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.

Watch Hayabusa compete in ECW

Upon hearing of his passing, WWE Superstars, Alumni and personalities took to social media to pay their respects to the groundbreaking grappler:

A friend and an inspiration. Unforgettable and brilliant. Thank you for everything. #RIPHayabusa pic.twitter.com/2LvL3s5Gaf

— NEVILLE (@WWENeville) 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

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

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

RIP Hayabusa. The memory of the Phoenix will rise & inspire the warriors of the future.

— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) March 4, 2016

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

RIP Hayabusa, one of most unique and innovative wrestlers ever.

— AJStyles.Org (@AJStylesOrg) 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

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

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

Every phoenix must sadly burn out to be reborn #RIPHayabusa pic.twitter.com/GdRWltPxUQ

— Simon Gotch (@GotchStyleWWE) March 4, 2016

WWE extends its condolences to Ezaki’s family, friends and fans.