Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online is reporting that World Wrestling Entertainment could be inducting Antonio Inoki into the WWE Hall of Fame this year.  The word coming out of Japan is that Inoki was contacted and invited to be part of this year’s class.  It is added that they are suggesting Stan Hansen to be the one to induct him.

Inoki does have some history with the WWE.  Vincent J. McMahon offered assistance to Inoki near the end of the 1970s when Inoki had formed New Japan Pro Wrestling.  This resulted in McMahon creating the WWWF World martial Arts Heavyweight Championship, which was a title that would be defended in legitimate shoot fights.  The belt would be abandoned in 1989, four years after Vince McMahon Jr. severed ties with New Japan.

On November 30, 1979, he defeated then WWF Champion Bob Backlund for the title, though this is unrecognized by the WWE because Inoki refused the title reign after a rematch on December 6 was declared a no-contest following interference from Tiger Jeet Singh.