2 NJPW Wrestlers Test Positive For COVID-19
Positive COVID-19 tests revealed after New Japan pulls six wrestlers from Wrestling Dontaku.
Two members of the New Japan Pro Wrestling roster have tested positive for COVID-19 following yesterday's move to pull six wrestlers from Wrestling Dontaku 2021's second night.
NJPW has issued a statement on the positive test results, stating that the wrestlers in question were tested after exhibiting high temperatures:-
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.
Per the statement, both wrestlers are "experiencing mild symptoms" and following appropriate medical guidance at the moment. Anyone who has come into contact with these individuals, including staff members, is being monitored and undergoing any relevant tests.
The wrestlers who have tested positive have not been identified by name. Kazuchika Okada, Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, SHO, and YOH were removed from Wrestling Dontaku yesterday, resulting in NJPW being forced to reshuffle the card.
NJPW's next major show, Wrestle Grand Slam in Yokohoma Stadium, goes down on Saturday 15 May, and is preceded by three Road To shows in Korakuen Hall, starting on 8 May.