PRIDE legend Yoshihiro Takayama is paralyzed from the neck down following a recent professional wrestling match.
Back in May, Takayama was competing at a DDT Pro Wrestling event in Osaka, Japan. During his match, Takayama landed on his head while doing a wrestling move. After attempting the move, Takayama was motionless.
During a recent press conference in Tokyo, it was revealed that Takayama was paralyzed. He can breathe on his own and is conscious but he cannot feel anything from the shoulders down. It was also revealed that Takayama’s chances of recovering are not good.
The wrestling move Takayama got hurt doing was the sunset flip, which is considered to be a safe wrestling move. However, Takayama has a history of neck injuries that may have contributed to this accident.
At age 50, Takayama is beloved by both the MMA and professional wrestling communities. In MMA, Takayama had legendary battles in PRIDE against UFC Hall of Famer Don Frye and Bob Sapp.
