New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) announced tonight that KENTA will miss this weekend’s January 8, 2022 event. This is due to injuries sustained during the recent Wrestle Kingdom match. It was a losing title defense for Kenta in a No-DQ match against now IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Check out the official statement from NJPW-
After his match on January 5 in the Tokyo Dome, KENTA has sustained a dislocated left hip, a broken nose, tendon damage to his finger, and severe lacerations to his back.
As a result, he will not be cleared to participate at Wrestle Kingdom 16 in Yokohama Arena Saturday January 8. We apologise to fans who were looking forward to seeing KENTA wrestle, and appreciate your understanding.
KENTA was scheduled to team with Takashi Sugiura and Kazushi Sakuraba on the card. There will now be a mystery partner for Sugiura-Gun.
We join fans in wishing the best to KENTA for a speedy recovery.
NJPW will return to AXS TV with classic episodes beginning January 20 and all-new weekly programs premiering Thursday, March 3 at 10PM ET. Also, tickets recently went on sale for NJPW “Strong” tapings in St. Petersburg, Florida on Sunday, March 20, 2022.
Be sure to follow NJPW for the latest.
