The COVID-19 pandemic continues to run rampant all over the world and that includes the pro wrestling world, which remains severely affected by the pandemic. Kazuchika Okada, Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, SHO, and YOH were all removed from the Wrestling Dontaku card due to concerns regarding COVID-19.
Now it seems NJPW has revealed that two pro wrestlers from the company have contracted the virus. The company stated that during its daily temperature checks two wrestlers had a high temperature that required them to receive more testing, which ended up revealing that they had tested positive for the virus.
The pro wrestlers who were near the aforementioned two wrestlers were all removed from the Wrestling Dontaku event. While NJPW didn’t reveal which two pro wrestlers contracted the virus, it was said that they were “experiencing mild symptoms, and are acting under medical advice for treatment and recovery.”
Here is full statement from NJPW’s website below.
Two NJPW wrestlers have tested positive for COVID-19.
All New Japan Pro-Wrestling talent is subject to daily temperature monitoring, as well as blood oxygen saturation checks and frequent testing. Before the Road to Dontaku tour began, all wrestlers and staff returned negative PCR tests, clearing them for competition.
On the morning of the May 4 Wrestling Dontaku day two event, two wrestlers presented with a high temperature. According to protocol, they were taken for immediate testing, while those that had close contact with the individuals in the last two events were removed from proceedings. NJPW has learned that the individuals’ tests were positive for COVID-19.
The two are currently experiencing mild symptoms, and are acting under medical advice for treatment and recovery. Other wrestlers, as well as staff who have been in contact with the individuals are currently being thoroughly monitored in a controlled environment and receiving relevant tests. Updates will be provided in due course.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling apologizes for the inconvenience and concern caused by the sudden card change this news necessitated on the May 4 event.
In addition to the aforementioned regular health monitoring, the requirement of masks during warm-ups and backstage as well as the provision of packaged food to minimize outside interaction are all enforced at New Japan Pro-Wrestling events. Moving forward, NJPW will work to further improve its COVID-19 countermeasures and do everything possible to ensure staff, wrestler and fan safety.
We once again deeply apologize for the concern caused to fans and personnel and ask for your understanding.
We wish whoever tested positive for COVID-19 a speedy recovery and hope they will be able to make their NJPW return soon enough.