Professional wrestling in Japan has captivated audiences for decades, blending athleticism, drama, and cultural spectacle.
However, behind the glitz and glory lies a darker side of the sport—a world where brutal training regimens, intense competition, and personal struggles sometimes end in tragedy.
From untimely in-ring accidents to shocking acts of violence and cyberbullying, these stories serve as sobering reminders of the human cost of wrestling.
This article explores some of the most heartbreaking and harrowing deaths in Japanese wrestling history, reflecting on the legacies of those who lost their lives too soon.
Mitsuharu Misawa Died During His Final Wrestling Match
Mitsuharu Misawa, one of the most revered figures in Japanese wrestling, tragically passed away on June 13, 2009, during a match for Pro Wrestling NOAH.
Misawa, known for his legendary career in All Japan Pro Wrestling and later founding NOAH, was teaming with Go Shiozaki against GHC Tag Team Champions Bison Smith and Akitoshi Saito. During the match, a routine backdrop suplex went terribly wrong, causing a fatal spinal injury.
Despite immediate medical attention, Misawa was pronounced dead at the hospital. His passing sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, prompting increased discussions about wrestler safety and the physical toll of the sport.
Learn more about Mitsuharu Misawa’s death in the ring.
Rikidozan Was Murdered By The Yakuza
Rikidozan, often called the father of Japanese professional wrestling, met a tragic end in 1963. A pioneer who popularized wrestling in post-war Japan, Rikidozan became a national hero.
However, his success attracted unwanted attention from organized crime. On December 8, he was stabbed with a urine-soaked blade by a Yakuza member during an altercation in a nightclub.
Despite initially recovering, complications from the infection led to his death a week later. His murder remains one of the darkest and most infamous events in Japanese wrestling history.
Hana Kimura Committed Suicide After Online Bullying
Hana Kimura’s tragic death on May 23, 2020, shocked the wrestling and entertainment industries.
A standout star in Stardom and a participant on the reality show Terrace House, Kimura was subjected to relentless cyberbullying following a controversial moment on the show. The hateful messages took a devastating toll on her mental health.
At just 22 years old, Kimura took her own life, leaving behind a legacy of talent and unrealized potential. Her passing ignited global discussions on the dangers of online harassment and led to calls for stronger anti-cyberbullying legislation.
Katsuyori Shibata Killed A Wrestler During A Match In New Japan
Katsuyori Shibata, known for his hard-hitting style, was involved in one of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s most tragic incidents.
In 2000, during a match against Masakazu Fukuda, Shibata delivered a brutal series of strikes that led to fatal injuries. Fukuda collapsed post-match and later died from complications.
The tragedy raised serious concerns about stiff wrestling techniques and the culture of toughness in Japanese wrestling. Shibata’s career continued, but the shadow of this tragic event has remained a dark mark in New Japan’s history.
Discover the full story about Katsuyori Shibata killing Masakazu Fukuda
The Tragic Death of Giant Ochiai Was Japanese Wrestling’s Darkest Secret
The mysterious death of Giant Ochiai, a lesser-known figure in Japanese wrestling, remained shrouded in secrecy for decades. Ochiai passed away under murky circumstances linked to alleged abuse and brutal training conditions.
Reports of mistreatment and inhumane practices in wrestling dojos were often whispered but rarely discussed openly. His death served as a haunting reminder of the hidden dangers faced by young trainees. This tragedy is a poignant example of the darker side of wrestling’s rigid culture and the harsh toll it can exact on its participants.
Learn more about the mysterious murder of Giant Ochiai
Hiromitsu Gompei Was Killed During Training In The New Japan Dojo
Hiromitsu Gompei’s death during training at the New Japan Pro-Wrestling dojo is one of the sport’s most harrowing stories. In 1989, the young trainee died from injuries sustained during an intense training session that involved extreme physical punishment.
The incident brought attention to the brutal practices used to toughen young wrestlers. Gompei’s tragic end sparked controversy within the wrestling community and led to calls for reform in training methods to prioritize safety and humane treatment for trainees.
Discover Hiromitsu Gompei’s tragic death and the truth behind the mystery.
Giant Baba’s Death and the AJPW Exodus
Giant Baba, one of the most beloved figures in Japanese wrestling history, passed away on January 31, 1999, after a prolonged battle with cancer.
As the founder of All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), Baba shaped the promotion into a global powerhouse known for its intense, realistic style. His death not only marked the end of an era but also led to a seismic shift in the wrestling landscape.
Internal conflicts over leadership between Baba’s widow, Motoko Baba, and top stars like Mitsuharu Misawa resulted in a mass exodus of talent. Misawa and much of AJPW’s roster left to form Pro Wrestling NOAH, effectively dividing the wrestling scene in Japan.
Baba’s death and its aftermath forever altered the course of Japanese wrestling, highlighting his immense influence and the fragile nature of wrestling empires built on personal loyalty and vision.
