In what was certainly a scary moment, WWE legend Taka Michinoku recently survived a car accident that led to the Kaientai star being sent to the hospital. The former Attitude Era star has been competing against women in Japan for his JTO promotion. Taka Michinoku completed three days in a row, competing against Japanese standout Labrica Hinano. Unfortunately for the former WWE Light Heavyweight Champion, the trilogy ended in tragedy. Former Kaientai star, Taka Michinoku, crashes his car in a bloody accident! Here’s the latest on Taka Michinoku’s car crash and why he wrestled afterward with a concussion!
Taka Michinoku Is In Car Accident
Being a pro wrestler requires extensive travel. These long miles increase the odds of a disaster. Luckily, Taka Michinoku avoided the fates of Magnum TA, Brian Pillman, and other Superstars who have been in car wrecks.
The former WWF Superstar was in a very serious car accident that required a trip to the hospital in an ambulance.
Taka Michinoku shared his car accident on social media:
A car hit Taka from behind, causing him to crash into the car in front of him. The impact caused Taka Michinoku’s airbag to deploy. The massive collision caused an airbag to explode in the 34-year pro wrestling veteran. Taka Michinoku suffered damage to his nose and was diagnosed with a concussion.
This unfortunate accident was a string of incidents the former ECW star endured. Prior to the pile-up, he mislocated his wallet. Then, upon leaving the arena, Taka realized he didn’t have his house keys.
Japanese Legend Competes Less Than 24 Hours After Taka Michinoku’s Car Crash
It is very common for American promotions to bench talents over concussion concerns. In fact, TNA officials were praised for how they handled Steve Maclin being knocked out during a recent PPV Main Event Match.
Japanese independent wrestling promotions, like Just Tap Out (JTO), have more lax regulations. At least, that can be the case when you own the promotion. Taka Michinoku owns JTO, and the head honcho booked himself in a match less than 24 hours after his car was totaled!
The star shared earlier yesterday morning:
“I nearly died last night, but I’ll be having a match today at 5 PM at Takashimadaira Ward Community Center!!”
The Attitude Era alum would face his protege, Tomoka Inaba. Insiders say that the veteran modified his arsenal to accommodate the injuries. However, many fans wished that the Kaientai star hadn’t gotten in the ring at all.
Taka Michinoku Receives Backlash for Wrestling with Concussion
Taka Michinoku is all in on JTO. That’s why he felt an obligation to see through his scheduled match against Tomoka Inaba. While the JTO owner appreciated the fans’ support, he felt their concerns were unwarranted.
Taka shared a heartfelt post with fans who questioned him wrestling Tomoka Inaba the following night:
“I’m getting all sorts of comments like “Don’t compete with a concussion,” but right after the accident, I got a CT scan at the hospital.
On top of that, I got the doctor’s judgment that it’s OK, and that’s why I’m competing.
I decided to go ahead with the match after considering the opponent, the audience, and various other things.
That said, the pre-accident posts and such were unnecessary, huh.
Sorry for causing all the fuss.”
While Taka Michinoku is concussed, he is still walking away pretty unscathed. Recent Monday Night War alum, Buff Bagwell, had his leg amputated after complications associated with a car accident. Since then, Buff Bagwell has resurfaced in TNA, promising to wrestle one last match.
Taka Michinoku’s WWE Run
Taka Michinoku entered the WWE in 1997 with a ton of hype. The Japanese sensation was fresh off a hot run in ECW, even becoming an honorary member of the bWo.
Upon entering WWE, Taka Michinoku received massive media coverage. In fact, WWE even aired his contract signing on television. Eventually, he’d capture imaginations with a show-stealing performance against The Great Sasuke at Canadian Stampede. Later that year, Taka Michinoku would become the inaugural WWF Light Heavyweight Champion by besting Brian Christopher.
Taka Michinoku and the Light Heavyweight Division were WWE’s answer to WCW’s flourishing Cruiserweight Division. Their inaugural Champion, Shinjiro Otani, has recently undergone severe health issues himself. Thankfully, his former rival Dean Malenko was able to cheer up the first-ever WCW Cruiserweight Champion with a very thoughtful gift.
In mid-1998, Taka would lose the Title to Christian during the former TNA Champion’s WWE debut. Taka would eventually turn heel and side with his long-time enemies in Kaientai.
Together, they would feud with the likes of Val Venis, Bradshaw, and The Oddities. Kaientai would become a comedy act known for moving their mouths out of sync with a talking track and ending promos with the word, “Indeed!” Taka Michinoku would leave WWE in 2002 to open his Kaientai dojo, paving the path for JTO.