Antonio Inoki has been named the Honorary Lifetime Chairman of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, following his death on September 30, 2022. Free Inoki matches have also been added to NJPW World to mark his passing. More information on this Inoki Memorial Playlist can be found below.
In a statement, NJPW revealed plans had been in place to formally bestow the Honorary Lifetime Chairman accolade on Inoki on October 10 during its Declaration of Power event.
Inoki Named Honorary Lifetime Chairman
“After Antonio Inoki graciously accepted the invitation, he was officially named Honorary Lifetime Chairman on September 1, 2022.
This information was due to be made public on October 10 at the Declaration of Power in Ryogoku Sumo Hall. It is to our deep sadness that this announcement cannot take place as previously planned.”
Inoki was honoured with a 10-bell salute before the NJPW Royal Quest II show in Crystal Palace, London on Saturday, October 1.
Free Inoki Memorial Playlist Added To NJPW World
NJPW has also remembered the career of Inoki by adding some of his most memorable matches to NJPW World. These matches are free to watch for viewers across the globe.
His 1987 IWGP World Heavyweight Championship matches against Dick Murdoch and Steve Williams are now free to watch.
Other bouts include his 1996 Tokyo Dome match against Big Van Vader and his 1994 Fukuoka Dome contest with The Great Muta.
A special playlist now on @njpwworld allows fans to celebrate the incredible life of Antonio Inoki.
A huge selection of classic matches, many of them in English, and many completely free to all, is available here.https://t.co/bNrIWcgj9Z #njpw #RIPInoki pic.twitter.com/PCWLJIitaT
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) October 1, 2022
Deserted Island Brawl
One of Inoki’s most bizzare matches is also available for free on NJPW World. You can stream Inoki’s battle against Masa Saito which took place on October 4, 1987 from the deserted island of Ganryujima.
The Ganryujima deathmatch lasts almost two hours. It begins in broad sunlight with the two men grappling in a ring in the middle of the island. By the time the match is over the sun has set and the fight is lit by a few torches and the lights from a helicopter overhead.
It’s Tuesday, October 4 in Japan!#onthisday in 1987, Antonio Inoki battled Masa Saito on the deserted island of Ganryujima!
Relive history FREEhttps://t.co/2V0dXOYLYK
Antonio Inoki memorial @njpwworld playlist:https://t.co/PIAOj7qGEa#njpw pic.twitter.com/VoMWyDO6B6
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) October 3, 2022
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