Antonio Inoki, Giant Baba & More Inducted Into Japan Pro Wrestling Hall Of Fame

The inaugural class of the Japan Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame (Nippon Puroresu Hall of Fame) have been formally inducted in a ceremony in Japan’s Korakuen Hall.

The first six inductees were NJPW founder Antonio Inoki, AJPW founder Giant Baba, inaugural Triple Crown winner Jumbo Tsuruta, six-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tatsumi Fujinami, the legendary Riki Choshu, and former All Japan ace Genichiro Tenryu.

Occurring over a two-day event on September 14 and 15 called ‘Legacy’, the hall of fame ceremony took place to commemorate 70 years since the first pro wrestling show in Japan at Ryogoku Memorial Hall on September 30th, 1951.

Inoki accepted his honour via video message, whilst Tenryu and Fujinami appeared in person on September 14. Choshu was inducted on September 15, alongside Baba and Tsuruta who were inducted by representatives, having passed away in 1999 and 2000 respectively.

The Japan Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame is headed up by an executive committee including Genichiro Tenryu’s daughter, Tatsumi Fujinami’s son and Riki Choshu’s son-in-law. Supporting members of the Hall of Fame are HJT Productions, Antonio Inoki, Tatsumi Fujinami, Riki Choshu and Genichiro Tenryu.

The ceremony was supported by several Japanese promotions, including New Japan.