Indie News: Japanese star paralysed from neck-down after wrestling injury

What's the story?

According to Yahoo Japan Yoshihiro Takayama, MMA and Pro Wrestling legend, has been paralysed from the neck down after the severe injury he suffered.

In case you didn't know...

Yoshihiro Takayama was a popular face both in the wrestling and the MMA world. While MMA fans will be familiar with the battle that Takayama had with Don Frye at Pride 21 in 2001, Wrestling fans in Japan consider him a legend.

He worked in multiple companies, including Pro Wrestling Noah and All Japan Pro Wrestling, as well as the Indie scene. He held multiple Championships, including the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

The last championship he held was the KO-D Tag Team Championship with Danshoku Dino, which was stripped from them following the injury.

The heart of the matter

The injury took place on the 6th of May, while he was wrestling in DDT Pro Wrestling Promotion. As he attempted a Sunset Flip on the opponent, he landed on his head.

The brutal injury resulted in him taking some time off to heal, and the public was not aware of the extent of his injuries. His representatives have now come forward to describe the severity of the injuries he suffered, reporting that there is no movement from the neck down, and he is paralyzed.

The manager of Takayama, Ishihara, explained the extent of the injuries in a press conference, and said the "likelihood of recovery is not currently present". Not much more information is yet known, but at the moment it seems due to the damage he suffered to his spinal cord, Takayama may be tragically paralysed forever.

Reactions

Samoa Joe and William Regal, among others, reacted to the horrifying news on twitter.

Earlier this year, Yoshihiro Takayama suffered a spinal cord injury. Donations to him & his family can be made belowhttps://t.co/YkFmsXwOHQ pic.twitter.com/2tOks7hdXI

— Simon Grimm (@GotchStyleWWE) September 4, 2017

Very saddened to learn of this news. A Warrior and a Gentlemen. My thought and best wishes to him during his recovery. https://t.co/upLgNk8tdh

— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) August 6, 2017

This saddens me .A true warrior of the canvas wars and a lovely man.My best wishes to him. https://t.co/ZOT5pE3U6O

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) August 6, 2017

Author's take

Takayama is one of the true legends of the MMA and Wrestling world; his contribution to both is unparalleled.

In wrestling, there is always the chance of an injury, however, it is always a distant possibility. When a legend like Takayama suffers such a grievous injury, the bans WWE impose on the in-ring-moves no longer seem that silly.

Takayama was always a fighter and hopefully, he will be able to fight back from this injury as well, however impossible it may seem now.