NJPW Announces Two Wrestlers Test Positive For COVID-19

Earlier today, NJPW announced Kazuchika Okada, Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, SHO, and YOH were taken off the Wrestling Dontaku (Night Two) card due to COVID-19 concerns.

NJPW noted during its daily temperature checks two wrestlers had a high temperature that required them to receive more testing, which later brought back two positive COVID-19 results. Those who had been around the two wrestlers were removed from Wrestling Dontaku as a precaution.

NJPW did not name the two wrestlers who tested positive, but did say they were "experiencing mild symptoms, and are acting under medial advice for treatment and recovery."

The Road to Wrestle Grand Slam tour begins on Saturday, May 8. Below is the full statement from NJPW's website:

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.