The result of their meeting was one of the oddest tours in pro wrestling history, with culture clashes, unscripted fisticuffs and tense interactions with the ever-present state officers that left some fearing for their lives.ĭespite the attendance records shattered by the two Pyongyang shows, the historic event has been reduced to a curious footnote in mainstream American wrestling culture. Unfamiliar as they were to each another, pro wrestling and North Korea make for something of a fitting pair: in many cases the only thing more fascinating than either’s outward theatrics are the stories from behind its curtains. Meanwhile, Inoki and Ali shared a history through a controversial 1976 boxer-versus-wrestler match in Tokyo, thus an enticing recipe for an attempt at bodyslam diplomacy. Inoki’s wrestling promotion, New Japan Pro Wrestling, on the other hand, had a working relationship with U.S.-based WCW, with which it would occasionally collaborate on supershows. Through their connection, Inoki enjoyed ample goodwill in a country that otherwise considers Japan an enemy. His mentor, Rikidozan, often described as the godfather of Japanese pro wrestling, was born in North Korea, where he was still revered as a national hero. Reeling from scandals that would help doom his re-election bid later that year, Inoki, as he often did, saw an opportunity to make diplomatic inroads where many would not.
The trip was largely Inoki’s doing in the first place. Senate-while heading his own political party. The shows’ headline bout was between Flair and Antonio Inoki, a Japanese star of such wattage that he had parlayed his popularity into a seat in Japan’s House of Councillors-an equivalent of the U.S. Rachel ElleringUnsuccessfully challenged for the Impact Knockouts Championship at an event attended by champions Jordyn Grace and Deona Purazzo suffered a “severely sprained ankle.”īack to Flair’s final hooray in the square circle, Meltzer said, based on the feedback he received, fans who attended the Nashville Municipal Auditorium to witness the main event live thought it was a “great match.” However, opinions were divided in the end, as those who watched the game at home rated it as “an absolutely terrible match.” Meltzer himself described Flair’s latest swan song as one of “the saddest things” he’s seen in wrestling in a long time.Those in the traveling party would be familiar to many wrestling fans: the legendary Ric Flair Rick and Scott Steiner Road Warrior Hawk Scott Norton Too Cold Scorpio Sonny Onoo Eric Bischoff, president of Ted Turner’s World Championship Wrestling Chris Benoit, a Canadian and a slew of Japanese stars. Meltzer said Flair “didn’t look good”, but understands he’s in good health despite being “blown up” during the match. Who Pinned WWE Hall Of Famer Jarrett To Take Victory For His Team, apparently struggled and burst during the match. League Wrestling)’s Alex Hammerstone revealed that he was booked to appear on the show, but his flight was canceled altogether.Īs far as injuries go in the event, Meltzer said Ric Flair was “OK” after battling Andrade El Idro for 27 minutes in his final match against Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal. Dave Meltzer said the match was scheduled early in the show, but due to delays the card was changed so that the match was played later than scheduled.
Street wrestling observer radio, Von Erich (Marshall and Ross Von Erich), who were defeated by the Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) via pinfall in a tag team match, had a delayed flight from Hawaii en route to the event. As the dust continues to settle like ric flair last match‘, revealing details about last-minute changes that affected the show.
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