Multiple NJPW Superstars test positive for COVID-19

NJPW has announced on their official website that multiple Superstars from the promotion's roster have tested positive for COVID-19. The report from New Japan Pro Wrestling's official website confirmed that seven more wrestlers have been infected with the coronavirus.

On May 4th, NJPW confirmed that two wrestlers had tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, the match between El Desperado vs. YOH was removed from the recent Wrestling Dontaku card.

While NJPW has not revealed the names of the Superstars who have tested positive, the promotion has confirmed that PCR testing was conducted across the roster. Following the testing, seven Superstars tested positive.

NJPW released the following statement on their website:

As a result PCR testing was 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 ask for your understanding.

NJPW also postponed the Wrestle Grand Slam show

NJPW was scheduled to make its return to Tokyo Dome this May. However, following the Japanese government protocols, NJPW decided to postpone their Wrestle Grand Slam shows at the Yokohama Stadium and the Tokyo Dome.

As a result, the highly-anticipated match between Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada also had to be postponed.