Kanji Inoki

Muhammad Hussain Inoki, born Kanji Inoki on February 20, 1943, is a renowned Japanese figure celebrated for his multifaceted contributions as a professional wrestler, martial artist, politician, and promoter. He gained fame in the ring under the moniker Antonio Inoki, a tribute to the legendary wrestler Antonino Rocca. Inoki's wrestling accolades include being a twelve-time world champion, with the distinction of being the inaugural IWGP Heavyweight Champion and the first Asian WWE Champion, although the latter title is not officially acknowledged by WWE.

Inoki launched his wrestling career in the 1960s with the Japanese Wrestling Association, mentored by the iconic Rikidōzan. He quickly ascended to superstardom, becoming a cultural icon in Japan. One of his most significant moments came in 1976 when he faced boxing champion Muhammad Ali, a groundbreaking match that foreshadowed modern mixed martial arts. Notably, in 1995, he co-headlined two historic events in North Korea with Ric Flair, attracting audiences of 150,000 and 190,000, setting records for wrestling attendance.

Beyond his wrestling legacy, Inoki founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972 and later established the Inoki Genome Federation (IGF) in 2007. His political career began in 1989 when he was elected to the House of Councillors, where he notably negotiated the release of Japanese hostages from Saddam Hussein before the Gulf War. After serving two terms, he stepped away from politics in 2019. Inoki's impact on wrestling and sports culture remains profound, culminating in his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010.