-of-famer-antonio-inokis-new-spirtual-journey/| title=Antonio Inoki Embraces and Accepts The Nation Of Islam| publisher= | website= Rantsports.com| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063858/http://www.rantsports.com/pro-wrestling/2012/12/22/wwe-hall-of-famer-antonio-inokis-new-spirtual-journey/| archive-date=4 March 2016| url-status=live| access-date=10 May 2014}}</ref><ref name=PeaceFestival>{{cite web| url= http://www.pakistan-explorer.com/2/post/2012/12/legendary-japanese-wrestler-muhammad-hussain-inoki-revisits-pakistan-on-a-peace-festival.html| title= Legendary Japanese wrestler Muhammad Hussain Inoki revisits Pakistan on a Peace Festival| publisher= | work= [[Pakistan Explorer]]| date=12 July 2012| access-date=28 December 2012| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130920080508/http://www.pakistan-explorer.com/2/post/2012/12/legendary-japanese-wrestler-muhammad-hussain-inoki-revisits-pakistan-on-a-peace-festival.html| archive-date= 20 September 2013| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=HuHuff>{{cite web| last1= Mosbergen|first1=Dominique|title=Antonio Inoki, Wrestling Legend, Converts To Islam, Promotes International Peace (video) |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/31/antonio-inoki-islam-wrestling-peace_n_2585185.html|work=[[The Huffington Post]]|date=31 January 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141007054932/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/31/antonio-inoki-islam-wrestling-peace_n_2585185.html| archive-date=7 October 2014|url-status=live|access-date=4 October 2014}}</ref> In 2014, Inoki said he was "usually a Buddhist".<ref name= HuWash>{{cite news|last= Leiby |first= Richard|title=Wrestling, anyone? Pakistan welcomes back a flamboyant Japanese hero of the ring |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/wrestling-anyone-pakistan-welcomes-back-a-flamboyant-japanese-hero-of-the-ring/2012/12/13/b9cffed2-3fb8-11e2-ae43-cf491b837f7b_story.html|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=4 October 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141006081010/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/wrestling-anyone-pakistan-welcomes-back-a-flamboyant-japanese-hero-of-the-ring/2012/12/13/b9cffed2-3fb8-11e2-ae43-cf491b837f7b_story.html|archive-date=6 October 2014|url-status= live}}</ref>

Inoki operated a wrestling-themed restaurant in [[Shinjuku]], [[Tokyo]], named Antonio's Inoki Sakaba Shinjuku.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://taiken.co/single/antonio-inoki-sakabar-shinjuku|title=Antonio Inoki Sakabar - Shinjuku|work= taiken.co| publisher= Taiken Japan|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119131300/https://taiken.co/single/antonio-inoki-sakabar-shinjuku|archive-date=19 November 2018|url-status=live| access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref> Inoki is the namesake of two islands, the Inoki Friendship Island in [[Cuba]] and the Inoki Island in [[Palau]].<ref>{{cite web| url= https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2022/10/02/antonio-inoki-leaves-behind-a-complicated-dual-legacy/|title=Antonio Inoki leaves behind a complicated, dual legacy|author=Podgorski, Alex|work=[[Slam Wrestling]]|date=2 October 2022|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref><ref name= PalauGoodwill>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202210010001160.html|title=【猪木さん死去】在パラオ日本大使館「イノキアイランドと呼ばれる島も」大使夫妻との写真掲載し追悼 |language= ja | trans-title= |work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|date=1 October 2022 |accessdate= 11 April 2024}}</ref> In 2021, it was reported that spinal issues had confined Inoki to a wheelchair.

