Callum Newman lost the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at NJPW Dominion, and now there is concern about his shoulder.
Newman dropped the title to Yota Tsuji at NJPW Dominion in Osaka. During the match, Newman appeared to hurt his shoulder on a belly-to-belly suplex into the corner. Bryan Alvarez provided an update on the situation, noting that Newman’s shoulder was put back in place after the injury. He is now expected to undergo an MRI to find out how serious the damage is. Alvarez said Newman likely suffered a dislocated shoulder during the match.
“Callum Newman injured his shoulder, likely on a belly-to-belly into the corner. They popped it back in but it’s believed to be a dislocation, and he’ll be getting an MRI probably today to determine the severity.”
The timing is rough for Newman, because he is also scheduled to compete in the G1 Climax, which begins on July 11. That tournament is one of NJPW’s toughest stretches of the year, so his status will be worth watching closely.
Newman had a huge year before this setback. The 23-year-old became the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion in history when he defeated Tsuji for the title at Sakura Genesis on April 4.
Later that month, Newman made it clear that he was locked in with NJPW for the long haul. He said he had signed a long-term deal and shut down any talk of him heading elsewhere.
Newman’s title reign is now over, but the bigger concern is his health. If the injury is serious, it could impact his G1 Climax run and slow down what has already been a breakout year for him in NJPW.
What do you think about Callum Newman’s shoulder injury after NJPW Dominion? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below.
