5 Great moments in Vader's career

#1 Defeating Antonio Inoki and getting NJPW banned from Ryogoku Sumo Hall

Vader’s manhandling of Inoki is perhaps one of the last times a wrestling match caused a riot to break out. NJPW was banned from the venue for more than a year

In December 1987, Japanese wrestling legend Antonio Inoki rode a year-long undefeated streak in which he bested a veritable who’s who of wrestling, including a victory over WWE Champion Bob Backlund. Inoki was revered by New Japan Pro Wrestling fans.

After earning a disqualification victory over Riki Choshu, Inoki accepted a challenge from the then unknown monster of a man from the Rocky Mountains. Vader made short work of the legend, pinning him in under three minutes and sending Ryogoku Sumo Hall into a state of shock.

The shock soon turned to anger, and that anger quickly got out of control as the fans quickly began to rebel and riot. The raging mob caused so much damage to the venue that a few days later, the Sumo Hall barred New Japan from promoting shows at the building.

The suspension would stay in effect for more than a year. Vader would eventually claim the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, becoming the first man from outside Japan to hold the championship.

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