Wrestling legend and New Japan Pro-Wrestling founder Antonio Inoki has announced that he’ll be retiring from politics, choosing not to run for re-election next month and has cited health issues as his reasons. Inoki has been a member of Japan’s Independents Club since 2016 and has been involved in the Japanese political scene dating back to 1989 in which he was noted for successfully negotiating with Saddam Hussein the release of Japanese hostages in 1990 before the Gulf War began. The 76-year old has been in and out of politics since, and has been a controversial figure in the country’s political landscape due to his desire to achieve open communication with North Korea, where his wrestling mentor, Rikidōzan was born. Inoki planned to make a trip to North Korea last week beginning on June 21 through today. Japan has no diplomatic ties to the country.
Inoki retired from professional wrestling in 1998 after facing Don Frye and was inducted in the WWE Hall Of Fame back in 2010. Inoki has been an undisputed influence in the world of professional wrestling, creating the NJPW promotion back in 1972.
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