Former ECW, FMW, and Japanese Legend Hayabusa, has passed away this morning. Eiji Ezaki, better known to the wrestling world as Hayabusa, was found dead with the cause being a subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the area of the brain and the tissues that cover the brain).
He only spent a few months in the North American territories along with an appearance ECW Heatwave 1998 in an amazing contest with Sabu & Rob Van Dam. In October 2001, Haybusa suffered a broken neck while attempting an Asai Moonsault (Lionsault). He cracked two of his vertebrae & left him paralyzed.
A video emerged of the legend rising from his wheelchair and walked to the ring for the first time since his accident, for a ceremonial 10 count. A true inspiration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edTwRh7DLnA
Hayabusa was a Legendary figure in this industry, and an inspiration to many wrestlers, some of whom might not even have met the man himself. His style was years ahead of its time, and he could’ve been one of the Best Wrestlers in the World. We have collected some thoughts and memories of his peers down below;
Thoughts and prayers to Hayabusa and his family. His style of wrestling was ahead of his time. A true innovator. pic.twitter.com/Az9x20xpOc
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) March 4, 2016
Sad..The Great Hayabusa. A man that influenced my generation with his innovative style & his determination outside the ring was inspiring
— ROCKY ROMERO🇵🇷 🇲🇽 🇺🇸 🇯🇵“Chico El Luchador” (@azucarRoc) March 4, 2016
When I started wrestling, *everyone* wanted to be Hayabusa. Even the heavyweights wanted a tiny iota of what he so effortlessly had.
— Excalibur (@ShutUpExcalibur) March 4, 2016
I remember in BYW the guy we loved was Hayabusa. Watch all his matches and was an inspiration. Thank you very much. RIP Hayabusa
— Will Ospreay • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) March 4, 2016
RIP Hayabusa. The memory of the Phoenix will rise & inspire the warriors of the future.
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) March 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/MKirbyProEgo/status/705690337893851136
https://twitter.com/MichaelElgin25/status/705661367907299329