Japanese wrestling star Yutaka Yoshie has died aged 50.
The former New Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling NOAH and ZERO-ONE wrestler was rushed to hospital immediately after a match for All Japan Pro Wrestling this weekend.
AJPW revealed he his ‘condition suddenly deteriorated’ after he and his tag team partner Ryo Inoue lost to Hokuto Omori as part of the company’s Dream Power Series event in Gunma.
The match lasted just under 12 minutes, and it’s said he fell ill after the bout.
No cause of death has been given.
In a statement on its official website, translated into English, AJPW wrote: ‘Yutaka Yoshie, who was participating in the Takasaki tournament held today, passed away on March 10, 2024.
‘After Yutaka Yoshie returned to the waiting room after the [match], his condition suddenly deteriorated and he was rushed to a hospital in Takasaki City, but he never returned home.’
The company paid tribute to Yoshie’s career, which started for NJPW back in 1994.
AJPW added: ‘We would like to remember Yutaka Yoshie’s achievements during his lifetime and pray for his soul to rest in peace.’
He came into the wrestling world 30 years ago with a background in judo, initially training in professional wrestling at the New Japan Dojo before his debut in December 1994.
He suffered a broken leg in just his second ever match, ruling him out of action, but was able to return as he primarily worked on NJPW’s undercards.
Yutaka Yoshie career highlights
- AJPW World Tag Team Champion with Akebono
- Muga World Pro Wrestling Dragon Cup and Tokyo Dome Hotel Cup (both 2007)
- IWGP Tag Team Champion with Hiroshi Tanahashia
- Pro Wrestling Zero – NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Champion with Steve Corino and Okamoto
- Toryumon Yamaha Cup with Ultimo Dragon in 2008
During his time with the promotion, he would go onto hold the IWGP Tag Team Titles with Hiroshi Tanahashi, who is now serving as NJPW President.
Following the tragic news, Tanahashi wrote on X: ‘Yoshie-san, please rest in peace.’
After leaving in January 2006, he started working as an independent wrestler, and formed tag teams with the likes of Steve Corino and Ultimo Dragon.
He suffered another devastating injury during AJPW’s Champion Carnival tournament back in 2012 when he broke his ankle, but three years later he would capture the tag titles alongside sumo star turned wrestler Akebono.
Wrestler Hartley Jackson tweeted: ‘Our conversation today was full of laughs, joys and good memories. Never knew it would be the last. You always greeted me with a big smile. Thank you for always making me feel welcome in Japan. Rest easy Yoshie 🌌’
Fan @Jonkeymohnson added: ‘Was always inexplicably drawn to this giant funny looking guy in a pink singlet, but he was much more than just that; solid big man, very hard worker and always entertaining wherever he showed up. Genuinely very saddened by this news. RIP Flying Pink Tank.’
And X user @JackSolomonETU said: ‘Horrible news this morning of Yutaka Yoshie’s sudden passing after an AJPW match. One of my favorite big men to watch during his prime. He was also fantastic in HUSTLE where he could show more of his personality as well. This sucks. RIP Yoshie 🙏🏻’
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