AEW President Tony Khan kicked off Sunday night’s WrestleDream 2023 pay-per-view event with an opening ceremony honoring the late NJPW founder, Antonio Inoki.
Inoki’s grandsons, Hirota and Naoto, were present for the ceremony, along with ROH Pure Wrestling Champion and Inoki’s former student, Katsuyori Shibata.
All of them wore Inoki’s trademark red scarves for the tribute ceremony.
You can check out some highlights of the opening ceremony below:
It is an honor to have the grandsons of Antonio Inoki – Naoto Inoki and Hirota Inoki – here with us at #AEWWrestleDream pic.twitter.com/HXb9i78sRz
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 1, 2023
ICHI NI SAN DA! It’s time for #AEWWrestleDream!#AEW CEO & GM @TonyKhan kicks off #AEWWrestleDream Zero Hour with an opening ceremony honoring the legendary Antonio Inoki!
Watch #AEWWrestleDream LIVE on PPV TONIGHT at 8pm ET/5pm PT!
🔗 https://t.co/sT1hBzcprU pic.twitter.com/lnKqwi9w23— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 1, 2023
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The WrestleDream 2023 pay-per-view event kicked off with a special opening ceremony honoring the late Antonio Inoki, the founder of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). AEW President Tony Khan led the ceremony, which was attended by Inoki’s grandsons, Hirota and Naoto, as well as Katsuyori Shibata, the ROH Pure Wrestling Champion and Inoki’s former student.
During the ceremony, all participants wore Inoki’s trademark red scarves as a tribute to the legendary wrestler and promoter. The event was filled with emotion and served as a reminder of Inoki’s significant contributions to the world of professional wrestling.
The opening ceremony was captured in a series of highlights, which were shared on Twitter by All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The videos showcased the grandsons of Antonio Inoki, Naoto and Hirota, expressing their gratitude for being part of the event. AEW fans and wrestling enthusiasts were thrilled to witness this special tribute to a wrestling icon.
Antonio Inoki is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling history. He founded NJPW in 1972 and played a crucial role in popularizing the sport in Japan and around the world. Inoki’s unique style and innovative approach to wrestling made him a beloved figure among fans and wrestlers alike.
In addition to his achievements in the ring, Inoki also had a successful political career in Japan. He served as a member of the Japanese House of Councillors and used his platform to promote peace and cultural exchange through sports diplomacy.
The WrestleDream 2023 pay-per-view event was a fitting platform to honor Antonio Inoki’s legacy. AEW, known for its commitment to showcasing diverse wrestling styles and paying homage to wrestling history, provided a memorable tribute to one of the industry’s pioneers.
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The opening ceremony at WrestleDream 2023 served as a reminder of the rich history and traditions of professional wrestling. It celebrated the legacy of Antonio Inoki and his lasting impact on the sport. As wrestling continues to evolve, it is important to remember and honor those who paved the way for its success.