WWE Hall Of Famer "Almost Died Four Times" In Recent Years
A WWE Hall Of Famer says health struggles nearly cost him his life multiple times.
WWE Hall Of Famer and all-round Japanese wrestling legend Antonio Inoki has revealed that he has "almost died about four times" over the past three years.
During an interview with Tokyo Sports, Inoki said that even doctors "were surprised" that he managed to kick out of serious health complications and keep fighting - Antonio was diagnosed with systemic transthyretin amyloidosis a few years back.
For reference, transthyretin is a protein produced by the liver. Complications with it can cause problems with a person's nervous system, heart, or lead to organ failure. Basically, Inoki has been very unwell, and it's a minor miracle that he's still able to chuckle through interviews like the one with Tokyo Sports.
WWE inducted Inoki into their Hall Of Fame back in 2010. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, who is now 79 years old, looked in better fettle back then. Recent years haven't been kind to him though, sadly.
Antonio told the website that he has to be really careful about how he lives his life. He's had several near-death experiences, and docs aren't sure just how many more his body can withstand.
Fingers crossed Inoki remains healthy for as long as possible.