The former IWGP Tag Team Champion is back!
Back in October, El Phantasmo caused some concern amongst fans when he revealed on social media that the doctors found a small tumor of cancer:
"Just want to get this out of the way so everyone doesn't worry about me. The last 2 weeks I've had a bunch of scans and tests done, and doctors have found a little tumour of cancer. Things are thankfully happening really fast, but I have amazing family, friends and fans by my side, and I'm so grateful to have the support of warriors who have gone through the same thing before, and I look forward to help those going through it next," said ELP.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced shortly after that ELP would be taking an indefinite leave due to health concerns. Thankfully, El Phantasmo recovered pretty quickly as the 38-year-old made his return at NJPW’s Road to Tokyo event on December 22. Following NJPW’s World TV Championship match, ELP came out and cleared the ring of HOUSE OF TORTURE.
With the help of a translator, ELP confirmed his full time return to New Japan as he’s been cleared to compete. His return match will be at Wrestle Kingdom 19, as he’s been added to the NJPW World TV Championship match with Ren Narita, Jeff Cobb, and Ryohei Oiwa.
Check out the updated line-up for Wrestle Kingdom 19 on January 4th. New Japan's biggest show is scheduled to be headlined by the IWGP Heavyweight title match between Zack Sabre Jr and Shota Umino:
- New Japan Ranbo
- Intergalactic Jet Setters (KUSHIDA & Kevin Knight) (c) vs. Ichiban Sweet Boys (Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita) vs. Bullet Club War Dogs (Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney) vs. Catch 2/2 (TJP & Francesco Akira) - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships
- Mayu Iwatani (c) vs. AZM - IWGP Women's Championship
- Ren Narita (c) vs. Jeff Cobb vs. Ryohei Oiwa vs. El Phantasmo - NJPW World Television Championship
- Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. EVIL - Lumberjack Match
- Shingo Takagi (c) vs. Konosuke Takeshita - NEVER Openweight Championship - If Konosuke Takeshita is AEW International Champion on January 4, the match will be title vs. title.
- DOUKI (c) vs. El Desperado - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
- David Finlay (c) vs. Yota Tsuji - IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship
- Tetsuya Naito vs. Hiromu Takahashi
- Zack Sabre Jr. (c) vs. Shota Umino - IWGP World Heavyweight Championship