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Antonio InokiAntonio Inoki (born Kanji Inoki) is a professional wrestler, founder of New Japan Pro Wrestling and Universal Fighting-Arts Association, and possibly the most respected Japanese wrestler in the world. He once fought Muhammad Ali in a match that was widely considered to be the most boring fight of the century, in which he was not allowed to use submission holds and suplexes (the match ended in a draw). In addition to his match with Ali, Inoki also had many mixed martial arts matches, defeating karate champion "The Monster Man" Everett Eddie and judo gold medallist Willem Ruska among many others. He retired in April 4, 1998 after defeating Don Frye at the Tokyo Dome, but continues to have an influence in professional wrestling and politics. He is sometimes seen walking by his home in Santa Monica, California. In 1989, Inoki established the Sports Peace Party (スポーツ平和党). He was elected to the House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan. He served in that House until 1995, when he failed to win reelection. width="30%" align="center" | Preceded by:
Bob Backlund | width="40%" align="center" | WWE Champions | width="30%" align="center" | Succeeded by:
vacant, willingly forfeit | Inoki, Antonio
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