New Japan Pro Wrestling has sent out an update on the condition of Hiromu Takahashi. The IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion collapsed backstage at the Cow Palace Saturday. He is believed to have suffered a broken neck during a triangle to a cradle-suplex spot where he landed on his head.
“It is reported Takahashi, after the match was immediately taken to a nearby hospital,” the statement reads. “He is currently undergoing a thorough evaluation, Takahashi is conscious, and is able to sit and talk.”
Takahashi indicated to the referee after the botched move that he was OK to finish the match despite the injury. He even performed his Time Bomb finisher without looking as though he was in much discomfort. Takahashi walked to the back on his own after winning the match as well.
Hiromu Takahashi Injury
“Hiromu Takahashi has been hospitalized after suffering a neck injury while facing Dragon Lee in the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match on Saturday night’s G1 Special in San Francisco.” – NJPW official statement on Takahashi injury.
Several wrestlers have given their thoughts on Takahashi’s injury in the days since it happened. One wrestler, who also has a history of neck injuries, is Sean “X-Pac” Waltman.
“I’ve had my neck broken twice in the ring. 2nd time had it surgically repaired. I was able to make a full recovery & return to Wrestling for the most successful run of my career,” Waltman Tweeted. “Takahashi walked out of the ring on his own. He’s not done yet. Mark my words.”
Author Chris Charlton (EGGSHELLS: History of Pro Wrestling at the Tokyo Dome) relayed an interview Takahashi gave to NJPW following Shibata’s injury in 2015.
Hiromu Takahashi, interviewed after his two minute win against KUSHIDA (and Shibata’s last match) at Sakura Genesis 2017 https://t.co/CJg2NlGaVh pic.twitter.com/Q4j4dArXhm
— chris charlton (@reasonjp) July 9, 2018
We will keep you up-to-date with any news regarding Hiromu Takahashi’s condition.