Yoshinari Ogawa is stepping away from in-ring competition.
On August 13, Pro Wrestling NOAH issued a statement announcing that Yoshinari Ogawa has decided to retire from in-ring competition due to a neck injury. The statement also notes that Ogawa requested for there to be no retirement ceremony or press conference.
Thank you very much for your continued support for Pro Wrestling Noah.
We are pleased to announce that NOAH wrestler Yoshinari Ogawa has decided to retire from active competition.
Since his debut in All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1985, Ogawa Yoshinari has been active at the fortieth year of his career, winning numerous titles at the forefront of wrestling, including the GHC Heavyweight, GHC Tag, GHC Junior Heavyweight, and GHC Junior Tag.
In recent years, he has not only been at the heart of NOAH Junior, but has also been a pillar of NOAH in terms of technical aspects.
However, due to the neck injury, it has been determined that it will be difficult for him to continue playing, and so at his own request, Ogawa has decided to retire.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the support and encouragement you have shown to Ogawa so far.
Although he will be retiring from active play, he will be able to carry out his daily life without any worries, so we ask all his fans to rest assured.
In addition, at Ogawa's own strong request, there will be no retirement press conference or ceremony. We ask for your understanding in this matter.
Ogawa's last match saw him team with Daga, Super Crazy, and Yu Owada in an eight man tag team bout against AMAKUSA, HAYATA, Tadasuke, and YO-HEY. This match took place at night one of NOAH N-1 Victory on August 4.
Throughout his lengthy career in the business, Ogawa primarily competed in All Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH. He is a former three time AJPW World Junior Heavyweight Champion and a nine time GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion. Ogawa also notched reigns with the GHC Heavyweight Championship and the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship throughout his tenure.
Fightful would like to take a moment and wish Ogawa the best in his retirement.
Check out results from previous NOAH events by visiting Fightful's results section.
