NJPW Star Hiromu Takahashi Set To Return After Broken Neck

The Junior Heavyweight ace's comeback is imminent.

Hiromu Takahashi
NJPW

It looks like former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi is finally on his way back to the squared circle.

According to Dave Meltzer in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, 'The Ticking Time Bomb' will make a surprise appearance at an upcoming New Japan Pro Wrestling show, where he'll announce his comeback.

Takahashi suffered a horrific neck-break while wrestling long-time rival Dragon Lee on July 2018's G1 Special In San Francisco card. Taking a nasty head-first bump off Lee's Phoenix Plex, the groggy junior was able to finish the bout, but has been sidelined ever since.

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The ensuing weeks and months were full of retirement rumours, but Himoru has tweeted constant updates on his condition since he was hospitalised. While he may not be the wild, out-of-control risk-taker of old, and will almost certainly have to adapt his reckless wrestling style, the charismatic star is on his way back.

One of the most celebrated wrestlers in Japan prior to his injury, Takahashi was in the midst of an incredible in-ring run that had the Junior Heavyweight division surging towards levels not seen since Jushin 'Thunder' Liger's heyday. Here's hoping he's able to pick up where he left off.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.