NJPW star Tetsuya Naito will undergo a third eye surgery this week to cure a superior oblique muscle paralysis, which causes double vision.
Speaking to Tokyo Sports, Naito said, “It’s muscle paralysis, so even if you have surgery, it won’t get completely better. So, even if you have this surgery, if you continue to [wrestle], you’ll probably return to the same condition eventually.”
Naito underwent surgery for the same condition in 2019, and again in 2022.
The surgery can be performed only three times and Naito made the decision to get the third one done before his retirement. He added,
“Actually, I wanted to save my last one for when I retire. But… even after I retire, it’s important, but more than that, I want to cherish the present, which will never come back. So I decided to do it.”
Naito will battle SANADA for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18.
In other New Japan Pro Wrestling news, the company has announced several matches for its Lonestar Shootout 2023 event, which takes place at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas, on November 10.
You can check out the updated lineup for the show below:
* NJPW Strong Openweight Championship Match: Eddie Kingston vs. Satoshi Kojima
* IWGP Women’shampionship Match: Mayu Iwatani vs. Stephanie Vaquer
* NEVER Openweighthampionship Match: Shingo Takagi vs. Trent Beretta
* NJPW World TVhampionship Match: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Mike Bailey
* NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Teamhampionship Match: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo vs. Westoast Wreckingrew (Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs)
* Mistico vs. TJP
* Toru Yano vs. Joey Janela
* Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta vs. David Finlay & KENTA
* Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, KUSHIDA & Kevin Knight vs. Chase Owens, Gabe Kidd, Clark Connors & Alex Cughlin
* Atlantis, Tiger Mask & Mascara Dorada vs. Ultimo Guerrero, Rocky Romero & Hechicero
* Fred Rosser vs. Tom Lawlor
Added to Lonestar Shootout FRIDAY!
Finlay & KENTA vs Moxley & Wheeler Yuta!
BULLET CLUB vs Hontai!
A huge lucha six man! Lawlor vs Rosser kickoff! Vandagriff vs Barrett Brown STRONG survivor!https://t.co/ywWdOYVPD1
TICKETS: https://t.co/56uTaH5thp#njpwSTRONG pic.twitter.com/Mx1qroNVWW
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) November 6, 2023
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NJPW Star Tetsuya Naito to Undergo Third Eye Surgery
Tetsuya Naito, a prominent wrestler in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), is set to undergo a third eye surgery this week to treat a condition called superior oblique muscle paralysis. This condition causes double vision, making it difficult for Naito to perform at his best in the ring.
In an interview with Tokyo Sports, Naito explained that even with surgery, the condition may not completely improve. He stated, “It’s muscle paralysis, so even if you have surgery, it won’t get completely better. So, even if you have this surgery, if you continue to wrestle, you’ll probably return to the same condition eventually.”
This will be the third time Naito has undergone surgery for this condition. He had previously undergone surgeries in 2019 and 2022. The surgery can only be performed three times, and Naito made the decision to have the third surgery before his retirement.
Naito expressed his initial intention to save the last surgery for when he retires. However, he realized the importance of cherishing the present moment and decided to proceed with the surgery. He said, “Actually, I wanted to save my last one for when I retire. But… even after I retire, it’s important, but more than that, I want to cherish the present, which will never come back. So I decided to do it.”
Despite his upcoming surgery, Naito remains determined to compete in NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18. He will face SANADA for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in what promises to be an exciting match.
In other NJPW news, the company has announced several matches for its Lonestar Shootout 2023 event. The event will take place at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas, on November 10. Some of the matches include Eddie Kingston vs. Satoshi Kojima for the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship and Mayu Iwatani vs. Stephanie Vaquer for the IWGP Women’s Championship.
Fans can stay updated with all the latest wrestling news on eWrestlingNews.com or follow their Twitter and Facebook pages.
Tetsuya Naito’s decision to undergo a third eye surgery demonstrates his commitment to his craft and his willingness to prioritize his health and well-being. As he prepares for his upcoming match, fans will be eagerly awaiting his return to the ring and hoping for a successful recovery from his surgery.