Kazuchika Okada Confirms COVID Diagnosis

Tokyo Sports is reporting that New Japan Pro Wrestling star Kazuchika Okada was one of nine wrestlers in NJPW that tested positive for COVID earlier this month. NJPW previously disclosed that two wrestlers showed up to night 2 of Wrestling Dontaku with fevers. This led to a series of tests that ultimately revealed nine COVID-positive wrestlers on the roster.

Okada, Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, SHO & YOH were all pulled from the second night of Wrestling Dontaku, but only Okada’s current status is known. Okada reportedly took multiple tests post-Dontaku that came back negative, but after developing mild symptoms he tested positive. While only a rough translation was read, Okada is said to be in good spirits and feeling better.

NJPW has been having a rough month. The positive tests were the tip of the iceberg, as Japan’s State of Emergency postponed both Wrestle Grand Slam shows that were slated for Yokohama Stadium & Tokyo Dome, followed by IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay vacating the belt due to a neck injury. They resumed live events on May 22nd, and on May 24th will broadcast their first event since Dontaku.