New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced that Kota Ibushi will miss Sunday’s Summer Struggle event in Sapporo, the second straight show the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion has missed.
Ibushi is dealing with side effects from a recent COVID-19 vaccination, which caused Ibushi to miss Saturday’s show where he was scheduled to team with Master Wato against Yuya Uemura and Yota Tsuji.
For Sunday’s card, Ibushi was set to team with Master Wato against Shingo Takahi & BUSHI. The change will result in a 1-on-1 match between Takagi and Master Wato.
NJPW issued the following statement on the change involving Ibushi:
As Kota Ibushi continues to suffer from side effects from a COVID-19 vaccination, in the best interests of wrestler health, he will not be participating on tonight’s Summer Struggle in Sapporo day two card.
We apologise to fans who were looking forward to seeing Ibushi wrestle, and appreciate your understanding.
Ibushi’s condition will continue to be monitored, and decisions made as to his participation in upcoming matches.
Sunday’s card is headlined by Zack Sabre Jr. & Taichi defending the IWGP Tag Team Championship against Tetsuya Naito & SANADA.
NJPW’s Summer Struggle tour continues this week with shows in Aomori on Tuesday, Akita on Wednesday, and at Korakuen Hall next Saturday.
