WWE Hall of Famer and company legend Hulk Hogan recently paid tribute to Japanese wrestling legend Antonio Inoki, who passed away this week.
Taking to his official Facebook page, the Hulkster praised the Japanese legend, who was a massive part of the scene back in the 80s, 90s and even the mid to late 00s.
“It seems like I spent half my wrestling career working with New Japan, after many years I became accepted and travelled on the Japanese bus, worked out, lived, and sometimes fought the Americans,” Hogan wrote. “Inoki was truly ICHIBAN, rip my brother, love you Ax Bomba” he concluded.
Hulk Hogan on Antonio Inoki
As noted by the former WWE/WWF Champion, he worked extensively with the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion during his time in Japan.
Inoki actually founded New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in 1972, creating one of the most lasting legacies in Japanese wrestling history.
If you don’t know much about Inoki, then it is absolutely worth seeking out some of his matches and history, as he played a massive part in the landscape of professional wrestling whilst he was alive.
Our best wishes go out to the friends and family of Inoki-san, one of the greatest to ever step foot in the ring.