==Death==
On 1 October 2022 (30 September in [[Eastern Time]]), at age 79, Inoki died from [[Wild-type transthyretin amyloid|systemic transthyretin amyloidosis]].<ref name="death">{{cite web | url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/240536 | script-title=ja:アントニオ猪木さん死去 プロレス界の巨星堕つ | date=1 October 2022 | access-date=1 October 2022 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=ja | archive-date=1 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001222353/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/240536 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/24b35ddcbefd2e240aca03cbf969209e43037f4d | script-title=ja:アントニオ猪木さん 自宅で死去 79歳 燃える闘魂 プロレス黄金期けん引 | date=1 October 2022 | access-date=1 October 2022 | work=[[Yahoo! Japan]] | language=ja | archive-date=1 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001024154/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/24b35ddcbefd2e240aca03cbf969209e43037f4d | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/japan/antonio-inoki-passes-away-at-79-years-old|title=Antonio Inoki passes away at 79 years old|last1=Rose|first1=Bryan|publisher=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|date=1 October 2022|access-date=1 October 2022|archive-date=1 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001222353/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/japan/antonio-inoki-passes-away-at-79-years-old|url-status=live}}</ref> Inoki was given a [[Buddhist funeral]],<ref name="kaimyou">{{cite web|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/241899|title=アントニオ猪木さん告別式〝燃える闘魂〟に最後の別れ 「炎のファイター」で出棺|work= Tokyo Sports |date=14 October 2022|accessdate=3 May 2025}}</ref><ref name="kaimyou2">{{cite web|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/241915|title=猪木さん告別式で弟子たちに最後の試練 小川直也氏「ひつぎがハンパなく重たくて…」|work= Tokyo Sports |date=14 October 2022|accessdate=3 May 2025}}</ref> and bestowed the Buddhist [[posthumous name]] {{nihongo|'''Tōgakuin Kikon Kandō Koji'''|闘覚院機魂寛道居士}}.<ref name="kaimyou3">{{cite web|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20230307-OHT1T51157.html?page=1|title=アントニオ猪木さん「お別れ会」…急きょ午後９時まで国技館入り口に臨時の献花台を設置|work=[[Sports Hochi]]|date=7 March 2023|accessdate=3 May 2025}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
American [[professional wrestling]] promotion [[WWE]] paid tribute to Inoki on the 30 September episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10050859-wwe-hall-of-famer-antonio-inoki-dies-at-age-79|title=WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki Dies at Age 79|work=[[Bleacher Report]]|author=Wells, Adam|date=1 October 2022|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref> On 1 October, at [[Royal Quest II]] in [[London, England]], [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) held a [[ten-bell salute]] for Inoki.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hochi.news/articles/20221002-OHT1T51060.html?page=1|title=新日本プロレスロンドン大会でアントニオ猪木さん追悼...オカダ・カズチカと棚橋弘至がリングに並びテンカウント|date=2 October 2022|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref> Numerous other Japanese promotions would additionally hold ten-bell salutes for Inoki in the weeks and months following his death. [[Nippon Professional Baseball|NPB]] team [[Yokohama DeNA BayStars]] would play Inoki's theme song, "Inoki Bombaye" (itself a remix of "Ali Bombaye (Zaire Chant) I" from [[Muhammad Ali]]'s [[The Greatest (1977 film)|1977 biographical film]]), at their games as a tribute to Inoki following his death.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/202210010000663.html|title=【DeNA】プロレスファンの三浦監督、猪木さん死去を悼む「すごく大きな方でオーラがあって」|work=[[Nikkan Sports]]|date=1 October 2022|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/240574l|title=【ＤｅＮＡ】アントニオ猪木さんを追悼 横浜スタジアムに「炎のファイター」流れる|work= Tokyo Sports |date=1 October 2022|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref>

On 4 October, NJPW announced that they had made Inoki the promotion's Honorary Chairman for Life prior to his passing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/10/04/njpw-planned-to-announce-antonio-inoki-as-their-honorary-chairman-for-life/|title=NJPW planned to announce Antonio Inoki as their Honorary Chairman for life|work=POST Wrestling|date=2 October 2022|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref> On 10 October, during Declaration of Power, the first NJPW event held in Japan since Inoki's death, the promotion held a second ten-bell salute for Inoki.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/133175|title=NJPW pays Inoki tribute, Memorial Wrestle Kingdom set 【WK17】|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|date=10 October 2022|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref>

On 28 December, Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye x Ganryujima, a [[List of professional wrestling memorial shows|memorial show]] honoring Inoki, was organized by the Inoki Genki Factory in collaboration with Samurai Warriors Ganryujima and NJPW.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/11/01/inoki-bom-ba-ye-x-ganryujima-scheduled-for-12-28-at-ryogoku-sumo-hall/|title=INOKI BOM-BA-YE x Ganryujima scheduled for 12/28 at Ryōgoku Sumo Hall|date=1 November 2022|accessdate=8 April 2024|work=POST Wrestling|author=Thompson, Andrew}}</ref> Three days later, on 31 December, [[mixed martial arts]] promotion [[Rizin Fighting Federation|Rizin]] held their [[Bellator MMA vs. Rizin|Rizin 40]] event as a memorial for Inoki.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://encount.press/archives/401753/|title=【RIZIN】最後に響いたアントニオ猪木さんの「1、2、3、ダーッ！」 高田延彦が絶叫締め|work=ECOUNT|date=31 December 2024|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref> On 4 January 2023, NJPW held their [[Wrestle Kingdom 17]] event in tribute to Inoki.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/njpw-dedicating-wrestle-kingdom-17-to-antonio-inoki-main-event-set | title = NJPW dedicating Wrestle Kingdom 17 to Antonio Inoki, main event set | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date= 10 October 2022 | access-date=17 October 2022 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On 9 June, NJPW, [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]], and [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] held [[All Together (professional wrestling)#Again|All Together: Again]] to celebrate Inoki's legacy.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/results/all-together-again-live-results-njpw-ajpw-noah-crossover | title=All Together Again live results: NJPW/AJPW/NOAH crossover | date=9 June 2023}}</ref>

On 16 January 2023, Inoki was posthumously awarded the [[Order of the Rising Sun]] by the [[Government of Japan]].<ref name=RisingSunAwards4thClass/> On that same day, it was announced that Inoki had been awarded the [[:ja:従四位|Junior Fourth Rank]] in Japan's [[List of Japanese court ranks, positions and hereditary titles|''ikai'' court ranks]] system.<ref name=RisingSunAwards4thClass/> On 9 June, the [[List of Japanese anniversaries and memorial days|Japan Anniversary Association]] declared 1 October to be Antonio Inoki Fighting Spirit Day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20230613-NOJKKHWKLBAS5LFQFON2MRSE7I/|title=10月1日は「闘魂アントニオ猪木の日」日本記念日協会が認定| website= sankei.com| date=13 June 2024|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref> On 9 September, a statue of Inoki was unveiled at [[Sōji-ji]], a large [[Zen]] temple in [[Yokohama]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.sponichi.co.jp/battle/news/2023/09/13/kiji/20230913s00003000050000c.html |title= 猪木さんの一周忌法要 燃える闘魂ブロンズ像の前で「ダァー！！」|language= ja| trans-title= Inoki Honored on First Death Anniversary [with Iconic] ‘Daa!!’ [Shout] Before Burning Spirit Statue| website= sponichi.co.jp |date=13 September 2023|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref>

