10 Scariest In-Ring Wrestling Accidents
2. Mitsuharu Misawa’s Tragic Passing
Few wrestlers have ever absorbed as much head, neck, and spinal trauma as Mitsuharu Misawa. All Japan Pro Wrestling’s run in the 1990s is rightly regarded as one of the greatest in wrestling history, but the company’s bruising ‘King’s Road’ style came at a huge cost. It emphasised stiff strikes and unprotected head drops above all else, and while spectacular to watch, it ultimately ended the life of its most famous practitioner.
Having spent his entire career taking ungodly punishment, Misawa died on the ring on June 13th, 2009. Wrestling Akitoshi Saito and Bison Smith in a tag match, Misawa lost consciousness after taking a belly-to-back suplex, and was pronounced dead in hospital later that evening.
The move’s impact prompted huge concern, as Mitsuharu went limp immediately. Medics performed CPR on him in the middle of the ring and an ambulance arrived shortly after, but nothing could be done. Unfortunately, Misawa paid the ultimate price for his love of the sport.
He is fondly remembered as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, and his contribution to the business will forever be revered, particularly in Japan.