New Japan posted the following on their English-language website on Sunday night, noting that IWGP Jr. Champion Hiromu Takahashi is currently hospitalized following his title defense against Dragon Lee at this past weekend’s G-1 Special at the Cow Palace in San Francisco.
Hiromu Takahashi has been hospitalized after suffering a neck injury while facing Dragon Lee in the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match on Saturday night’s G1 Special in San Francisco.
It is reported Takahashi, after the match was immediately taken to a nearby hospital. He is currently undergoing a thorough evaluation, Takahashi is conscious, and is able to sit and talk.
We at New Japan Pro Wrestling deeply appreciate our fans’ sincere concerns.
Please keep checking njpw1972.com for updates as we learn more.
The belief is that Takahashi suffered a broken neck after taking Dragon Lee’s Dragon Driver move towards the end of the match. Takahashi was able to finish the match, but was said to have collapsed backstage following the match and was rushed to the hospital per a report by Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.
It is unknown how long Takahashi will be out of action.
A GIF of the spot that injured Takahashi can be seen below.
https://twitter.com/BulletClubItal/status/1015788747504476161