Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball tragically passed away earlier this month at 68 years old.
Several WWE Superstars took to Twitter to pay tribute to the late Toriyama.
The New Day, big-time Dragon Ball fanatics, wore Dragon Ball Z-inspired attire at WrestleMania 32 in Dallas, Texas.
You can view some of the tribute posts below:
FUUUUUSION! HA!!! @TheTrinity_Fatu #RIPAkiraToriyama 🙏🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/CYlFXiXzl8
— ZV (@ZelinaVegaWWE) March 11, 2024
Rest in Peace to the absolute GOAT, Akira Toriyama, who created Dragonball and laid the foundation for modern anime as we know it. What a legend that will be remembered eternally!
— King (@LexisKingWWE) March 8, 2024
Rest In Peace, Akira Toriyama. pic.twitter.com/LrKLnzW318
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) March 8, 2024
#ThankYouToriyama pic.twitter.com/YcqQsGPovr
— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) March 8, 2024
Woods shared the following message on his Instagram account:
“So it has has taken me a bit longer to post this because I’ve had so many emotions swirling about Akira Toriyama’s passing…
I’ve just really been thinking about my Dragon Ball fandom over the years and it almost seems silly that something that is supposed to be a mere animated series has influenced my life in so many deep and meaningful ways.
From pushing myself to the limit of my potential, both for my own benefit as well as my family’s, to setting an example for my kids and other people to follow, I, along with millions of others, was inspired many times over by the essence of the Dragon Ball franchise.
I have always found such brilliance in the fact that Akira Toriyama created a legendary franchise that hits on totally different levels depending on the phase of life you are experiencing. Watching Dragon Ball as a child summons to the surface totally differently emotions entirely than it does watching as an adult…yet each experience is equally impactful. Genius, really.
I just wanted to share my gratitude for Akira Toriyama’s graciousness and willingness to continue to share his massive vision with all of us over the years, and consequently making Dragon Ball a perennial franchise that is and will forever be one of the most influential pop culture phenomenons in anime history.
———
#akiratoriyama #thankyou”
Akira Toriyama, the renowned creator of the beloved anime series Dragon Ball, tragically passed away earlier this month at the age of 68. The news of his death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and left fans around the world mourning the loss of a true visionary.
Toriyama’s influence on the world of anime and manga cannot be overstated. With Dragon Ball, he created a cultural phenomenon that has captivated audiences for decades. The series, which follows the adventures of Goku and his friends as they battle powerful foes and search for the mystical Dragon Balls, has become one of the most iconic and beloved franchises in anime history.
In addition to its massive popularity, Dragon Ball has had a significant impact on other forms of media. It has inspired countless spin-offs, movies, video games, and even a live-action adaptation. The series has also introduced many people to the world of anime and manga, helping to popularize the medium on a global scale.
Upon hearing the news of Toriyama’s passing, several WWE Superstars took to Twitter to pay tribute to the late creator. The New Day, a popular wrestling trio known for their colorful personalities and love of pop culture, wore Dragon Ball Z-inspired attire at WrestleMania 32 in Dallas, Texas. This gesture not only showcased their admiration for Toriyama’s work but also highlighted the impact that Dragon Ball has had beyond the realm of anime and manga.
The WWE Superstars’ tribute posts on Twitter further emphasized Toriyama’s legacy. Zelina Vega tweeted a GIF of a Dragon Ball fusion, accompanied by the hashtag #RIPAkiraToriyama. Lexis King referred to Toriyama as the “absolute GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) and credited him with laying the foundation for modern anime. Big E, another member of The New Day, simply tweeted “Rest In Peace, Akira Toriyama” along with a photo.
One of the most heartfelt tributes came from Xavier Woods, also known as Austin Creed. On his Instagram account, Woods shared a lengthy message expressing his gratitude for Toriyama’s creation. He reflected on how Dragon Ball had influenced his life, from motivating him to push himself to the limit to setting an example for his children and others. Woods also praised Toriyama’s brilliance in creating a franchise that resonates with people of all ages, evoking different emotions and impacting them in unique ways.
The outpouring of tributes from WWE Superstars and fans alike is a testament to the profound impact that Akira Toriyama and Dragon Ball have had on popular culture. Toriyama’s creativity and storytelling prowess will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. His legacy will continue to inspire new generations of artists, writers, and fans, ensuring that Dragon Ball remains a timeless and influential franchise in the world of anime.