Anyone who appeared in WCW Revenge and WCW World Tour (unofficially) is a damn legend in the wrestling business! But Hayabusa was much more than that. He was an insanely talented in-ring performer, as well as a promoter, a singer and a father. While he never wrestled in the WWF or WCW, his style influenced a generation of wrestlers, and his body of work still holds up today. With breaktaking moves, and the fearlessness to take part in ridiculously barbaric hardcore matches, he was one of the most exciting wrestlers to watch in the 90s. He was a top star in FMW, and came stateside for a match in ECW, teaming up with Rob Van Dam. While Hayabusa didnt pass away from the usual suspects in wrestling like muscle relaxers, pills, drugs and alcohol, he was a victim of the inherent danger of the sport himself. Landing awkwardly on his neck in 2001 after a botched springboard moonsault, his career was over in an instant. A man who seemed invincible could no longer walk. Hopefully his later years and death will be a reminder to fans on how our entertainment comes at great risk to the competitors. As much fun as it is to hate on certain wrestlers (Im probably more guilty than anyone else!), they truly are putting their lives on the line for us. At the very least, next time you bust out your 64 and kick up Revenge, play as Han Zo Man in his honor. Time to kick out.
As Rust Cohle from True Detective said "Life's barely long enough to get good at one thing. So be careful what you're good at."
Sadly, I can't solve a murder like Rust...or change a tire, or even tie a tie. But I do know all the lyrics to Hulk Hogan's "Real American" theme song and can easily name every Natural Born Thriller from the dying days of WCW. I was once ranked 21st in the United States in Tetris...on the Playstation 3 version...for about a week.
Follow along @AndrewSoucek and check out my podcast at wrestlingwithfriends.com
