As noted, Japanese wrestling legend Hayabusa (Eiji Ezaki) passed away on Thursday afternoon at the age of 47. Hayabusa was found dead after some form of hemorrhaging. Hayabusa was a popular star in Japanese wrestling during the 1990s because of his high-flying style.
WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley commented on Hayabusa’s passing in a recent Facebook post:
RIP HAYABUSA
Pro wrestling lost another great with the death of Hayabusa (Eiji Ezaki) at age 47 from complications of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. I remember this gifted and Innovative high-flyer so well – from the pages of Japanese wrestling magazines, where he would seemingly do the impossible on a regular basis. He work for #FMW in Japan, while I worked for #IWAJapan- so we were, in a sense, competitors – but I had nothing but respect for him, and was pleased to meet him at the two #FMW events was part of – in 1996 and 1997. Hayabusa was paralyzed in 2001, following a springboard moonsault attempt, in which he slipped off the ropes, and landed on his head, cracking two vertebrae in his neck – never to wrestle again.
But, if in death, a man can inspire others in life, than truly that life has been one worth living. Please take a look at this video that captures his most remarkable moment – in 2015, surrounded by his peers, fans, and loved ones, Hayabusa walks to the ring for the first time since his accident.
