In professional wrestling, there are those who cross borders and become household names. Superstars such as Hulk Hogan and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, inspired a generation of youngsters and have been immortalized in the business. However, there are also those who silently touch the lives of millions – those who not only inspire people but also become a shining example.
Japanese wrestling, or ‘Puroresu’ as it is more affectionately known, has been one of the most revered and respected ‘sports’ in the land of the rising sun. The fans understand the hardships the athletes go through, and the sacrifices and dues they pay to entertain them.
The wrestlers, in turn, show their appreciation by working their socks off; if you’re a ‘gaijin’ – a term used for foreign wrestlers in Japan – you’d be more than surprised as to how the Japanese dojos are run, and how seriously they take the sport. Respect isn’t given easily and isn’t taken lightly in the Japanese wrestling circuit.
This unspoken bond between the wrestlers and the fans is unheard of and makes Puroresu all the more special. When you look at some of the biggest Japanese legends – from the likes of Giant Baba to Jumbo Tsuruta to Mitsuharu Misawa, the amount of respect they had garnered during their wrestling careers in unparalleled.
However, there is one more legend whose name is synonymous with the undying spirit in Japanese wrestling.
The career of Hayabusa
Hayabusa has been a source of inspiration for the wrestlers during the 90s. His high-risk innovative offense took professional wrestling by storm, and the fans and wrestlers alike were forced to take notice of Hayabusa’s unorthodox style.
Eiji Ezaki polished his skills in Mexico, under the tutelage of Rey Mysterio, Sr. and it was in Mexico that Hayabusa’s career took shape, as he incorporated the lucha libre style in his arsenal.
Hayabusa returned to Japan, where he competed mainly for FMW. However, one of the biggest matches of Hayabusa’s career came against yet another Japanese legend, Jushin “Thunder” Liger during the prestigious Super J Cup in ’94, in the very first round of the tournament.
Although Hayabusa lost the match, he showed tremendous potential, and the fans immediately knew that Hayabusa would one day become one of Japan’s biggest stars.
While most of the wrestlers go after money and fame, Hayabusa loved to compete. Hayabusa made FMW his home, and although he frequently traveled to the United States, competing in organizations such as Extreme Championship Wrestling, Hayabusa was synonymous with FMW.
It was during this time that Hayabusa participated in some of the most dangerous matches – including the “Exploding Cage” match, and helped FMW survive for as long as it did.
Overcoming adversity and the aftermath
The biggest testament to a wrestler’s career is in overcoming their biggest adversity. In 2001, during a match against Mammoth Sasaki, Hayabusa went for a Lionsault, but slipped on the middle rope and landed on his neck, which resulted in a total paralysis due to cracking of two vertebrae.
While the doctors told Hayabusa that he would never walk again, Hayabusa tried to give back to the wrestling community, and stayed active, promoting FMW.
A couple of years ago, Hayabusa shocked the entire wrestling fraternity by defying the odds, and walking on his own two feet! While the fans rejoiced Hayabusa’s incredible recovery, it once again highlighted the will and determination of Eiji Ezaki.
The Phoenix had once again risen, while Hayabusa never completely ruled out a potential return to professional wrestling!
However, Hayabusa was found dead at his home yesterday, and tributes started pouring in from all corners of the globe. The cause of death was determined to be subarachnoid hemorrhage, but his impact on the business and legacy will undoubtedly inspire yet another generation of wrestlers.
While Hayabusa only worked a handful of matches in the United States, he was ahead of his time and innovated a high-risk offensive style that the world hadn’t witnessed before.
Hayabusa might not be the most recognizable face in the industry, but the outpour of sympathy and gratitude in general for his contributions to professional wrestling signify his importance. “The flying assassin”, through his body of work has left a legacy that will be remembered for a long time to come.
