5 Deaths that changed Pro Wrestling
Professional wrestling isn’t so forgiving. There have been so many instances in the past where the performers got injured, yet still continued to finish their matches. It isn’t just a matter of pride or protecting their “spot” on the roster, but the saying “The show must go on” implies to professional wrestling more than any other contact sport. At the end of the day, what matters most is the fact that the fans need to get their money’s worth, and these superstars understand that better than anyone else. These superstars fall on their heads and necks more often than one might think, and in the process, are prone to concussions and other injuries. Since 2007, WWE introduced the ImPACT testing thanks to the work done by former WWE superstar Christopher Nowinski, and have taken stringent measures relating to the safety of the performers. It wasn’t always the same however, and these regulations came about after the unfortunate demises of various superstars.In this article, we take a look at the untimely demises of five professional wrestlers, and how the circumstances surrounding their deaths changed the face of professional wrestling forever.
#5 Mitsuharu Misawa
Japanese fans are considered to be the most passionate bunch in the pro wrestling world. For decades, Japan has been the hotbed for some of the best wrestling matches in the world, while also producing some of the biggest legends in the business. Although not as popular as their North American counterparts, legends such as Giant Baba, Antonio Inoki, Mitsuharu Misawa and Jumbo Tsuruta are by no means secondary to the western superstars. Legends such as Ric Flair, Stan Hansen and even the legendary Hulk Hogan considered it an honour to wrestle the Japanese legends in front of the Japanese fans.
Misawa, considered by many to be the best wrestler to come along in the past three decades, was loved by the Japanese wrestling fans. In 2009, Misawa took part in a tag team match, and during the course of the bout, received a belly to back suplex by Saito, who then proceeded to pin him. After the bout, Misawa laid still on the mat, and initially, it was seen as him selling the finish. But things soon turned ugly when everyone realized there was something gravely wrong. Misawa, who still didn’t get up, was tended to by the trainers and other wrestlers, and as the animated wrestlers started shedding tears, the worst fears came true.
Misawa was rushed to a nearby medical facility, but he had already passed away. After his untimely death, the wrestling world mourned the loss of one of the most beloved grapplers, and most of the organizations started a policy which made it mandatory for the referees to stop the bout if one of the participants got injured. One of the more famous instances was when Daniel Bryan was tended to during a bout against Orton and was immediately sent to the back. Reports came out that an enraged Bryan confronted Triple H, but everything was forgotten soon.