AJPW Star Yutaka Yoshie Passes Away

Yutaka Yoshie has sadly passed away.

All Japan Pro Wrestling has announced the sad news that Yutaka Yoshie has passed away aged 50.

Yoshie was taken ill after returning backstage after a match as part of the Takasaki tournament. The star was quickly taken to a hospital in Tasaki City but later passed away.

AJPW released the following statement:

Notice of the passing of Yutaka Yoshie

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 game, his condition suddenly deteriorated and 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. All Japan Pro Wrestling

The company also announced that its planned TV show on March 11th has been postponed.

Yutaka Yoshie Found Success Alongside Hiroshi Tanahashi

Yutaka Yoshie made his in-ring debut back in December 1994 but suffered a broken leg in his second outing. The star eventually fought back to full fitness and later won the IWGP Tag Team Titles alongside the current NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi. The pair held the titles for 184 days before being beaten by Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Osamu Nishimura.

After leaving NJPW in 2006, Yoshie operated as a freelancer and continued to compete for the biggest promotions in Japan.

Tanahashi shared the following post on social media, honouring his former tag team partner “Yoshie-san, please rest in peace. Thank you IWGP tag 😭”