Thaindian News

By Ranjan Bhaduri
February 16, (THAINDIAN NEWS) As per the latest reports, the legendary Japanese professional wrestler, mixed martial artist and promoter, Antonio Inoki is all set to be inducted to the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) Hall Of Fame. The induction of the Japanese pro-wrestler will be written down in the history books as Antonio Inoki will become the first ever Japanese wrestler to bag this prestigious honor. The only other Hall Of Fame’r to have some Japanese connection of sorts is Mr. Fuji. But inside sources reveal that Mr. Fuji originally hails from Hawaii and lives in Tennessee.

According to the sources, Antonio Inoki will be inducted on March 27, 2010, just one day before the WWE gala event, Wrestlemania. A press conference was held on February 9, 2010 in Tokyo, where the WWE officials revealed the induction of Antonio Inoki in the WWE Hall Of Fame. Sources further reveal that Antonio Inoki will be inducted by his long time friend Stan Hansen at the Hall Of Fame Ceremony in Phoenix.

Antonio Inoki is regarded as a cultural icon in Japan. The former wrestler/promoter is best known for his iconic matches against boxer Muhammad Ali and fellow Hall Of Famer, Ric Flair. Antonio Inoki’s induction might just boost up the young pool of Japanese wrestlers who are trying their luck at WWE.

Other wrestler to be inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame includes Ted DiBiase (popularly known as The Million Dollar Man). Although several other names have cropped up, inside sources have reported that legendary wrestler Bret Hart’s father Stu and his late brother Owen Hart can be inducted as well.