Tag: ZERO1

Shinjiro Otani undergoes surgery, wife releases statement

Posted on by Ian Carey

ZERO1 has provided an update on Shinjiro Otani. 

The promotion released a statement on Thursday updating fans on the 49-year-old’s condition. He underwent surgery on Wednesday to prevent further deterioration of a cervical spinal cord injury. The procedure is said to have gone as planned and Otani has been transferred to another hospital. 

The injury occurred on Sunday’s ZERO1 show when Otani was wrestling Takashi Sugiura in the main event. He took a German suplex into the corner and remained motionless after. It has since been reported that Otani is still unable to move his arms or legs. 

Otani’s wife, Eriko Otani, released a statement as well (translations via Post Wrestling). 

“I married a professional wrestler, Shinjiro Otani, so I was prepared to accept a situation like this, but when I think of Shinjiro’s disappointment, I cry. However, we will not look down, but forward, and with the help of pro wrestling, we will continue to support Mr. Shinjiro. We will do our best with your warm support. We hope that you will continue to watch over us warmly. Finally, I would like to ask for your continued support for Zero One and all the wrestlers that Mr. Shinjiro has been protecting.”

Shinjiro Otani to undergo surgery for spinal cord injury

Posted on by Ian Carey

Shinjiro Otani will undergo surgery as a result of the spinal cord injury he suffered during a ZERO1 show on Sunday. 

The promotion sent out an update on Tuesday noting that the surgery will take place on Wednesday, April 13 and is being done to “prevent future deterioration.” 

Otani incurred a cervical spinal injury after taking a German suplex into the turnbuckle during a match with Takashi Sugiura. He remained motionless on the mat after taking the move. Fans were asked to leave the venue, the ring ropes were removed, and eventually he was transported to hospital. He has not been able to move his limbs since the injury.

Numerous personalities from around the wrestling world have sent out well-wishes to Otani on social media.

“Sending every ounce of positive vibes to Shinjiro Otani. Join me in doing the same, if you please,” wrote WWE’s Adam Pearce on Twitter.  

“Praying for you this morning my brother. I know your spirit is too strong to be broken,” wrote AEW/ROH’s Samoa Joe. 

“Best wishes go out to Shinjiro Otani for a speedy recovery!” wrote AEW’s Christopher Daniels. 

Stardom’s KAIRI also announced she will be donating a portion of the proceeds from recent merchandise sales to Otani’s recovery. 

Shinjiro Otani conscious, unable to move limbs following injury on ZERO1 show

Posted on by Ian Carey

Shinjiro Otani remains paralyzed following an injury suffered on a ZERO1 show on Sunday. 

Company president Takahito Kami spoke to Tokyo Sports on Monday and confirmed Otani’s condition remains unchanged.

“It hasn’t changed. He’s conscious, but can’t move his limbs. Currently, he’s being treated by a doctor. As for the official diagnosis, we are waiting for a reply from the hospital.”

The 49-year-old took a German suplex into the turnbuckle during the night’s main event and was unable to move after. The ring ropes were removed, fans were asked to leave, and Otani was eventually stretchered out and taken to hospital. He had been challenging the promotion’s world champion, Takashi Sugiura.

Otani performed for New Japan Pro Wrestling from 1992 until 2001 when he co-founded ZERO1 with Shinya Hashimoto. In 1998, his team with Tatsuhito Takaiwa won Tag Team of the Year in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards. Otani was also named the Best Technical Wrestler that same year. 

Shinjiro Otani hospitalized following injury on ZERO1 show

Posted on by Ian Carey

Shinjiro Otani suffered a serious injury during a ZERO1 show on Sunday. 

The 49-year-old was challenging Takashi Sugiura in the main event but was unable to continue after taking a German suplex into the turnbuckle. He was stretchered out of Sumo Hall and taken to hospital. Fans in the venue were asked to leave. 

Otani is said to have not been able to move following the injury. Referee Katsumi Sasazaki spoke to Tokyo Sports and said that Otani was conscious, was able to see and hear where he was, but was unable to move and could not feel his hands. 

Otani is also the acting President of ZERO1 and a former world champion in the promotion. He previously wrestled with NJPW from 1992 until 2001 as well. In 1998, Otani was named Best Technical Wrestler in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards and he and Tatsuhito Takaiwa won Tag Team of the Year.