Five wrestlers who have run for office

#4 Antonio Inoki – House of Councilors (Japan) 1989-95, 2013-current

Antonio Inoki’s political accomplishments list is nearly as long as his accomplishments in a ring

Antonio Inoki’s notoriety and status in Japan are nearly unparalleled. As a legend in wrestling, Inoki’s popularity in Japan could be compared to Mohammad Ali, both in terms of sporting significance as well as his place in history.

As a member of the House of Councilors, Inoki negotiated with Saddam Hussein to release 41 Japanese national hostages before the onset of the Persian Gulf War. He has also visited North Korea nearly 30 times, a staggering figure.

He has even gone as far as having hosted one of the highest attended wrestling events in history in Pyongyang, North Korea to harbour peace in 1994.The event was main evented by Ric Flair and Inoki in competition for what would be the first and only time they wrestled each other.

Inoki was re-elected to the house in 2013 and has continued to work towards peace through diplomacy.