Regarded as one of the most important, influential names in wrestling history, Antonio Inoki was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010 after not having a WWE related match in decades. Just over 30 years before, however, Inoki captured the WWE title in a reign in which still isn't recognized by the company. On November 30, 1979, the 36-year old Inoki took on WWF champion Bob Backlund in a match in Tokushima, Japan, winning the championship. The two had a re-match on December 6, in which Backlund won, before controversy ensued. After interference from Tiger Jeet Singh, WWF President Hisashi Shinma declared the re-match a no contest, and returned the championship to Inoki. Inoki had other plans, and refused the championship, which was then declared vacant. Backlund faced Bobby Duncam on December 12 to regain the vacant championship, but the entire situation went ignored in WWE history books, which say that Backlund had one continuous reign from between 1978 and 1983.
Sean Ross Sapp, 28, is a convergent media major at Morehead State University, and a news/feature writer for RantSports and WhatCulture. Before taking a managerial role for the Kraken Fight Team, Sapp was a two-time submission wrestling medalist in the region. He is also a contributor to Bill Apter's 1Wrestling.com, and an editor for Cage Passion Sports. He has also published over 300 articles for Fansided. You can contact Sean Ross Sapp for news tips and radio appearances at SeanRossSapp@gmail.com
