Daisuke Sekimoto continues to progress in his recovery after suffering a scary in-ring injury last week.
Sekimoto, one of the hardest-hitting wrestlers in Japan, was competing in a six-man tag match for Big Japan Pro Wrestling in Tokyo on May 29 when the injury happened. He went down after taking a swinging DDT, and the match had to be stopped and Sekimoto was stretchered out. Thankfully, Sekimoto was able to return home from the hospital that day while only experiencing some temporary numbness in his arms and neck.
Big Japan shared a new update with fans today after Sekimoto underwent a follow-up evaluation on June 2. It was determined that Sekimoto suffered a low-grade cervical spine injury, but he is not experiencing any paralysis or muscle weakness. A decision on when Sekimoto will be able to return to the ring will be made in two weeks after another evaluation.
“On the day of the match, he suffered damage to his neck bones from the front, causing cervical vertebrae to be injured. He was diagnosed with a traumatic cervical spine injury. Current status: No paralysis. No muscle weakness,” Big Japan wrote.
“The grade of the cervical spine injury is low and is considered to be similar to a concussion, but after discussion between the doctor, the wrestler himself, and [Big Japan] President Eiji Tosaka, it has been decided that an additional examination will be conducted in two weeks to check the degree of recovery of the cervical spine and a decision will be made at that time.”
There are no restrictions on Sekimoto’s daily life, and he is able to train as long as it does not put strain on his neck. Sekimoto said that, for now, the only training he will be doing is to stay in shape and relieve stress.
Sekimoto, 44, made his wrestling debut in 1999. In addition to competing for Big Japan, he’s made international appearances during his career for promotions like wXw, PWG, Evolve, and Chikara.