America's [[All Elite Wrestling]] held [[WrestleDream (2023)|an event]] on 1 October 2023, the one-year anniversary of Inoki's death, titled WrestleDream that was organized in honor of Inoki.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/tony-khan-announces-aew-wrestledream-ppv-full-gear-date-location|title=Tony Khan announces AEW WrestleDream PPV, Full Gear date & location|date=27 August 2023|last=Carey|first=Ian|work=[[Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online]]|access-date=29 August 2023}}</ref> [[AEW WrestleDream|WrestleDream]] has since been established as an annual event held by AEW in tribute to Inoki.<ref name=WrestleDreamII>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/aew-announces-dates-and-locations-2024-ppv-events|title=AEW Announces Dates And Locations For 2024 PPV Events|work=Fightful|author=Lambert, Jeremy|date=11 April 2024|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref>

On 14 December 2024, the [[Asia-Pacific_Federation_of_Wrestling#Antonio_Inoki_Memorial_Show|Antonio Inoki Memorial Show]] was organized in [[Shanghai, China]] by NJPW and various [[Asia-Pacific Federation of Wrestling]] promotions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.njpw1972.com/njpw-part-of-inoki-memorial-event-in-shanghai-52f09ad42bc6|title=NJPW set for Inoki memorial event in Shanghai!|date=17 September 2024|accessdate=5 December 2024|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling}}</ref>

Two of Inoki's former students, Durango Kid and Laberinto, currently run a ''[[lucha libre]]'' promotion that bears his name, Inoki Sports Management.<ref name=OtakuLucha>{{cite web|url=http://socaluncensored.com/2019/04/18/lucha-otaku-and-inoki-sports-management-partner-to-launch-purolucha/|title= Lucha Otaku and Inoki Sports Management partner to launch PuroLucha|work=[[SoCal Uncensored (website)|SoCal Uncensored]]|author=Bryant, Steve|date=18 April 2019|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref> The two also serve as the head trainers of a [[wrestling school]] named the L.A. Inoki Dojo.<ref name=OtakuLucha/>

==In media==
A character based on Inoki called "Kanji Igari" appears in the Japanese [[manga]] series ''[[Baki the Grappler]]'' by [[Keisuke Itagaki]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-mike-toole-show/2018-12-23/.141236 | title=The Mike Toole Show - To Hell and Baki | date=23 December 2018 | author=Toole, Mike | publisher=[[Anime News Network]] | access-date=22 June 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622204702/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-mike-toole-show/2018-12-23/.141236 | archive-date=22 June 2019 | url-status=live}}</ref>

Inoki appears in the [[manga]] and anime series ''[[Tiger Mask]]'', in a secondary role: he is the only one who was able to win over [[Tiger Mask|Naoto "Tiger Mask" Date]], with the two subsequently becoming best friends.

Under the names "Kanta Inokuma" and "Armand Inokuma", Inoki appears in the manga ''Rasputin the Patriot'' by [[Takashi Nagasaki]] and [[Junji Itō]], a manga heavily based on the book ''Trap of the State'' written by ex-diplomat and political writer Masaru Satō. This manga reveals Inoki's experience when he visited Russia to meet with vice president of the Soviet Union [[Gennady Yanayev]] in May 1991, three months before the [[1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt|Soviet coup attempt]]. According to the manga, Inoki  correctly predicted that Yanayev would be the one to lead the coup d'état attempt in August.

Inoki appeared in the film ''[[The Bad News Bears Go to Japan]]'' as himself. A [[subplot]] in his scenes involved Inoki seeking a rematch with Ali. [[Gene LeBell]], who also appears in these scenes as a manager of Inoki's scheduled opponent, Mean Bones Beaudine, was the referee of Inoki's match with Ali. Inoki's appearance in the film culminates with a match against the main character, Marvin Lazar (played by [[Tony Curtis]]), when Beaudine suddenly becomes unavailable to participate. Professional wrestler [[Héctor Guerrero]] served as Curtis's stunt double for the wrestling portions of this scene.

Inoki had the starring role in the film ''Acacia'' directed by [[Hitonari Tsuji|Jinsei Tsuji]].<ref>{{cite news |date=20 September 2010 |title=Int'l film festival begins in N. Korea, playing Japan's 'Acacia' |newspaper=[[Kyodo News]]}}</ref>

In [[Oh! great|Oh!Great]]'s manga ''[[Air Gear]]'', Inoki is regularly referred to by the author, and by the manga's characters as an influence on their fighting style. The manga also makes several references to Inoki's large chin.

Inoki made an appearance as the guest in [[Doraemon (2005 TV series)|2005 ''Doraemon'']] episode "The Pitch-Black Pop Stars", where he wrestled Gian after he splashed ink on his face.

Inoki is the inspiration for the wrestling legend Iron Kiba, from the manga ''Koukou Tekkenden Tough''.

