WARNING: The following footage contains disturbing and brutal footage of a pro wrestling match that gets way out of hand. Discretion is advised.
Pro wrestling has contributed far more to MMA than is widely acknowledged, and it is choreographed entertainment, with the winner determined by the promoter before the talent even gets to the ring. However, in this disturbing footage of a pro wrestling bout from Japan, we see a horrific assault take place, on Act Yasukawa by Yoshiko, at World Championship Title Match Main Event, on February 22, 2015. Adding to the terrible moment, Yasukawa tried to sell the moves, even as Yoshiko was trying to hurt her.
Also disturbing, the referee and the organizers don’t do anything to stop it even after Yasukawa sustains a serious, prolonged beating. And as if that wasn’t enough, they keep sending her back out there to take more from her unhinged and much larger opponent.
WHY?
The two were from rival stables, which did not help. But the central reason was jealousy. Yoshiko had trained for two years longer, but was not considered senior to Act. In fact, Act was a talented rising star, while Yoshiko was simply large and strong. Both held belts, but this contest was for Yoshiko’s, and she simply didn’t want to give it up.
Management knew there were problems. There is a tradition in Japan of wrestlers with bad blood turning the work into a shoot. Yoshiko said beforehand that if Act wanted the belt, she would have to take it, in a shoot. The first part of the match was Act showing she was not intimidated. The second part, of course, was a terrible beating.
The Aftermath
Yoshiko gave up her title, retired, and never performed again. Act Yasukawa tried a comeback, but retired due to injuries suffered in this contest. Other wrestlers resigned from the promotion as a result as well. The referee was fired. The head of the promotion resigned, but started up another company not long after.
