Ibushi and Tenzan off the Anniversary show and the out of the New Japan Cup.
Coming up for New Japan Pro-Wrestling is their 50th Anniversary show on March 1st and on the 2nd, the 2022 New Japan Cup is scheduled to commence. NJPW1972.com posted an update concerning their future events and noted that both Kota Ibushi and Hiroyoshi Tenzan have been pulled from the New Japan Cup and they will not be competing at the Anniversary show.
Ibushi has not wrestled since October after suffering a dislocated shoulder in the finals of the G1 Climax tournament. His in-ring return was going to take place at the Anniversary show. Tenzan was pulled from the remainder of the Golden Series tour due to a right knee injury.
They were going to be teaming up with Yuji Nagata and Satoshi Kojima to take on United Empire (Will Ospreay, Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan & Aaron Henare).
NJPW wrote the following about Ibushi and Tenzan being pulled from the upcoming tournament:
Furthermore, after concerns around Ibushi’s condition across several potential singles matches in the New Japan Cup tournament, the decision has been made for him to withdraw. His first round match against Great-O-Khan on March 6 will be considered forfeit, and O-Khan will advance to March 12 in Aichi where he will face Taiji Ishimori.
Additionally, Hiroyoshi Tenzan is still recovering from a knee injury, and will not be taking part in the New Japan Cup. His second round match against the winner of Taichi and Toru Yano on March 9 in Korakuen will be considered forfeit, and either Yano or Taichi will advance to the third round March 16 in Aichi.
We deeply apologize to fans who were looking forward to seeing Tenzan and Ibushi wrestle and appreciate your understanding. New Japan Pro-Wrestling joins fans in wishing the very best for both men in their recovery.
Following the G1, Ibushi told Tokyo Sports that he believes his weight fluctuation played a role in his injury. He was dealing with pneumonia this past summer and when preparing for his match in October, he tried to put back on the weight he lost.