Several episodes of the Japanese comedy show ''[[Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!]]'', most notably 2007's "Do Not Laugh at the Hospital" and 2009's "Do Not Laugh as a Hotel Man", have included parodies of Inoki. In the former, three "patients" are presented as being Inoki, with each imitating Inoki's in-ring persona; while in the latter, the guest known only as "Shin Onii" was asked to imitate Inoki as if he were a hotel [[bellhop]].

In May 2021, Inoki appeared on the [[Vice on TV]] series ''[[Dark Side of the Ring]]'' in an episode covering the 1995 [[Collision in Korea]] event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/new-clips-for-tonights-the-collision-in-korea-episode-of-dark-side-of-the-ring/|title=New Clips for Tonight's 'The Collision in Korea' Episode of Dark Side of the Ring|author=Harris, Jeffrey|work=411 Mania|date=20 May 2021|accessdate=21 May 2021|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520220842/https://411mania.com/wrestling/new-clips-for-tonights-the-collision-in-korea-episode-of-dark-side-of-the-ring/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2023, Inoki was the subject of a [[documentary film]], ''Looking for Antonio Inoki''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eiga.com/news/20230712/3/|title=アントニオ猪木さん、没後1年 壮大な軌跡を追ったドキュメンタリー映画、10月6日公開|publisher=映画.com|date=12 July 2023|accessdate=14 September 2023}}</ref>

==Wrestlers trained==
{{Div col|colwidth=12em}}
* [[Adam Pearce]]<ref name=OtakuLucha>{{cite web|url=http://socaluncensored.com/2019/04/18/lucha-otaku-and-inoki-sports-management-partner-to-launch-purolucha/|title= Lucha Otaku and Inoki Sports Management partner to launch PuroLucha|work=[[SoCal Uncensored (website)|SoCal Uncensored]]|author=Bryant, Steve|date=18 April 2019|accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref>
* Akira Jo
* [[Alex Koslov]]
* [[Akira Maeda]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=2&nr=1096&page=14|title=Entourage « Antonio Inoki « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=21 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507074323/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1096&page=14|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Awesome Kong|Amazing Kong]]<ref name=INOKIDOJOUSAFIGHTERS>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.com/fighters/index.shtml|title=INOKI DOJO USA FIGHTERS|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060329043413/http://www.njpw.com/fighters/index.shtml |accessdate=18 August 2024|archive-date=29 March 2006}}</ref>
* American Balloon
* [[Aaron Aguilera]]<ref name=INOKIDOJOUSAFIGHTERS/>
* [[:ja:澤田敦士|Atsushi Sawada]]
* [[Bad News Allen]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* Bobby Quance<ref name=INOKIDOJOUSAFIGHTERS/>
* [[Jay Bradley|Brad Bradley]]<ref name=INOKIDOJOUSAFIGHTERS/>
* [[Brian Adams (wrestler)|Brian Adams]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Bryan Danielson]]<ref name=OtakuLucha/>
* [[Chad Wicks]]<ref name=INOKIDOJOUSAFIGHTERS/>
* [[Christopher Daniels]]<ref name=OtakuLucha/>
* [[CM Punk]]<ref name=OtakuLucha/>
* [[Daniel Puder]]
* [[Dru Onyx]]
* Durango Kid<ref name=LuchaConnection>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/laberintochris/posts/pfbid0zHwqjuypb9kRhTdorTcFFNSknLqgP2ucMVeHca1W2AASKByt7RLKFVB8YRtgujbSl|title=Thank You Mr. Inoki Because Of You I Found My Path To Chase My Dream And I Will Forever Be Grateful!! You Will Forever Be #1 ICHIBAAAAANNN!!!!! 💯👊💥 RIP Mr. Inoki 2007 East Los Angeles 17 Year Old Laberinto Antonio Inoki Durango Kid|date=1 October 2022|accessdate=11 April 2024|work=Labyrinth Laberinto on [[Facebook]]}}</ref>
* [[Finn Bálor]]
* [[Hartley Jackson]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Pacific Pro Wrestling - Hartley Jackson|url=http://pacificprowrestling.com/website/index.php/championships/tag-team/10-wrestlers/93-hartley-jackson|access-date=7 September 2020|website=pacificprowrestling.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Antonio Inoki Stats and Profile|url=https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/profiles/antonio-inoki|access-date=17 September 2020|website=eWrestlingNews.com|language=en-US}}</ref> 
* [[:es:Heddi Karaoui|Heddi Karaoui]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Hideki Suzuki]]
* [[Hiroshi Hase]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Hisakatsu Oya]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Ivan Gomes]]<ref>''Prowrestling Album 2 - Antonio Inoki's Martial Arts World Finals'', Baseball Magazine, October 1986</ref> 
* Jack Bull
* Jimmy Ambriz<ref name=INOKIDOJOUSAFIGHTERS/>
* Jose Moreno<ref name=INOKIDOJOUSAFIGHTERS/>
* [[Chyna|Joanie Laurer]]
* [[Joey Ryan (wrestler)|Joey Ryan]]<ref name=INOKIDOJOUSAFIGHTERS/>
* [[José the Assistant]]
* [[Josh Barnett]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestling-world.com/news/news/wwe/27792/josh-barnett-wwe-advice-from-stone-cold/|title=Josh Barnett Reflects on Wrestling's Enduring Wisdom|work=Wrestling World|date=27 January 2024|accessdate=11 April 2024|author=Rasool, Noman|quote=Josh Barnett initially made his wrestling debut in 2003 with New Japan Pro Wrestling after rigorous training under the guidance of Antonio Inoki.}}</ref>
* [[Jushin Thunder Liger]]
* [[Justin McCully]]<ref name=INOKIDOJOUSAFIGHTERS/>
* Justin White
* [[Karl Anderson]]<ref name=OtakuLucha/>
* [[Katsuyori Shibata]]
* [[Kazunari Murakami]]
* [[Kazuyuki Fujita]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Keiji Muto]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Kendo Kashin]]
* [[Kengo Kimura]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Kohei Sato]]<ref name=INOKIDOJOUSAFIGHTERS/>
* [[Kotetsu Yamamoto]]
* Laberinto<ref name=LuchaConnection/>
* [[Masahiro Chono]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Masakatsu Funaki]]
* Masanobu Kurisu<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[:pt:Michel Serdan|Michel Serdan]]
* [[Mikey Nicholls]]
* [[Minoru Suzuki]]
* Misterioso Jr.
* [[Naoya Ogawa]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Nobuhiko Takada]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Osamu Kido]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Ricky Reyes]]<ref name="OWWRR">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/r/ricky-reyes.html|title=Ricky Reyes|access-date=30 April 2010|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
* [[Riki Choshu]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Rocky Romero]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/><ref name=OtakuLucha/>
* [[Salman Hashimikov]]<ref name=FieldGuide>{{cite book | author= Pope, Kristian | title= Tuff Stuff - Professional wrestling field guide | publisher= KP Books | year= 2005 | chapter = Hashimikov, Salman (1980s–1990s) | pages = 218 | location= Iola, Wisconsin | isbn=0-89689-267-0}}</ref>
* [[Sara Del Rey]]
* [[Satoru Sayama]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* Sean McCully
* [[Sinn Bodhi]]
* Shane Eitner<ref name=INOKIDOJOUSAFIGHTERS/>
* [[Shelly Martinez]]<ref name="KK">{{cite web|url=http://www.koffinkitten.com/bio/bio.htm|title=Actress, female wrestler and Glamour model Desire|publisher=Koffin Kitten|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228233312/http://www.koffinkitten.com/bio/bio.htm|archive-date=28 December 2007}}</ref>
* [[Shinsuke Nakamura]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Shinya Hashimoto]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Samoa Joe]]<ref name=OtakuLucha/>
* [[Tadao Yasuda]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Tatsumi Fujinami]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Tatsutoshi Goto]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* The Iceman<ref name=INOKIDOJOUSAFIGHTERS/>
* [[Tian Bing]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Tiger Ali Singh]]<ref name="Oliver1997">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/2011/06/21/18314726.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130225616/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/2011/06/21/18314726.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 November 2017|title=Tiger Ali Singh ready to take on the world|accessdate=16 May 2019|date=1997|publisher=[[Postmedia Network]]|work=[[Canoe.com]]}}</ref>
* [[T. J. Perkins|TJP]]<ref name="Puma">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/t-j-perkins/|title=T.J. Perkins|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=23 June 2013}}</ref><ref name=OtakuLucha/>
* Tommy Williams<ref name=INOKIDOJOUSAFIGHTERS/>
* [[Victor Zangiev]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Wim Ruska|Willem Ruska]]
* Yamiki<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
* [[Yoshiaki Fujiwara]]<ref name="Kreikenbohm 14"/>
{{div col end}}

