Last time we got news from New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), things didn’t look good. They had postponed their two big Wrestle Grand Slam stadium events due to Japan continuing their State of Emergency. These shows will get new dates before long, but this shutdown of NJPW might have been for the best. As per NJPW1972.com, there are now nine cases of COVID-19 within their locker room.
YOH & El Desperado Had Their Match Cut From NJPW Wrestling Dontaku, and More Cases Soon Followed
The first signs of COVID-19 becoming an issue for NJPW was when the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match between YOH and champion El Desperado was cut from the second night of Wrestling Dontaku. This was due to both men failing temperature checks, and later they were tested for COVID-19 and tested positively.
From there, other wrestlers who were close to Desperado & YOH, and who have worked with them recently were tested alongside the rest of the roster. This revealed seven more positive cases, with likely that list including Kazuchika Okada, SHO, Minoru Suzuki and Yoshinobu Kanemaru. SHO & Desperado worked a six man tag team match with those men on Night One of Wrestling Dontaku, and then they were absent on Night Two as well.
Statement From New Japan Pro Wrestling On The Status Of Those Affected
NJPW1972 has the following statement on their status. “All those who tested positive are experiencing mild symptoms or are asymptomatic. According to protocols and under medical advice, all are isolating and receiving appropriate treatment.”
This is the first reported outbreak in the NJPW Locker Room, after they ran shows for nearly a year. We can only hope that everyone affected has a quick and complete recovery, and that NJPW can come back strong when the time is right. It’s now clear that we might not see the Wrestle Grand Slam shows until late June or early July at the earliest.
When do you expect to see NJPW resume running shows? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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