Image courtesy of Yahoo! Sports Japan

Ted Tanabe, considered one of the finest referees in Japan, passed away on Monday, June 15.

Tanabe was refereeing a match for Osaka Pro Wrestling when he collapsed in the ring, suffering from a heart attack.

He was immediately rushed to the hospital, but died shortly after. He was also 46.

Tanabe worked for many independant promotions in Japan over his career. His popularity came during the heyday of Michinoku Pro Wrestling, where he often took part in the wacky Lucha comedy routines.

He was the referee of the six-man Michinoku Pro match on Extreme Championship Wrestling’s first pay-per-view Barely Legal.

Osaka Pro has become the primary promotion he works for, generally the first choice to referee big title matches, while still working Michinoku Pro as well as making the occasional appearance at the KAIENTAI Dojo.

Osaka Pro has canceled their upcoming Happy Weekend shows out of respect, offering full refunds to fans who has previously purchased tickets. They will instead be running a memorial show on Friday, June 19, opening with a ten gong salute and a floral tribute stand. All members of the Osaka Pro roster are expected to appear and compete.

Tanabe had been refereeing for 25 years, one of the longest for an active official in any country.

Dan Short
dan@ifight365.com