==Exhibition boxing record==
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|draws=1
|ko-wins=
|ko-losses=
|dec-wins=
|dec-losses=
|nonscore=
}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|1
|{{draw}}Draw
|0–0–1
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Boxing career of Muhammad Ali|Muhammad Ali]]
|PTS
|15
|[[Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki|June 26, 1976]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|[[Nippon Budokan]], [[Tokyo]], Japan}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Under special ''boxing-wrestling'' rules}}
|}

==Championships and accomplishments==
* '''[[Cauliflower Alley Club]]'''
** Lou Thesz Award ([[Cauliflower Alley Club#2004|2004]])
* '''[[George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame]]'''
** Class of 2005
* '''[[International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame]]'''
** Class of 2021<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlinghall.org/induction|title=Induction Weekend 2022|website=Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=13 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213041036/https://www.prowrestlinghall.org/induction|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance]]'''
** [[NWA International Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA International Tag Team Championship#Title history|4 times]]) – with [[Shohei Baba]]
** [[All Asia Tag Team Championship]] ([[All Asia Tag Team Championship#Title history|4 times]]) – with Michiaki Yoshimura (3) and [[Kintarō Ōki]] (1)
** 11th [[World Big League]]
** 1st [[World Tag League (JWA)|World Tag League]] <small>with [[Kantaro Hoshino]]</small>
** 2nd World Tag League <small>with [[Seiji Sakaguchi]]</small>
* '''[[National Wrestling Federation]]'''
** [[NWF Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWF Heavyweight Championship#Title history|4 times]])
* '''[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]'''
** [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Heavyweight Champions|1 time]])
** [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship (original version)|IWGP Heavyweight Championship ''(original version)'']] ([[IWGP Heavyweight Championship (original version)#Reigns|2 times]])
** [[NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Los Angeles/Japan version)|NWA North American Tag Team Championship ''(Los Angeles/Japan version)'']] ([[NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Los Angeles/Japan version)#Title history|1 time]]) – with Seiji Sakaguchi
** [[Real World Championship]] ([[Real World Championship#Title history|1 time]])
** [[G1 Climax#Tounrnament history|IWGP League]] (1984, 1986, 1987, 1988)
** Japan Cup Tag Team League (1986) <small>with [[Yoshiaki Fujiwara]]</small>
** [[G1 Climax#Tounrament history|MSG League]] (1978–1981)
** MSG Tag League (1980) <small>with [[Bob Backlund]]</small>
** MSG Tag League (1982) <small>with [[Hulk Hogan]]</small>
** MSG Tag League (1983) <small>with Hulk Hogan</small>
** MSG Tag League (1984) <small>with [[Tatsumi Fujinami]]</small>
** Six Man Tag Team Cup League (1988) <small> with [[Riki Choshu]] & [[Kantaro Hoshino]]</small><ref>[http://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=2385 Japan Cup Elimination Tag League « Tournaments Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620205023/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=2385|date=20 June 2013}}. Cagematch.net. Retrieved on 10 May 2014.</ref>
** [[G1 Climax|World League]] (1974, 1975)
** [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling#Greatest 18 Club|Greatest 18 Club]] inductee
** [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling#NJPW Greatest Wrestlers|Greatest Wrestlers (Class of 2007)]]<ref>[http://www.njpw.co.jp/english/data/list_greatest.html NJPW Greatest Wrestlers] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823010922/http://www.njpw.co.jp/english/data/list_greatest.html |date=23 August 2014}}. [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]. Retrieved on 23 August 2014.</ref>
* '''[[World Class Championship Wrestling|NWA Big Time Wrestling]]'''
** [[NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])
** [[NWA World Tag Team Championship (Texas version)|NWA World Tag Team Championship ''(Texas version)'']] ([[NWA World Tag Team Championship (Texas version)|1 time]]) – with [[Hisao Tanaka|Duke Keomuka]]<ref name=NWATagTexas>{{cite book | first1=Royal | last1=Duncan | first2=Gary | last2=Will | title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=Pennsylvania |year=2000 | publisher=Archeus Communications | isbn=0-9698161-5-4 | chapter=Texas: NWA World Tag Team Title [Siegel, Boesch and McLemore]}}</ref><ref name=NWATagTexasWeb>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/nwa-ss/tx-nwa-t.html | title=National Wrestling Alliance World Tag Team Title [E. Texas] | work=Wrestling-Titles | access-date=21 February 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216081255/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/nwa-ss/tx-nwa-t.html | archive-date=16 December 2016 | url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[NWA Hollywood Wrestling]]'''
** [[NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Los Angeles/Japan version)|NWA North American Tag Team Championship ''(Los Angeles/Japan version)'']] ([[NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Los Angeles/Japan version)#Title history|1 time]]) – with Seiji Sakaguchi
** [[NWA United National Championship]] ([[NWA United National Championship#Title history|1 time]])
* '''[[NWA Mid-America]]'''
** [[NWA World Tag Team Championship (Mid-America version)|NWA World Tag Team Championship ''(Mid-America version)'']] ([[NWA World Tag Team Championship (Mid-America version)|1 time]]) – with [[Yasuhiro Kojima|Hiro Matsuda]]
* '''[[Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum]]'''
