16 Wrestlers Who Died in the Ring

Japan’s Plum Mariko distinguished herself in the women’s ranks, debuting in 1986 and becoming a fan favorite from Japanese audiences. Mariko was competing alongside Command Bolshoi against Mayumi Ozaki and Rieko Amano in Hiroshima, Japan when Ozaki hit a Liger bomb, pinning her for the win. However, Mariko remained on the mat, snoring (a possible symptom of brain bleed). It’s believed her pre-existing head injuries and a brain abscess led to her dying from the head injury. However, Mariko’s father asked that no post-mortem be conducted. Mariko was 29 years old.