After a grueling match on Saturday night, Japanese wrestling veteran Taka Michinoku revealed on X.com that he faced a chaotic night after another vehicle slammed into his car with devastating force. Airbags deployed instantly, but the impact left him with a severe facial injury and heavy bleeding that required an ambulance. Yet despite suffering a concussion, records indicate the resilient 52-year-old stepped back into the ring for a ten-minute match the following evening against Tomoka Inaba, likely against medical advice.
“A car suddenly came crashing into us. Airbags deployed, but the person suffered a severe blow to the face and was bleeding, requiring an ambulance. My car is no longer drivable. What the hell. What should I do about transportation starting tomorrow?” – Taka Michinoku
Michinoku, real name Takao Yoshida, debuted in 1992 and built an illustrious 33-year career blending high-flying lucharesu, technical prowess, and charismatic comedy. He became the inaugural WWF Light Heavyweight Champion in 1997, holding the title for a record 315 days and defending it at WrestleMania XIV. In Japan, he founded Kaientai Dojo and Tap Out, while capturing major junior titles, including the AJPW World Junior Heavyweight Championship and multiple reigns with the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship. And while no longer at the same level of stardom as he once was, he continues to influence generations as a performer, trainer, and promoter.