** [[Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum#Inductees|Class of 2009]]<ref name="pwhfbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwhf.org/halloffamers/bios/inoki.asp|title=Antonio Inoki|author=Miyamoto, Koji|publisher=[[Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum]]|access-date=22 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514015619/http://www.pwhf.org/halloffamers/bios/inoki.asp|archive-date=14 May 2011|url-status=dead|author-link=Koji Miyamoto}}</ref>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** Ranked No. '''16''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 1995
** Ranked No. '''5''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the "PWI Years" in 2003
** Ranked No. '''12''', and '''44''' of the 100 best tag team of the "PWI Years" with Tatsumi Fujinami and Hulk Hogan, respectively, in 2003
** Lifetime Achievement Award<ref name="PWI">Rosenbaum, Dave. "Multi-Promotional Supercard! World Wrestling Peace Festival Unites The World!." ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''. Fort Washington, Pennsylvania: London Publishing Company. (November 1996): pg. 26–29.</ref>
** [[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Stanley Weston Award (Lifetime Achievement)|Stanley Weston Award]] (2018)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://superluchas.com/aj-styles-y-becky-lynch-lideran-los-premios-pwi-2018/|title=AJ Styles y Becky Lynch lideran los premios PWI 2018|date=11 January 2019|access-date=12 January 2019|work=[[Súper Luchas]]|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112150334/https://superluchas.com/aj-styles-y-becky-lynch-lideran-los-premios-pwi-2018/|archive-date=12 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''''[[Superstars of Wrestling|Pro Wrestling This Week]]'''''
** Wrestler of the Week ( 7–13 June 1987)<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Pro Wrestling This Week |series=[[Superstars of Wrestling]] |first=Joe |last=Pedicino |author-link=Joe Pedicino |first2=Gordon (hosts) |last2=Solie |author2-link=Gordon Solie |network=[[Broadcast syndication|Syndicated]] |station=[[WATL]] |location=[[Atlanta, Georgia]] |date=13 June 1987}}</ref>
* '''[[Tokyo Pro Wrestling]]'''
** United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
* '''''[[Tokyo Sports]]'''''
** 30th Anniversary Lifetime Achievement Award (1990)<ref name=TokyoSportsAwards90s>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past3/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツ プロレス大賞|access-date=20 January 2014|work= Tokyo Sports |language= ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014233953/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past3/|archive-date=14 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
** 50th Anniversary Lifetime Achievement Award (2010)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past5/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツ プロレス大賞|access-date=20 January 2014|work= Tokyo Sports |language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230801/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past5/|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Tag Team Award|Best Tag Team Award]] (1975) <small>with Seiji Sakaguchi</small><ref name= TokyoSportsAwards70s/>
** Best Tag Team Award (1981) <small>with Tatsumi Fujinami</small><ref name=TokyoSportsAwards80s/>
** Distinguished Service Award (1979, 1982)<ref name=TokyoSportsAwards70s/><ref name=TokyoSportsAwards80s/>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Lifetime Achievement Award|Lifetime Achievement Award]] (1989, 2022)<ref name=TokyoSportsAwards80s/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/248315|script-title=ja:【プロレス大賞】宮原健斗 3度目の殊勲賞で全日本50周年に華「51年目もさらに盛り上げていく」| date=16 December 2022| access-date=17 December 2022|work= Tokyo Sports |language=ja}}</ref>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Best Bout Award|Match of the Year Award]] (1974) <small>vs. [[Strong Kobayashi]] on 19 March</small><ref name=TokyoSportsAwards70s>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past1/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツ プロレス大賞|access-date=20 January 2014|work= Tokyo Sports |language=ja| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140203093803/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past1/|archive-date=3 February 2014|url-status= live}}</ref>
** Match of the Year Award (1975) <small>vs. [[Billy Robinson]] on 11 December</small><ref name=TokyoSportsAwards70s/>
** Match of the Year Award (1979) <small>with [[Giant Baba]] vs. [[Abdullah the Butcher]] and [[Tiger Jeet Singh]] on 26 August</small><ref name=TokyoSportsAwards70s/>
** Match of the Year Award (1984) <small>vs. Riki Choshu on 2 August</small><ref name=TokyoSportsAwards80s/>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#MVP Award|MVP Award]] (1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981)<ref name=TokyoSportsAwards70s/><ref name=TokyoSportsAwards80s>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past2/|script-title=ja:東京スポーツ プロレス大賞|access-date=20 January 2014|work= Tokyo Sports |language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014233844/https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/wrestling/wrestling_past2/|archive-date=14 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Special Grand Prize|Special Grand Prize]] (1983, 1987)<ref name=TokyoSportsAwards80s/>
** [[Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards#Technique Award|Technique Award]] (1985)<ref name=TokyoSportsAwards80s/>
* '''[[Universal Wrestling Association]]'''
** [[UWA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[UWA World Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=DiaApril13>{{cite web | url=https://Superluchas.com/en-un-dia-como-hoy-1980-cartel-super-internacional-en-el-toreo-antonio-inoki-vs-tiger-jeet-singh-fishman-vs-tatsumi-fujinami/ | title=En un día como hoy... 1980: Cartel súper internacional en El Toreo: Antonio Inoki vs. Tiger Jeet Singh — Fishman vs. Tatsumi Fujinami | first=Teddy | last=Centinela | date=13 April 2015 | access-date=1 July 2015 | work=SuperLuchas Magazine | language=es | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819051527/https://superluchas.com/en-un-dia-como-hoy-1980-cartel-super-internacional-en-el-toreo-antonio-inoki-vs-tiger-jeet-singh-fishman-vs-tatsumi-fujinami/ | archive-date=19 August 2018 | url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[World Championship Wrestling]]'''
** [[WCW Hall of Fame]] ([[WCW Hall of Fame#Inductees|Class of 1995]])
* '''[[WWE|World Wide Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
** [[WWE Championship|WWF Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of WWE Champions|1 time, unrecognized]]){{Efn|WWE does not officially recognize this reign due to a "controversial finish," instead acknowledging [[Bob Backlund]]'s reign as uninterrupted.}}
** [[WWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship|WWWF/WWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times, inaugural]])
** [[WWE Hall of Fame#Specialty inductees|WWE Hall of Fame]] ([[WWE Hall of Fame (2010)|Class of 2010]])
* '''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Promoter of the Year|Promoter of the Year]] (2001)
** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] ([[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame#Inductees|Class of 1996]])

