New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that YOH has been pulled from the “Best of the Super Juniors” tournament due to a shoulder injury. A replacement will be named soon.
YOH was injured at NJPW Sakura Genesis 2024, as he dislocated his shoulder and suffered labrum damage.
You can check out the official announcement below:
“Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
During a match for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at Sakura Genesis, YOH sustained an injury that necessitated the match being stopped. YOH went on to have a full medical assessment, and it has been determined that YOH sustained a dislocated left shoulder as well as damage to the shoulder labrum.
As a result of his injury, YOH will not compete in Best of the Super Jr. 31, beginning May 11 in Chiba. We apologise to fans who were looking forward to seeing YOH wrestle, and appreciate your understanding. A replacement for YOH in the tournament will be announced at a later date.
NJPW joins fans in wishing YOH a full and fast recovery.”
In another announcement, New Japan Pro Wrestling stated that Great-O-Khan and Yuya Uemura have named their choices of stipulations for their KOPW title match at NJPW “Road to Dontaku” later this month.
Khan proposed a two-out-of-three falls Rural Revitalization Rules match. The first will be carrying four tires to the ring. The second is a lemon-eating contest. The third is a Tables Match.
Meanwhile, Uemura opted for a Catch Rules match with a 61-minute time limit and two-out-of-three falls. No strikes will be allowed, only throws and submissions are legal.
Voting commences tomorrow (Friday) and lasts for three days.
New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) recently announced that YOH has been forced to withdraw from the “Best of the Super Juniors” tournament due to a shoulder injury. The talented wrestler sustained the injury during a match for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at Sakura Genesis 2024, where he dislocated his shoulder and suffered damage to the shoulder labrum.
In an official statement, NJPW expressed their gratitude for the support and informed fans about YOH’s condition. They apologized to fans who were eagerly anticipating YOH’s participation in the tournament and assured them that a replacement would be announced soon. NJPW also extended their well wishes to YOH for a speedy recovery.
The “Best of the Super Juniors” tournament is set to begin on May 11 in Chiba, Japan. It features some of the most talented junior heavyweight wrestlers from around the world competing for the prestigious title. YOH’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, but NJPW is known for its ability to adapt and provide exciting matchups even in unforeseen circumstances.
In another announcement, NJPW revealed the stipulations chosen by Great-O-Khan and Yuya Uemura for their KOPW (King of Pro-Wrestling) title match at the upcoming “Road to Dontaku” event. Great-O-Khan proposed a unique two-out-of-three falls Rural Revitalization Rules match. The first fall requires carrying four tires to the ring, followed by a lemon-eating contest for the second fall, and finally, a Tables Match for the third fall.
On the other hand, Yuya Uemura opted for a Catch Rules match with a 61-minute time limit and two-out-of-three falls. This stipulation restricts strikes and allows only throws and submissions as legal moves. It promises to showcase the technical prowess and grappling skills of both wrestlers.
To determine which stipulation will be used in the KOPW title match, NJPW has opened voting to fans. The voting period will commence tomorrow and last for three days, giving fans the opportunity to have their voices heard and influence the outcome of the match.
NJPW continues to captivate wrestling enthusiasts with its thrilling matches and innovative storytelling. Despite YOH’s unfortunate injury, fans can still look forward to an action-packed “Best of the Super Juniors” tournament and an intriguing KOPW title match between Great-O-Khan and Yuya Uemura.