Tatsumi Fujinami and Will Ospreay have both tested positive for COVID-19 and they have been pulled from this weekend’s Wrestling Dontaku event.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced both Fujinami and Ospreay will miss Wrestling Dontaku on Sunday, May 1, and announced multiple match changes to reflect their respective absences. Tomohiro Ishii will step in for Ospreay to face Hiroshi Tanahashi for the vacant IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, while X will team with Shingo Takagi and BUSHI to face off with the team of Zack Sabre Jr, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi.
From New Japan Pro-Wrestling:
Thank you for your support of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
As a result of PCR testing, it has been determined that Tatsumi Fujinami and Will Ospreay are both positive for COVID-19, and will not be able to wrestle on Sunday May 1 at Wrestling Dontaku.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling deeply apologizes to fans who were looking forward to seeing Fujinami and Ospreay wrestle. We appreciate your understanding, and join fans in wishing a speedy recovery and return.
Changes have been made to the Dontaku card as a result. In the semi main event, Tomohiro Ishii will face Hiroshi Tanahashi for the vacant IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship. Ishii defeated Minoru Suzuki at Windy City Riot on April 16, and is slated to wrestle Eddie Kingston in Washington DC May 14.
In Fujinami’s absence, Shingo Takagi and BUSHI will team with a mystery opponent to open the Dontaku card.
1st Match
Shingo Takagi, BUSHI & Tatsumi Fujinami vs Zack Sabre Jr, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi ->
Shingo Takagi, BUSHI & X vs Zack Sabre Jr, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
8th Match- IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship
Will Ospreay vs Hiroshi Tanahashi->
Tomohiro Ishii vs Hiroshi Tanahashi
Read More: NJPW President: There Could Be A Forbidden Door Follow-Up Event In Japan If The Demand Is There