Japanese wrestling legend Yutaka Yoshie dies at 55 in dressing room

A Japanese wrestling icon has died following his latest tournament fight after his health deteriorated rapidly in the dressing room.

Japanese wrestling star Yutaka Yoshie has died aged 50 after collapsing in his changing room following a tournament bout.

The star “suddenly deteriorated” after an All Japan Pro Star Wrestling clash in the city of Takasaki today.

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The franchise said: “Yutaka Yoshie, who was participating in the Takasaki tournament held today, passed away on March 10, 2024.

“After Yutaka Yoshie returned to the waiting room after the match, his condition suddenly deteriorated.

“He was rushed to a hospital in Takasaki City, but he never returned home.

“We would like to remember Yutaka Yoshie’s achievements during his lifetime and pray for his soul to rest in peace.”

Yutaka Yoshie has died aged 50.

Yoshie competed for New Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH as well as All Japan Pro Star Wrestling.

The wrestler was also a former AJPW and IWGP World Tag Team Champion.

Tributes flowed in on social media following the shock news of the wrestling icon’s passing.

One user wrote: “RIP Yutaka Yoshie.”

Major League Wrestling wrote: “MLW is saddened to learn of the passing of Yutaka Yoshie. Rest in peace.”

Another added: “This Yutaka Yoshie news is so sad. He hasn’t been a regular wrestler for a while, mostly semi-retirement, but he’s always been beloved by the AJPW faithful. I hope his family and the rest of AJPW’s roster/employees are doing okay.”

Originally published as Japanese wrestling legend Yutaka Yoshie dies at 55 in dressing room