Rikio is based on Wrestling Legend Rikidozan who was stubbed in the nightclub and was taken to Hospital, where a doctor decreed the wound to be non-serious but advised Rikidōzan to have surgery. The surgery was successful and he returned home, but went against doctor's orders and began eating and drinking the same day, sending his assistant to the store for sushi and sake. Due to drinking so much, Rikidōzan worsened his condition and required a second surgery one week later, but had developed peritonitis and died. He was 39. He was Inoki's first trainer in 1960 when Inoki was 17.