Several More NJPW Stars Test Positive For COVID-19

After 2 NJPW stars recently tested positive for COVID-19, NJPW has revealed that more talent has tested positive for the disease.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed by NJPW that 2 stars had tested positive for COVID-19 after exhibiting mild symptoms. An update provided by NJPW1972.com stated that those in close contact with the 2 performers were subsequently tested for the disease.

The report revealed that 7 NJPW wrestlers have since came forward with positive COVID-19 tests. According to NJPW, each of these performers are either experiencing mild symptoms, or are asymptomatic.

Here is the the statement from NJPW:

“As a result of PCR testing conducted across the roster following the May 4 Wrestling Dontaku event in Fukuoka, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has learned of seven positive tests for COVID-19.

As previously reported, two wrestlers who presented with a fever on the day of the May 4 event were immediately tested in accordance with COVID protocols, with the tests returning positive.

In light of this news, all those who had close contact with the infected parties, in addition to every wrestler on the roster, received PCR tests, with a further seven wrestlers testing positive.

All those who tested positive are experiencing mild symptoms or are asymptomatic. According to protocols and under medical advice, all are isolating and receiving appropriate treatment.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling has a strictly implemented COVID-19 policy drawn up under expert advice and guidance. This includes daily temperature and blood oxygen saturation checks, as well as regular PCR testing. All attendees are temperature screened on entry to venues, masks are required during training and backstage, and packaged food is provided in order to limit unnecessary movement outside. However, we take these developments extremely seriously, and are working to further strengthen our COVID-19 countermeasures in future.

NJPW deeply apologizes for the concern caused to fans and personnel and asks for your understanding.”

Towards the end of April, NJPW were forced to cancel some of the shows scheduled for this month. This was due to Tokyo entering a new “state of emergency” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently, Wrestle Grand Slam was postponed due to the government declarations.

NJPW hosted 2 Wrestling Dontaku events earlier this week. On the May 3 show, Jay White pinned Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the NEVER Openweight Championship.

The next night, Will Ospreay defeated Shingo Takagi to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. This match was extremely well received, with Dave Meltzer awarding the bout a 6 star rating. You can read the Wrestling Observer review of the match here.

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• COVID-19
• Wrestling Dontaku
• NJPW
• pandemic

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