21 Wrestlers Who Died In 2018

7. Aya Koyama (27 August)

Aya Koyama Obit
AJW

Japanese wrestling and MMA star Aya 'Aliya' Koyama sadly lost her battle with stage IV cancer in late August. She was just 45 years old.

Koyama made her pro wrestling debut with Japanese women's promotion JD' Star, before being scouted by big hitters AJW and Big Japan Pro Wrestling. Her career even took her as far as Mexico's CMLL, before she decided to take a sabbatical from the business in 2001 to pursue an MMA ambition.

A mixed record in the Octagon led Koyama back to the squared-circle in 2005, adopting the new name 'Aliya'. During her second spell, Aliyah came into contact with future WWE star Asuka, adding her to a list of glittering opponents including Aja Kong and Manami Toyota.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.