New Japan Founder Opens Restaurant

Submitted By Nick Noel on 03/21/08

Antonio Inoki outside his new restaurant in Fukuoka's Nakasu entertainment district. (Mainichi)FUKUOKA -- Former wrestler and politician Antonio Inoki opened a wrestling-themed pub in Fukuoka's Nakasu district on Thursday. The pub, the fifth he is running across Japan, is surrounded by ropes like those used in wrestling rings and dishes on the menu have been given names to resemble terms from the sport. "Let's put a bit of oomph into slumping Fukuoka. One, two, three, dar...!" Inoki screamed out using one of his trademark phrase while he punched the air at an event Wednesday to mark the opening of the pub. Inoki, a fan of the vodka-like liquor called imo-shochu, a specialty of Kyushu, had a long and distinguished career as a professional wrestler, including a highly publicized 1976 mixed martial arts bout against former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali. Inoki spent most of the fight lying on the mat kicking up at Ali. He served in the Diet from 1989 to 1995 and retired from professional wrestling in 1998. :: GO BACK TO THE HOME PAGE :: DISCUSS THIS POST ON THE FORUMS! :: BUY WRESTLING DVD'S THROUGH OUR STORE! WRESTLING EPICENTER STORE IS OPEN! THE HOTTEST WRESTLING DVD'S ARE NOW AVAILABLE! We've got hundreds of pro wrestling DVD's at your fingertips! All your favorite stars such as Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle, Sting, Ric Flair, Bruiser Brody, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Harley Race, Andre the Giant, Dynamite Kid, Davey Boy Smith, Bret "The Hitman" Hart, Booker T, & countless others! We've also got the Divas! Raw and extreme footage of Candice Michelle, Beulah McGillicutty, Gorgeous George, Tylene Buck, Francine, Christy Hemme, Dawn Marie, Madusa, and the rest of your favorite sexy divas! We even have got official WWE merchandise! All this can be yours in the Wrestling Epicenter Store! CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE STORE! Home | News | Editorials | Interviews | Forums | Chat Room | Store | Divas | PPV Results | TV Results | Shows | Links | Metal Epicenter | Contact Us/Staff