All Elite Wrestling has positively impacted the pro wrestling world since its formation in 2019. In direct competition with WWE, a first since the days of WCW, AEW is known for creating a bright future for pro wrestling while honoring the past.
AEW CEO Tony Khan has had a big year, as the company broke the single-event attendance record with All In at Wembley Stadium. Following the show, Khan announced AEW WrestleDream for October 1, where a true legend will be honored.
The event, which takes place at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, will honor pro wrestling great Antonio Inoki, who died on October 1, 2022. The show will air on DAZN in the U.S. and FITE in other territories.
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"I'm very excited for WrestleDream," Khan said during a media scrum via Wrestling Inc. “… It means a lot to me, personally. Last year, when Antonio Inoki passed away, I was in a hotel room, as I often am, and on the road. I remember thinking to myself, 'Mark this date down and start planning ahead and start thinking ahead.' I talked to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and they were supportive, and they're going to be sending stars to participate in the event. I think it's really cool.”
"We'll pay tribute to the dreamer who made this all possible, the late, great Antonio Inoki, with an event one year in the making!"#AEWWrestleDream is next Sunday, 10/1, LIVE on PPV from the @ClimateArena!
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 24, 2023
Don't miss this historic event!
🎟 https://t.co/UN1cNj1kQq pic.twitter.com/mhizcYbgis
The event features several big stars from AEW and NJPW, headlined by a dream match in Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr. It is a match fitting to the style of Inoki, a multi-time wrestling champion.
The Sporting News now looks into the legendary career of Inoki.
WATCH: AEW WrestleDream 2023, live on DAZN
Who was Antonio Inoki?
Inoki was born in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan, and trained under Karl Gotch, who was an influence on the Japanese pro wrestling style.
In 1972, Inoki founded New Japan Pro Wrestling and became the first IWGP heavyweight champion. He would win the UWA World Heavyweight Title, the NWA United National Title, and the NWF Heavyweight Title, among other championships. A win over Bob Backlund in 1979, saw Inoki win the WWF Heavyweight Title, however, the WWE does not recognize the reign.
Inoki is an International, George Tragos/Lou Thesz, Pro Wrestling, WCW, Wrestling Observer Newsletter, and WWE Hall of Famer.
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In the 60s and 70s, Inoki blurred the line between script and reality, adapting catch-and-shoot-style wrestling into his matches. He also helped usher in the cross-sport combat phenomenon, bringing boxers, MMA fighters, and pro wrestlers together.
One of the most popular mixed-rules bouts was Inoki's 1976 exhibition against Muhammad Ali. Dubbed "The War of the Worlds," the event took place at the Nippon Budokan Arena in Tokyo in front of 14,000+ people. Largely uneventful, the 15-round bout was ruled a draw, but it did help lay the foundations for mixed martial arts.
Inoki is known for training wrestlers like Tiger Mask, The Great Muta, Shinsuke Nakamura, Tatsumi Fujinami, Brian Adams, and Rocky Romero, among others. He was also involved in politics and was elected into the House of Councillors in 1989 and 2013.