Pro wrestler and several-time MMA fighter Yoshihiro Takayama has reportedly been paralyzed from the neck down. The injury apparently happened on May 5 during a DDT Pro-Wrestling show at the Toyonaka City Rose Cultural Hall in Osaka, Japan. The injury is said to have occurred during an exhibition bout with Yasu Urano, when Takayama attempted a Sunset Flip and landed on his head, and was unable to move. While the move is not notably dangerous, Takayama had suffered neck injuries previously, which may have been a contributing factor.

Takayama was transported to the hospital by ambulance and there are now multiple reports that he is paralyzed from the neck down.

The 50-year-old is, with Kensuke Sasaki, one of just two men to have held all three of Japan’s major Puroresu titles – GHC, IWGP, and Triple Crown heavyweight championships. He is celebrated in mixed martial arts for his fight with Don Frye at Pride 21 in 2001, which is in all seriousness, the most manly fight in the history of the sport.

We will post any further information as it becomes available.

And it is impossible to ignore that Frye too has suffered serious health issues in the past year. The thrills provided by combat sports can come with a heavy price; frequently the fighter alone has to bear the costs, and sometimes they cannot.