Antonio Inoki, Japanese professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, is the latest superstar to join the WWE Hall of Class of 2010. World Wrestling Entertainment made the proclamation on February 1, though the official announcement was made last Tuesday during a press conference in Tokyo, Japan, making Inoki the first ever Japanese to receive the induction. WWE's Ed Wells presented a Hall of Fame certificate to Inoko, who was then recognized on this week's WWE Monday Night Raw.
Inoki, who founded New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1972, is a cultural icon in Japan with his popularity even surpassing that of Hulk Hogan in America. He is best known for his matches with boxer Muhammad Ali and fellow Hall of Famer Ric Flair.
Antonio Inoki will be inducted by long-term rival and friend Stan Hansen at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in Phoenix on March 27, one day before WrestleMania. Also set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year is "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase.
At present, wrestlers currently in the WWE Hall of Fame include Steve Austin, Eddie Guerrero, Andre The Giant, Buddy Rogers, Pedro Morales and Hulk Hogan.
(Image courtesy of WWE)