It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Antonio Inoki, 79, on October 1, 2022. Antonio was one of the leading pioneers of professional wrestling, having wrestled in Japan and all over the world for more than three decades. Antonio was born in Japan in 1943. He learned Sumo at the Higashi Hongan-ji Yokohama Bikuin branch temple, and in 1971, was the first Japanese professional wrestler to wrestle in North America. He went on to become one of the most influential wrestlers of his time, and created several wrestling styles, including submission wrestling, a full contact martial art. Antonio was a leader in the world of professional wrestling, founding the International Wrestling Grand Prix, the Tokyo Pro-Wrestling, and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Japan. He was also involved in politics and social activism, having served in the House of Councillors of the Diet of Japan. Antonio leaves behind his wife and four children. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, as well as by the professional wrestling community.