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JAPANESE STAR YUTAKA YOSHIE PASSES AWAY

PWInsider.com is saddened to report that Yutaka Yoshie, who competed for New Japan Pro Wrestling, Pro Wrestling NOAH, All Japan Pro Wrestling and ZERO-ONE, among other promotions in Japan, tragically passed away today after competing in a bout for AJPW  in Takasaki, Japan.

Yoshie took ill following a match today and was rushed to the hospital.  All Japan Pro Wrestling announced they were told by Yoshie's family that he later passed away.  He was only 50 years old.

AJPW announced the following on their website (translated into English):

Notice of the passing of Yutaka Yoshie

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

Yoshie, who had a judo background and was good "big man" style performer, was originally trained for professional wrestling at the New Japan Dojo and debuted in December 1994.  He had the unfortunate luck of breaking his leg during his second match and was out of action until the following year.  He worked NJPW undercards, including being one of the competitors picked to face the legendary Riki Choshu as part of Choshu's NJPW retirement run.

After spending time on excursion, he returned to the promotion as part of Yuji Nagata's Fighting Club G-EGGS faction.  After that group disbanded, Yoshie teamed with now-NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the IWGP Tag Team belts, which they held for six months.     Tanahashi tweeted:

Yoshie exited the company in January 2006.  From that point on, he was an independent talent.    In ZERO-ONE, Yoshie teamed with Steve Corino, where they held the NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championships.  in 2018, he and Okamoto would hold those titles as well.   He teamed with Ultimo Dragon for Toryumon. 

Yoshie would return to New Japan Pro Wrestling but as an independent talent, including teaming with Manabu Nakanishi in the 2008 G1 Tag League and also competed under a mask for a bit as Pink Strong Machine. 

Yoshie had runs in All Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH as well.  He competed in All Japan's Champion Carnival round-robin tournament in 2012, but suffered a broken ankle  Yoshie and former sumo star turned professional wrestler Akebono won the All Japan Tag Team Championship in 2015, holding the belts for several months.  He would also compete for GLEAT, FMW, K-DOJO, Riki Choshu's independent promotion and many other companies. 

Yoshie was a reliable talent who could provide lighter moments but was also extremely credible in the ring. 

PWInsider.com sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fan of Yutaka Yoshie.

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