WRESTLING legend and NJPW star Taka Michinoku has been suspended without pay for a year for an illicit affair.

The former WWE Light Heavyweight Champion, 45, has issued a public apology vowing to “try to cherish” his family more after his seven-year long fling came to light.

4 WWE legend Taka Michinoku, who formed Kaientai with Funaki, has been hit hard for having an affair Credit: WWE

4 The star has reportedly been playing away since 2011 Credit: WWE

Due to the cultural differences in his homeland to Europe, extra-marital activities are looked upon much more seriously.

And Michinoku, who shot to fame alongside fellow countryman Funaki in the 1990s and early noughties as tag-team Kaientai in WWE, is now set to pay a heavy price.

As punishment, the high-flyer has been removed from his role as a director and board member of the Kaientai Dojo promotion he started.

Michinoku, who has a move named in his honour, will remain as the company’s owner but has had his pay suspended until October 2019.

Taka Michinoku and Funaki join forces with Tazz to deliver cutting promo on Too Cool

4 The Japanese star was the first-ever WWE Light Heavyweight Champion in 1997 Credit: WWE

4 Taka Michinoku works for NJPW now as manager to British star Zack Sabre Jr. Credit: NJPW

As well as his work with K-DOJO, he is also part of the roster in New Japan Pro Wrestler.

He is a member of the Suzuki-gun stable and manager of English superstar Zack Sabre Jr.

Michinoku is not booked on the upcoming World Tag League tour that will run from November 17 to December 9.

NEVER Openweight Champion Taichi was suspended for two months and had his wages cut in 2014 after he was caught having an affair.

Taka Michinoku: Who are ya? Real name: Takao Yoshida Born: October 26, 1973 (age 45) in Morioka, Iwate, Japan Promotions worked for: ECW, Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, WWE, All Japan Pro Wrestling, NJPW, Kaientai Dojo Did you know? Taka Michinoku's name will forever remain in WWE's history books.

After debuting with the company in July 1997, that December he defeated Brian Christopher to become the promotion's first Light Heavyweight Champion.

He held the now defunct title for ten months until he was beaten by Christian in October 1998.

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