==Decorations received by Inoki==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left;"
|-
!colspan=2 width="490px" | Award or decoration
!Country
!Date
!class="unsortable"|Ref.
|-
|[[File:BRA_-_Order_of_the_Southern_Cross_-_Knight_BAR.svg|80px|border]]
|[[Order of the Southern Cross]]
|{{flag|Brazil}}
|20 December 1974
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forums.prowrestlingonly.com/topic/54719-naoki-otsuka-and-the-early-years-of-njpw/#comment-5999804|title= NAOKI OTSUKA AND THE EARLY YEARS OF NJPW, #9: THE LION AND THE DRAGON|date=20 February 2023|accessdate=13 May 2024}}</ref>
|-
|[[File:Орден_дружбы_КНДР.png|80px|border]]
|[[Order of Friendship (North Korea)|Order of Friendship]]
|{{flag|North Korea}}
|15 September 2010
|<ref name=EnBio/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Antonio Inoki: Wrestling North Korea to Diplomacy? |last=Joyce |first=Andrew |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=12 October 2010 |access-date=8 November 2021 |url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-JRTB-5431}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.japanprobe.com/2010/09/22/antonio-inoki-friend-of-north-korea/|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101127180336/http://www.japanprobe.com/2010/09/22/antonio-inoki-friend-of-north-korea/|title=Antonio Inoki – Friend of North Korea |date=22 September 2010|accessdate=11 April 2024|archive-date=27 November 2010|work=Japan Probe}}</ref>
|-
|[[File:CUB_Friendship_Medal_ribbon.svg|80px|border]]
|[[Friendship Medal (Cuba)|Friendship Medal]]
|{{flag|Cuba}}
|20 November 2012
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/20121120/sot12112020380001-n1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129010419/https://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/20121120/sot12112020380001-n1.html|title=アントニオ猪木氏、キューバから「友好勲章」|date=20 November 2012|archive-date=29 November 2012 |work=[[Sankei Sports]]| via= sanspo.com |accessdate=11 April 2024}}</ref>
|-
|[[File:JPN_Kyokujitsu-sho_blank_BAR.svg|80px|border]]
|[[Order of the Rising Sun]]
|{{flag|Japan}}
|16 January 2023
|<ref name=RisingSunAwards4thClass>{{cite web|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/251135|title=アントニオ猪木さん 日本レスラー初「従四位」「旭日中綬章」授与 伝達の1・23には特別な意味|date=16 January 2023|accessdate=11 April 2024|work=Tokyo Sports}}</ref>
|-
|N/A
|[[:ja:従四位|Junior Fourth Rank]]
|{{flag|Japan}}
|16 January 2023
|<ref name=RisingSunAwards4thClass/>
|}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{Wikiquote|ja:アントニオ猪木|Antonio Inoki (''Japanese'')}}
<!-- per [[WP:ELMINOFFICIAL]], choose one official website only -->
* {{Official website|https://www.inokigenki.com/}}
* [http://www.twc-wrestle.com/inokienglish.html Antonio Inoki's English Home Page]
* [http://www.sangiin.go.jp/japanese/joho1/kousei/eng/members/profile/5989015.htm House of Councillor profile: Mr. Antonio Inoki] ({{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722185618/http://www.sangiin.go.jp/japanese/joho1/kousei/eng/members/profile/5989015.htm |date=22 July 2019 |url-status=dead}})
* [https://www.puroresu.com/personalities/inoki/ Puroresu.com profile: Antonio Inoki]
* [https://nwhof.org/blog/dg-inductees/antonio-inoki/ National Wrestling Hall of Fame profile: Antonio Inoki]
* [http://www.pwhf.org/halloffamers/bios/inoki.asp Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame profile: Antonio Inoki] ({{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514015619/http://www.pwhf.org/halloffamers/bios/inoki.asp |date=14 May 2011 |url-status=dead}})
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
* [http://www.karateoz.com/html/kansuiryu_profile.html Article on the Kansui-ryū karate style created by Antonio Inoki and Yukio Mizutani] ({{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105161641/http://www.karateoz.com/html/kansuiryu_profile.html |date=5 January 2009 |url-status=dead}})

