One-half of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions is not cleared to compete, and has been pulled from New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Super Junior Tag League. NJPW announced on its website on Thursday that El Desperado is injured, and a new competitor will team alongside Mistico as a substitute in his place during the tournament.
According to NJPW’s statement, El Desperado is suffering from spinal canal stenosis, as well as a hernia, and will be unable to compete in the tournament that kicks off on Saturday. Young Lion Masatora Yasuda will now team with Mistico.
El Desperado revealed in his own statement that he is currently unable to walk, stand, or even sit upright for long periods of time due to the injury, which is bothering his left leg. The star said he’s been having issues with tingling and other odd sensations since March, but the pain began in June and worsened in the last few months. He wanted to continue to wrestle throughout the rest of the year, but his “body has reached its limits,” and he apologized to fans.
The champion said that NJPW fans should consider the Young Lion’s inclusion in the tournament as a “key step to the future of NJPW.” Desperado said he wanted to give Yasuda the opportunity to team alongside Mistico, who he called a “global megastar,” to see what he can do. He said he has trust in Mistico to pull through and show up for the fans like he always does.
The 12-team Super Junior Tag League will kick off on Saturday on New Japan World for subscribers. The tournament will culminate at NJPW Power Struggle on November 3.
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