Photo Credit: AJPW
By: Lewis Carlan
There was tragic news coming out of All Japan Pro-Wrestling today as the promotion announced the unfortunate news that their rising star Taishin Nagao had passed away on Sept. 7th at the age of 21.
Nagao had been hospitalized since May 31 after being struck by a tour bus. The highly touted rookie had suffered traumatic shock caused by compression of his abdomen and was being treated in the emergency intensive care unit at the hospital.
AJPW announced that the official cause of death will be reported as soon as that information becomes available.
Photo Credit: AJPW
Nagao made his AJPW debut on Oct 22, 2024 at the AJPW Raising An Army Memorial Series 2024 event against Ryo Inoue. Inoue had defeated Nagao via referee decision in that bout. He then went on to have a series of singles matches against Yuma Aoyagi, Suwama, Ren Ayabe and Kento Miyahara.
Photo Credit: AJPW
Nagao’s final match came on May 18th as he defeated Shota Kofuji in a Champion Carnival 2025 pre-show bout.
Numerous wrestlers from various promotions offered their condolences following the unfortunate news of Nagao’s passing:
From Suwama:
“Athlete Taishin Nagao has, very regrettably, passed. We pray for Nagao’s soul to rest in peace.”
From Seri Yamaoka:
“As a fellow professional wrestler, I pray for your eternal rest.”
From Seiki Yoshioka:
“Words can’t express it… You did so well. Your efforts are etched in our hearts. Rest easy now. Until we meet again, Nagao-san. We pray for your eternal peace.”
From Chi Chi:
“I pray for your soul’s repose.”
From Hartley Jackson:
“Tragic. May Nagao now rest in peace. I have no words.”
From Lord Crewe:
“Very saddened to hear of his passing. I hope his family, everyone at All Japan and the fans can find comfort. Rest in peace young man.”
From Kyoya Okazaki:
“We have never met, but as a fellow young wrestler, I feel regret. May you rest in peace.”
Nagao had become quite popular with the fans and he will be greatly missed.
Everyone at Monthly Puroresu extends our deepest and sincerest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Taishin Nagao.
Date:
September 7, 2025
Category:
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