{{Navboxes top|title= Awards for Antonio Inoki}}
{{All Asia Tag Team Championship}}
{{G1 Climax}}
{{G1 Tag League}}
{{IWGP Heavyweight Championship}}
{{NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship}}
{{NWA World Tag Team Champions (Mid-America version)}}
{{NWA World Tag Team Champions (Texas version)}}
{{UWA World Heavyweight Championship}}
{{WCW Hall of Fame}}
{{WWE Hall of Fame}}
{{navboxes bottom}}
{{Portal bar|Asia|Japan|Sports|Politics|Islam|Biography}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Inoki, Antonio}}
[[Category:1943 births]]
[[Category:2022 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese politicians]]
[[Category:All Asia Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Converts to Shia Islam]]
[[Category:Deaths from amyloidosis]]
[[Category:G1 Climax winners]]
[[Category:Heavyweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:IWGP Heavyweight champions]]
[[Category:Japan Restoration Party politicians]]
[[Category:Japanese Buddhists]]
[[Category:Japanese catch wrestlers]]
[[Category:Japanese emigrants to Brazil]]
[[Category:Japanese expatriates in the United States]]
[[Category:Japanese male karateka]]
[[Category:Japanese male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Japanese male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Japanese professional wrestling trainers]]
[[Category:Japanese Shia Muslims]]
[[Category:Japanese sportsperson-politicians]]
[[Category:Martial artists from Tokyo]]
[[Category:Martial arts school founders]]
[[Category:Members of the House of Councillors (Japan)]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing catch wrestling]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing karate]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing shoot wrestling]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing wrestling]]
[[Category:New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]
[[Category:NWA International Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:NWA North American Tag Team Champions (Los Angeles/Japan version)]]
[[Category:NWA Texas Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:NWA United National Champions]]
[[Category:NWA World Tag Team Champions (Texas version)]]
[[Category:NWF Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Party for Japanese Kokoro politicians]]
[[Category:Political party founders]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers who competed in MMA]]
[[Category:Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling promoters]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Yokohama]]
[[Category:Stampede Wrestling alumni]]
[[Category:Syncretists]]
[[Category:UWA World Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:World Tag League (NJPW) winners]]
[[Category:WWE Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:WWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Champions]]