Antonio Inoki is often celebrated as being the very top of the wrestling industry in Japan. He is undoubtedly a legend, whose prestige in Japan is comparable to Hulk Hogans in the United States. Inoki started his own promotion in 1972 -- New Japan Pro Wrestling -- which has gone on to become the largest wrestling organization in Japan. Furthermore, hes held countless championships throughout his career and has collected various accolades. However, one achievement always seemed out of Inokis reach -- a major World Championship from an American promotion. Well, thats what most people believe anyway. History tells a different story, though. On December 6th in 1979, Inoki went toe-to-toe with Bob Backlund -- who was the WWF Champion at the time. After a 30-plus minute contest, Inoki slammed Backlund to the mat and covered him for the three-count. Inoki had done the unthinkable and had won the WWF title. Six days later, on December 6th, Inoki put his WWF Championship on the line in a rematch. This time, Backlund picked up the pinfall. However, the win was ruled invalid due to interference from Tiger Jeet Singh. Because of the no-contest ruling, the belt was returned to Inoki, but the ever-proud competitor refused it on such grounds. The championship was declared vacant, and Backlund went on to defeat Bobby Duncum on December 12th to reclaim the gold. Despite Inokis clear victory over Backlund for the belt, his refusal to accept the championship following the controversial rematch cost him a place in the official history books. WWE does not recognize Antonio Inoki as ever having held the title, and as such, states that Bob Backlunds WWF Championship reign was uninterrupted from 1978 to 1983.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
