Eiji Ezaki better known to wrestling fans as Hayabusa unfortunately passed away on Thursday after suffering a brain hemmorhage at the age of 47. Hayabusa was known for his work in Japan and his work in Mexico. He also wrestled in the United States and participated in a match at ECW Heatwave in 1998. Hayabusa was an innovative high flyer and the creator of the Phoenix Splash. His career unfortunately come to an end when he was paralyzed in 2001 following a springboard moonsault gone wrong.
Wrestlers from all around the world are reacting to the loss and you can see what they’re saying along with an official statement from WWE below.
https://twitter.com/newjapaneng/status/705697103968923648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
A friend and an inspiration. Unforgettable and brilliant. Thank you for everything. #RIPHayabusa pic.twitter.com/2LvL3s5Gaf
— BASTARD (@BASTARDPAC) March 4, 2016
Truly saddened to hear of the passing of Hayabusa this morning. A great inspiration to me and many of my peers. His legacy will live on.
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) March 4, 2016
RIP Hayabusa, one of most unique and innovative wrestlers ever.
— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) March 4, 2016
RIP Hayabusa. The memory of the Phoenix will rise & inspire the warriors of the future.
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) March 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/BubbaRayDudley/status/705767698429517824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Very sad to hear the passing of Hayabusa. Easily one of the most inspirational junior heavyweight wrestler of all time. RIP Eiji Ezaki
— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) March 4, 2016
“WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of Eiji Ezaki, better known to fans around the world as Hayabusa, at the age of 47.
An innovative high-flyer who helped inspire a generation of Superstars, the mysterious, masked Hayabusa was known for throwing caution to the wind. Ezaki created daring moves like the Phoenix Splash, which to this day can be seen in the repertoire of daredevil competitors, including former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. A major star in Japan in the mid to late ’90s, Hayabusa competed in one major American match, teaming with Jinsei Shinzaki (known as Hakushi in WWE) in a losing effort against Sabu & Rob Van Dam at ECW’s Heat Wave 1998 event. Although his career was cut short by injury in 2001, Ezaki never strayed far from the industry, where he continued to impart his knowledge.
WWE extends its condolences to Ezaki’s family, friends and fans.”
