Yakuza, puroresu, and NJPW info???

[BloodRiotZero]

While reading a review of Vampiro's shoot interview at The Smart Marks, it was mentioned that Antonio Inoki has deep Yakuza ties, "which resulted in him being slapped around in front of everybody one day by a mafiosa and thanking him for it..." I've also been reading around the net about Inoki being backed financially by them.

Can anyone provide any more information about this, the Yakuza's ties w/ Japanese wrestling and Antonio Inoki? This is a real intriguing to me for some reason.

[CANADIAN]

The godfather of Japanese Wrestling Rikidozan was killed in connection with the mafia.. On a side note did you send the order?

[BloodRiotZero]

I've read about that too

On your side note, not yet. Later this week, I'll email you when I do.

[Rob]

I've never heard about the Yakuza slapping Inoki around in public. He would have zero respect from his staff if that happened.

Vampiro - I like him but he is a proven liar and all the drugs he does certainly doesn't help his already fu</>cked up head.

[My Final Heaven]

Yes, I've read Pure Dynamite by The Dynamite Kid & he mentions something about Inoki getting slapped by a Yakuza while he was with him one time. It's a great book if anyone ever wants a good read.

[My Final Heaven]

I just remembered something else... Dino Bravo was killed in a Mafia shooting, but that was in Canada. I believe that he had stong Underworld ties as well.