Some were familiar with him, many weren't. But as the wrestling world processes its latest loss, Japanese innovator Eiji "Hayabusa" Ezaki, we're all being reminded of how much the 90s puroresu star meant to the form.
Here's a sampling of that reaction, from those he worked with and for, to others who were influenced and inspired watching him.
WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of Eiji Ezaki, better known to fans around the world as Hayabusa, at the age of 47.An innovative high-flyer who helped inspire a generation of Superstars, the mysterious, masked Hayabusa was known for throwing caution to the wind. Ezaki created daring moves like the Phoenix Splash, which to this day can be seen in the repertoire of daredevil competitors, including former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins. A major star in Japan in the mid to late '90s, Hayabusa competed in one major American match, teaming with Jinsei Shinzaki (known as Hakushi in WWE) in a losing effort against Sabu & Rob Van Dam at ECW's Heat Wave 1998 event. Although his career was cut short by injury in 2001, Ezaki never strayed far from the industry, where he continued to impart his knowledge.
WWE extends its condolences to Ezaki's family, friends and fans.
.@newjapaneng is deeply saddened by the passing of Hayabusa. He was truly one of a kind #RIPHayabusa pic.twitter.com/b4OyNgYvOJ
— NJPW (@newjapaneng) March 4, 2016
A friend and an inspiration. Unforgettable and brilliant. Thank you for everything. #RIPHayabusa pic.twitter.com/2LvL3s5Gaf
— NEVILLE (@WWENeville) March 4, 2016
I first met #EijiEzaki in October of 1991 in Japan when I worked for #FMW. (I'm on the left, he's on the right). He was a good guy and a good performer even though he was only in his first year in the business...just like me. We worked a half dozen times & I followed him and his career as #Hayabusa for the next 25 years. Even though I haven't spoke to him in a long time, I'm still gutted that he passed away last night. Much respect Ezaki-San....I will always remember you and the experiences we shared as rookies so long ago.
RIP Hayabusa, one of most unique and innovative wrestlers ever.
— AJStyles.Org (@AJStylesOrg) March 4, 2016
One of my first original masks was inspired by #hayabusa he was an inspiration to many.. #luchalibre #riphayabusa #forever #legend
My prayers go out to #Hayabusa family one of the best and motivation in my career..R.I.P pic.twitter.com/uji0Jvc3Ap
— KALISTO (@KalistoWWE) March 4, 2016
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Japanese ring warrior #Hayabusa. Glad to have met him. R.I.P. Ganbatte Kudasai
— Bubba Ray Dudley (@BubbaRayDudley) March 4, 2016
Sad to hear the passing of HAYABUSA He was an innovator & good person. Glad to have shared ring w/him pic.twitter.com/fppeXoB7mf
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) March 4, 2016
I was sad to wake up to news that Hayabusa, who thrilled Japanese, Mexican and American fans (in ECW) passed away. pic.twitter.com/MWGubiz7T6
— Joey Styles (@JoeyStyles) March 4, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to Hayabusa and his family. His style of wrestling was ahead of his time. A true innovator. pic.twitter.com/Az9x20xpOc
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) March 4, 2016
An innovator that captivated & influenced our gen.From ring style to attire,his memory will live 4ever #RIPHayabusa pic.twitter.com/ky0SATGo5P
— Finn Bálor (@wwebalor) March 4, 2016
RIP Hayabusa. The memory of the Phoenix will rise & inspire the warriors of the future.
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) March 4, 2016
#Hayabusa was a HUGE influence on our generation. I watched him on VHS for hours. Sad to hear that the legend has passed. #RIPHayabusa
— Drake Wuertz (@WWEDrakeWuertz) March 4, 2016
Truly saddened to hear of the passing of Hayabusa this morning. A great inspiration to me and many of my peers. His legacy will live on.
— Sami Zayn (@iLikeSamiZayn) March 4, 2016
Hayabusa changed the game forever and for the better. Rest in Power.
— . (@LukeHarperWWE) March 4, 2016
As a young teenager, I'd buy every FMW DVD off the shelf at Best Buy, run home & skip right to his matches. #RIPHayabusa
— The Young Bucks (@MattJackson13) March 4, 2016
The first Japanese wrestling VHS I owned was The Flying Assassin. Hayabusa influenced so many of today's wrestlers. #RIPHayabusa
— Jigsaw (@JigsawWRESTLING) March 4, 2016
The Phoenix.
— Arik Cannon (@arikcannon) March 4, 2016
Pioneer. Innovator. Legend.
He revolutionized the high-flying style.
He made it look easy.#RIPHayabusa pic.twitter.com/tprTRw4Wch
And X-Pac offers up the video I neglected to include in yesterday's news/tribute post:
#RIPHayabusa https://t.co/QZtMA78fta via @youtube
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) March 4, 2016
R.I.P. Hayabusa.