Japanese Wrestling Legend Suffers Horror Injury At ZERO1 Show
Shinjiro Otani was hospitalised after taking a German suplex into the turnbuckles.
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.
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.
We at WhatCulture wish Otani all the best and hope for a full recovery.