Shinjiro Otani undergoes surgery, wife releases statement

ZERO1 has provided an update on Shinjiro Otani. 

The promotion released a statement on Thursday updating fans on the 49-year-old’s condition. He underwent surgery on Wednesday to prevent further deterioration of a cervical spinal cord injury. The procedure is said to have gone as planned and Otani has been transferred to another hospital. 

The injury occurred on Sunday’s ZERO1 show when Otani was wrestling Takashi Sugiura in the main event. He took a German suplex into the corner and remained motionless after. It has since been reported that Otani is still unable to move his arms or legs. 

Otani’s wife, Eriko Otani, released a statement as well (translations via Post Wrestling). 

“I married a professional wrestler, Shinjiro Otani, so I was prepared to accept a situation like this, but when I think of Shinjiro’s disappointment, I cry. However, we will not look down, but forward, and with the help of pro wrestling, we will continue to support Mr. Shinjiro. We will do our best with your warm support. We hope that you will continue to watch over us warmly. Finally, I would like to ask for your continued support for Zero One and all the wrestlers that Mr. Shinjiro has been protecting.”