Tributes Pour in on Social Media For Kazusada Higuchi After the DDT Pro-Wrestling Superstar Announces Retirement

By: Lewis Carlan

On March 23rd, DDT-Pro Wrestling held an emergency press conference on YouTube to announce the retirement of long-time superstar Kazusada Higuchi. Higuchi was forced to step away from in-ring competition after it was discovered that he has a subluxation of the first and second cervical vertebrae. Doctors determined that continuing in a contact sport such as pro-wrestling would be too dangerous for Higuchi.

After the announcement was made public, numerous superstars within the world of pro-wrestling took to social media and issue tributes for Higuchi:

From Chris Brookes:

“Thank you so much for giving me memories I’ll never forget. It’s a symbol of DDT’s unwavering strength and determination.”

From HARASHIMA:

“It was so much fun playing all those intense, high-energy singles matches with you, and you were such a strong, dependable person. I’m going to miss you.”

From Tetsuya Endo:

“A tough, dependable guy. He was deeply trusted and never turned down a request, but when we were alone—like on the way home from practice—he’d let his frustrations spill out. I liked that human side of him, too. I really wanted to fight alongside him one more time.”

From Sanshiro Takagi:

“He was a wrestler who embodied “strength” in DDT, and there were times when his performances truly saved the day. Kazusada Higuchi was a major figure for DDT as well, and I want to give him a proper send-off. Thank you all for your support.”

From Rukiya:

He’s a senior I deeply respect and admire—for his overwhelming strength as a fighter, for the way he comes to the dojo to train even more than the younger guys, and for how he takes the initiative to help out backstage. He gave me advice again yesterday, laughing and saying, “Sorry for bothering you right before your match.” It always made me so happy. It’s frustrating, but I’ll carry on the lessons he taught me.

From Shuji Ishikawa:

He was a wrestler who could go all out in the ring, whether he won or lost, it was always a rewarding experience. I’m going to miss him.

From Yoshi Tatsu:

“When I was in DDT, I teamed up with Higuchi once. I guess things must have been tough for him even back then. I know how it feels—I had a comminuted fracture of the second cervical vertebra and a subluxation of the third. He was a great guy even off the ring. I’d looked into him in the past because I wanted him for #TEAM2000X. Please take your time to rest, Higuchi. Thank you for everything.”

From Junta Miyawaki:

“Among the DDT wrestlers, Mr. Higuchi was pretty much the only one I’d ever talked to when we met. When I was first signed to DDT, he was the one who kindly taught me all sorts of things. I was actually looking forward to facing him in the ring, but…
Thank you so much for everything.”

From Saki Akai:

“Even though he’s my junior, he’s always been someone I can count on, someone who’s always been there for me. The time we spent together and all the matches I got to watch with him are precious memories for me. Retirement marks the end of one chapter, but everything we’ve built together will remain with us forever! That’s why I want to send him off with a heartfelt “Good luck.”

From 1 Called Manders:

“Damn. love you Higuchi san. thank you for everything boss.

Higuchi is set to have his retirement ceremony at the DDT Pro Korakuen Hall event on April 5th in Tokyo. He will not participate in a final match at the event.

Kazusada Higuchi’s final match took place back on Jan. 12 as he teamed with Yuya Koroku. The duo were defeated by Daichi Sato & HARASHIMA in a Hard Hit Rules bout at DDT New Year Fan Appreciation Day! 2026.