Upsetting news coming out of New Japan Pro Wrestling at the moment. A recent report from the Wrestling Observer is stating popular junior heavyweight, Hiromu Takahashi, may never wrestle again.

“The updated word is that it is not certain when or if Hiromu Takahashi will be able to return to the ring,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

Takahashi was injured at the G1 Special in San Francisco during a match with Dragon Lee. Takahashi landed on the top of his head from a cradle-suplex spot. Although he finished the match, Takahashi collapsed backstage and was taken to hospital. Early reports had Takahashi being out anywhere from 9-12 months.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Hiromu was around 93% recovered and was up to 207lbs. Whether he will ever be recovered to the degree he is able to return to the ring, however, does not appear to yet be known.

Takahashi won the Best of the Super Juniors earlier this year and then went on to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. He successfully defended the title twice during his second reign with the belt. He defeated El Desperado at Kizuna Road. Following that win, his next title defense was against Dragon Lee at the Cow Palace. Many are hoping that match won’t turn out to have been his last.