Yutaka Yoshie, a Japanese professional wrestling star who performed in New Japan Pro-Wrestling and other promotions around the world, died after a match on Sunday, authorities said. He was 50 years old.
Yoshie participated in a tag team match with his partner Ryo Inoue in All Japan Pro Wrestling. The two faced off against Hokuto Omori and Ryoji Choi.
According to the New York Post, there didn't seem to be anything wrong with Yoshie during the match.
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Yutaka Yoshie looks on during the Pro-Wrestling Masters at Korakuen Hall on February 28, 2020 in Tokyo. (Masashi Hara/Getty Images)
The professional wrestler returned backstage and his “condition suddenly deteriorated,” according to All Japan Pro Wrestling on X. He was rushed to a hospital where he later died, the company said.
“We would like to remember Yutaka Yoshie's achievements during his life and pray that his soul rest in peace,” All Japan Pro Wrestling added.
Fellow professional wrestler Kohei Suwama suggested to Tokyo Sports on Monday that Yoshie suffered from arteriosclerosis.
Yutaka Yoshie attacks Masaaki Mochizuki during Pro Wrestling “Dradition” – Tatsumi Fujinami's 50th Anniversary at Korakuen Hall on November 9, 2021. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
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“At 180 cm (5 ft 10) and 160 kg (352 lb), Yoshie was a true gentle giant whose brilliant disposition, contrasted with a powerful offense inside the ring, made him a popular figure wherever he went,” New Japan Pro -Wrestling said in a statement.
“The deepest condolences from everyone at New Japan Pro-Wrestling go out to Yoshie's family, friends and fans.”
Yoshie started in New Japan in 1994 and performed there until 2006, when he decided to go independent. In New Japan, he was tag team champion with Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Shinjiro Otani, right, and Yutaka Yoshie compete during the Pro-Wrestling Masters at Korakuen Hall on February 28, 2020 in Tokyo. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
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He was also All Japan Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champion with Akebono and NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Champion with Steve Corino and Masayuki while in Pro Wrestling Zero1.
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