Pro wrestling legend Hayabusa passes away
One of Japanese wrestling’s greatest names, Eiji Ezaki – better known as Hayabusa to the masses – was found dead at the age of 47, according to Tokyo Sports. The exact cause of his death is said to be a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is a case of excessive bleeding in the tissues that cover the brain.
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Hayabusa’s career started off in 1991 while training in FMJ Dojo. He went on to create a name for himself after putting on a five-star match against Jushin “Thunder” Liger in the Super J tournament in 1994. Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, TAKA Michinoku and The Great Sasuke were the other stars that grabbed the attention of the masses during this very tournament.
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At ECW Heat Wave 1998 in Dayton, Ohio, Hayabusa was involved in his biggest match in the United States when he teamed up with Jinsei Shinzaki (Hakushi in the WWE) to face off against Sabu and RVD.
His career ended on a very sad note, though, which happened after an unfortunate Lionsault botch in October 2001 during a match against Mammoth Sasaki forcing him into retirement and to make things worse, confined him to a wheelchair.
WWE issued this statement on the unfortunate demise of the legend:
WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of Eiji Ezaki, better known to fans around the world as Hayabusa, at the age of 47.
An innovative high-flyer who helped inspire a generation of Superstars, the mysterious, masked Hayabusa was known for throwing caution to the wind. Ezaki created daring moves like the Phoenix Splash, which to this day can be seen in the repertoire of daredevil competitors, including former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. A major star in Japan in the mid to late ’90s, Hayabusa competed in one major American match, teaming with Jinsei Shinzaki (known as Hakushi in WWE) in a losing effort against Sabu & Rob Van Dam at ECW’s Heat Wave 1998 event. Although his career was cut short by injury in 2001, Ezaki never strayed far from the industry, where he continued to impart his knowledge.
WWE extends its condolences to Ezaki’s family, friends and fans.
We too extend our condolences to the family and friends of the late Hayabusa.