AJPW's Yutaka Yoshie Passes Away Following Match

Japanese professional wrestling veteran Yutaka Yoshie sadly passed away following a match yesterday. He was 50 years old.

Yoshie teamed with Ryo Inoue in a loss to Hokuto Omori and Ryouji Sai at an All-Japan Pro Wrestling show on March 10. When he got backstage, Yoshie began to suddenly feel ill and was rushed to a local hospital.

Unfortunately, he was unable to recover and died. An official cause of death has not yet been released.

AJPW notified fans of his passing, the (translated) post reading:

"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."

All-Japan announced that the airing of their March 11 television show has been postponed.

According to Yahoo Sports, fans in attendance noted that there was no particular spot in the match that could be pointed to as causing an injury to Yoshie.

A product of the New Japan Pro Wrestling Dojo, Yoshie made his in-ring debut in 1994. The highlight of his time with the company was winning the IWGP Tag Team Titles alongside Hiroshi Tanahashi in 2003.

He opted not to re-sign with NJPW in 2006 and had been a freelancer since, working for AJPW, as well as Pro Wrestling NOAH, Zero-One and various other promotions.