NJPW Uses AI Version of Antonio Inoki, Announces Wrestle Kingdom 21 at Tokyo Dome

NJPW used an AI version of late wrestling legend and WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki at today’s NJPW G1 Climax 36 event at the Ryogoku Sumo Hall. The generative AI version of the late wrestler was used to make announcements regarding Wrestle Kingdom 21 in 2027 and Wrestle Kingdom 22 in 2028.

In his comments, Inoki stated (via Google Translate), “How are you! If you have energy, you can do anything. If you are energetic, you can come to the ‘G1’ in New Japan! I’m Antonio Inoki, the original A・I. President Tanahashi, please take care of the New Japan Pro Wrestling from now on. New Japan Pro Wrestling will also be passed on to the new generation; it’s already the 55th anniversary next year… It’s early.”

The AI version of Inoki continued, “From now on, please do your best. Show me a great game! Then, for the 55th anniversary next year, I would like to close with the one in the example. Let’s get through the hot summer with all our voices! Let’s go! 1, 2, 3, dah!”

Inoki passed away in September 2022 at 79 years old. You can view images of the AI Inoki that appeared at the event below.

It was also announced that NJPW’s Tokyo Dome event, Wrestle Kingdom 21, will be held on January 4, 2027. The show will kick off New Japan’s 55th anniversary year. New Japan will officially celebrate the promotion’s anniversary on March 6, with plans to continue the festivities all year long with the 55th anniversary theme.

NJPW’s 2028 Tokyo Dome event, presumably Wrestle Kingdom 22, will take place at the Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2028.

なんと8.15両国大会のビジョンに「AIアントニオ猪木」が登場！
引退を迎えた天山選手にメッセージ！最後は新日本“55周年”に向けて「1、2、3ダーッ!!」締め!!https://t.co/pXTiND5AHl#AIアントニオ猪木 #天山引退 pic.twitter.com/PcNMvOLwcW

— 新日本プロレスリング株式会社 (@njpw1972) August 15, 2026

ICYMI
2027 will mark 55 years of New Japan Pro-Wrestling! 🎉
The 55th Anniversary celebrations will kick off with Wrestle Kingdom 21 on January 4 and continue all year long! 🇯🇵🔥

Stay tuned for more!https://t.co/gBXsfgpe8N#njpw55 #njwk21 pic.twitter.com/BzG8RQtdHm

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) August 15, 2026