https://twitter.com/tde_wrestling/status/1240842346348118016
As reported by Cageside Seats, live pro wrestling with fans in attendance has returned to Japan as DDT Pro held their Judgement 2020 event in Tokyo this week, making it one of the first live event with fans in attendance in Japan since the region was hit by massive regulations to limit the spread of the Coronavirus.
The show was held with precautions including physical screenings. “We measured the temperatures of the fans,wrestlers, and staff and disinfected them as well as the ring. We are doing everything we can as we proceed with our shows.” said DDT President Sanshiro Takagi said in a statement distributed by @ddtpro_eng.
Cagematch.de reports the show drew 916 fans to the famed Korakuen Hall with Masato Tanaka retaining the KO-D Openweight Championship over Kenosuke Takeshita in the main event.
[DDT 3.20 Korakuen Results/Comments]
President Takagi's overall comments on the show and thoughts on the coronavirus situation in relation to start running shows with audiences again#ddtpro #DDTUNIVERSE pic.twitter.com/8AzuMtPa26
— DDT/TJPW English Update (D/TEU) (@ddtpro_eng) March 21, 2020
Wrestling Observer reported this week that the window has reopened for live wrestling in Japan as governors in the country have started to relax closure orders with limited attendance events being allowed in specific areas in the country. The report also notes that New Japan Pro Wrestling is set to announce a return to live shows on March 31st at Sumo Hall but has yet to make it official at this time. Other promotions in the region including Stardom and Dragon Gate
Japanese wrestling promotions were among the first to shut down their live events with fans due the Coronavirus. New Japan cancelled their entire New Japan Cup tour due the outbreak.
