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>Former pro wrestler Akira Maeda (63), held a talk event with Kazuyuki Fujita and Kazuo Yamazaki in Tokyo on October 2, sharing memories of Antonio Inoki, who passed away on October 1, and mourning him. Mr. Maeda himself launched the UWF and Rings, which had a strong martial arts flavor, and was at times hostile to Mr. Inoki and NJPW, but he said, "I just realized what Mr. Inoki taught me about 'what pro wrestling is' through serious efforts." he said, reaffirming his respect for the Inoki-ism.
>The day before, Mr. Maeda happened to open his computer and saw the news of Mr. Inoki's passing. "I was really surprised. Since then, I have been remembering many things. I think about myself and wonder what would have happened if I had not joined NJPW when I was 18 years old. I was very lucky to have met Mr. Inoki and NJPW and to be a part of it," he recalled.
>Maeda joined NJPW in 1977, knowing nothing about the sport. Just two weeks later, he became Mr. Inoki's valet. At the time, it was the year after the legendary Muhammad Ali's cross-martial arts match. Mr. Inoki told him, "In the future, pro wrestling will be a competition that includes all kinds of martial arts techniques, so you guys should brush up on your skills.
>The day before, Mr. Maeda happened to open his computer and saw the news of Mr. Inoki's passing. "I was really surprised. Since then, I have been remembering many things. I think about myself and wonder what would have happened if I had not joined NJPW when I was 18 years old. I was very lucky to have met Mr. Inoki and NJPW and to be a part of it," he recalled.
>Maeda joined NJPW in 1977, knowing nothing about the sport. Just two weeks later, he became Mr. Inoki's valet. At the time, it was the year after the legendary Muhammad Ali's cross-martial arts match. Mr. Inoki told him, "In the future, pro wrestling will be a competition that includes all kinds of martial arts techniques, so you guys should brush up on your skills.
