9 Times WWE Promoted 'Freak-show' Matches
1. Muhammad Ali Vs. Antonio Inoki
The original 'freak show' match, and the bar for which McGregor vs. Mayweather is set against - though hopefully not in terms of quality.
In 1976, Muhammad Ali was at the top of his game - and his earning potential. Acutely aware of the possible financial dividend, he publicly boasted to promoter Ichiro Hatta, goading the country by asking if there was "any Oriental fighter who will challenge me?" - with the promise of a $1million bounty for any would-be Japanese conqueror.
One man stepped forward: Antonio Inoki. Inoki, a legendary wrestler in his own right, and just as business savvy, arranged a showdown with 'The Greatest' to the tune of $6 million. A ridiculous 1.4 billion people tuned in for the fight, with many paying to see the contest on closed circuit TV in stadiums across the USA - an initiative spearheaded by McMahons Vince Sr. and Jr.
Though the match was a major financial success, punters were short-changed by the action. When he originally signed on for the fight, Ali was assured it'd be an exhibition - in other words, pre-planned. When it transpired Inoki was expecting a legitimate scrap, it quickly dawned on Ali that for all his boxing acumen, he didn't have a hope of out-wrestling the esteemed grappler.
A set of stipulations were quickly applied, effectively dismantling Inoki's offence. As a consequence, Moeru Tōkon spent the majority of the event kicking out at Ali's heels. It was, in a word, a farce. With punters unaware of the rule changes, nobody came out if with any credit. Except the creditors.