WRESLTING legend Shinjiro Otani has suffered a spine injury and is unable to move his limbs after being SMASHED into the turnbuckle.
The 49-year-old was taking on Takashi Sugiura at a ZERO-ONE event in Tokyo, Japan.
Otani’s injury occurred when he was suplexed into the turnbuckle.
The New Japan Pro Wrestling great was left unable to communicate with the referee and medical personnel.
Fans were also asked to leave the stadium as a result of the injury.
Official for the match, Katsumi Sasazaki, told Tokyo Sports: “He was conscious.
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“He could hear his voice and knew exactly where he was.
“However, he complained that he could not move his hands and body, and said that he could not move his body as he wished, saying, ‘I can’t feel my hands.'”
Otani won multiple belts in his long, successful career which started in 1992.
He was IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and also won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles with partner Tatsuhito Takaiwa.
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He even captured the WCW Cruiserweight Championship.
Otani also shared the ring with the late Eddie Guerrero.
Well wishes are pouring in for Otani from across the wrestling world.
One fan said on Twitter: “Sending all my love and support to Shinjiro Otani right now.”
Another tweeted: “Such awful news about Shinjiro Otani, hoping for a recovery.”
