Yoshihiro Takayama had his world changed in an instant when he was paralysed during his final wrestling match.
It was a sad end that took the Japanese to incredible heights. His name was known all across Japan for his wrestling and MMA skills and Takayama was beloved by the majority of fans.
He wrestled until he was 50, being a regular part of the DDT’s “old man” six-man tags on tour.
It was a good spot for the legend to be in. Sadly, it would also be where his career would end and his life would change forever.
Yoshihiro Takayama Was A Household Name All Across Japan In The 1990s and 2000s
In the world of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts, few figures have achieved the widespread recognition and adoration that Yoshihiro Takayama enjoyed throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
Standing at an imposing 6’5” with a fierce yet charismatic presence, Takayama became a staple of Japanese sports entertainment, captivating fans with his incredible in-ring skills, larger-than-life persona, and unwavering fighting spirit.
Takayama’s career began in the All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) promotion, where he quickly distinguished himself as a formidable competitor. However, it was during his tenure with Pro Wrestling Noah and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) that he truly became a legend.
His versatility as a performer allowed him to shine in both wrestling and mixed martial arts, earning him fans across both disciplines.
One of the most defining moments of Takayama’s career—and a key factor in his enduring fame—was his unforgettable 2002 mixed martial arts bout against Don Frye in the Pride Fighting Championships.
The fight became an instant classic, showcasing Takayama’s incredible toughness and willingness to trade devastating blows with the veteran Frye.
The bout is often referred to as one of the most brutal and exciting MMA fights of all time, with both fighters standing toe-to-toe and exchanging relentless punches in a scene reminiscent of a Hollywood action movie.
Though Takayama ultimately lost, his performance cemented his reputation as a warrior, earning him widespread respect and admiration far beyond Japan’s borders. Dave Meltzer even named it one of the best moments of his life, alongside his children being born.
Takayama’s success wasn’t limited to combat sports. He became a beloved media figure, frequently appearing on television programs and commercials that showcased his humorous side, endearing him to fans of all ages.
By the mid-2000s, Yoshihiro Takayama was more than just a wrestler or fighter; he was a cultural icon whose name was synonymous with resilience, passion, and entertainment.
He was the second of five men to hold all three main belts from NJPW, AJPW and NOAH, following Kensuke Sasaki in achieving the great honour.
He had a long and storied career, but it would come to an abrupt end when Yoshihiro Takayama was paralysed performing a routine move in a regular match that would change his life forever.
He continued wrestling until the late 2010s when something terrible would happen to Yoshihiro Takayama.
Yoshihiro Takayama Was Paralysed In His Last Match In 2017
At the age of 50, Yoshiro Takayama wrestled his last match in DDT.
The MMA and wrestling legend took part in a six-man tag team match at DDT Toyonaka Love Story 2017. He teamed with Kazusada Higuchi and Shunma Katsumata against Smile Squash (HARASHIMA, Soma Takao & Yasu Urano) in a match on the middle of the card.
Takayama was wrestling in the match against Yasu Urano and attempt a standard sunset flip move. This is something that is done in almost every match and couldn’t be a safer move.
Usually.
Unfortunately, Takayama’s neck landed awkwardly on the mat, and he was immediately rendered motionless.
The Japanese star landed directly onto his head, a freak accident on a move he had done thousands of times before.
As soon as his head hit the mat, he immediately was unable to move. Doctors soon diagnosed him with a cervical spinal cord injury due to degenerative cervical spondylosis.
Cervical spondylosis is the degeneration of the bones and disks in the neck. The degeneration meant that his neck and spine were much weaker than he thought, and he suffered a terrible spinal cord injury from a simple botch.
The match was stopped and paramedics rushed in to help the MMA and wrestling legend. It was clear that something horrible had gone wrong as Yoshihiro Takayama lay motionless in the centre of the ring.
By the time he was taken to the hospital, the diagnosis was in. Yoshihiro Takayama was paralysed from the neck and was unable to move any of his extremities.
He was cared for by his wife and son whilst remaining bedridden. It was soon revealed that Yoshihiro Takayama was paralysed from the neck down, unable to move his arms or legs at all.
Yoshihiro Takayama was just 50 years old and his career was over, while his life had changed for the worse after just one simple wrestling move he had done a thousand times before.
He Is Still Paralysed But Has Been Released From The Hospital
As of 2025, there has been little change in Yoshihiro Takayama’s condition. He remains paralysed from the shoulders down and has not regained any movement in his legs.
There has been some improvement in Takayama’s health as time passes following his injury. While he still cannot move anything below his shoulders, it was revealed on September 4th 2017 that he could breathe on his own for the first time.
This has allowed Takayama to be moved out of the hospital and back into his home, which will be a huge improvement in his quality of life. His wrestling career is over for good but these small wins are always good to see.
While there is always hope – watching Hayabusa walking again decades after suffering a similar paralysis – the 58-year-old does not seem any closer to regaining the use of the rest of his body.
After his accident, a charity was set up in his name by long-time friend and fellow wrestler Minoru Suzuki, as well as the Japanese promotion DDT.
The foundation, aptly named “Takayamania”, raised money for his medical treatment and general expenses while he dealt with living without the use of his arms or legs for the rest of his life.
Yoshihiro Takayama Appeared In The Ring Alongside Suzuki At Takayamania Empire 3
Seven years after suffering almost total paralysis during his last wrestling match, Yoshihiro Takayama returned to the ring for the very first time.
After Katsuyori Shibata (who himself was briefly paralysed after his brain injury in 2017) wrestled Minoru Suzuki in the main event, they were joined in the ring by somebody nobody ever expected to see again.
A video posted to Twitter showed Takayama, bound to his wheelchair, entering the ring alongside the wrestlers at the event.
Minoru Suzuki hugged his long-time friend as the crowd chanted “Takayama” and the wrestlers surrounding them shed tears as the event went off the air.
It was a touching moment for many, similar to the scene of Hayabusa walking to the ring again, fourteen years after his initial injury.
While Takayama doesn’t look like he will ever walk again, getting to experience being in the ring as fans chant his name again is something nobody in the venue that night will ever forget.
Learn more about some of the worst injuries ever to occur in a wrestling ring.
