Japanese Wrestling Legend Suffers Horror Injury At ZERO1 Show

Shinjiro Otani was hospitalised after taking a German suplex into the turnbuckles.

by Andy H Murray
Shinjiro Otani
ZERO1

Japanese wrestling legend Shinjiro Otani suffered what sounds like a serious injury while competing for Pro Wrestling ZERO1 on Sunday (10 April).

Otani, 49, was challenging ZERO1 World Heavyweight Champion Takashi Sugiura in the main event of the promotion's joint 20th and 21st anniversary event. Sadly, the veteran was rendered unable to compete after being hit with a German suplex into a turnbuckle, resulting, eventually, in him being stretchered out of the venue and transported to a hospital.

Although Otani was conscious and able to communicate with officials after the bump, he was unable to move. Referee Katsumi Sasazaki told Tokyo Sports that while Otani could hear voices and determine where he was, he couldn't feel his hands.

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Dr. Hayashi, the medician on the scene, has told Hochi Sports of fears that Otani may have suffered a cervical spine injury. By the time he was transported to hospital, Otani was still unable to move his arms or legs.

A pro wrestler since 1992, Otani is best known for his work in New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he wrestled until 2001, contesting legendary battles with the likes of Jushin Thunder Liger and Ultimo Dragon and becoming an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion in the singles and tag team divisions.

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We at WhatCulture wish Otani all the best and hope for a full recovery.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.