Tony Khan comments on how AEW WrestleDream will pay tribute to Antonio Inoki.
Inoki is famous for a lot of things, from his professional wrestling prowess to his ability in mixed martial arts. Inoki is also famous for being a part of the first “superfight”, which resembled what mixed martial arts today as he battled Muhammed Ali in 1976. Inoki tragically passed away on October 1st of last year, and AEW WrestleDream later on tonight is being held in his memory on the one year anniversary of his passing.
Speaking to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Khan discussed how the event will honor Inoki.
“When Antonio Inoki passed away, the wrestling world lost a king,” said Khan. “Mr. Inoki built a legacy and created a kingdom that has touched us all. In doing so, he inspired so many of us to dream up our our visions for what pro wrestling can be.I’m one of the countless dreamers that Mr. Inoki influenced in his remarkable lifetime. Since he passed away exactly one year ago today, I’ve worked to create an event for fans around the world to celebrate his creations–and the fighting spirit that he will forever embody. Tonight in Seattle, we’ll proudly honor Mr. Inoki. The greatest champions and rivalries in the sport will take center stage, and a new era in AEW will begin at WrestleDream.”
Tony Khan
We will have to wait and see if WrestleDream can live up to the hype and if it will be a fitting tribute to the late icon of professional wrestling.
H/T to Fightful for transcription
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