Unfortunately, Minoru Suzuki is off the NJPW shows this weekend.
The former NEVER Openweight Champion has been pulled from the New Japan Cup finals and Dominion as the company reports that Suzuki had developed a fever. Suzuki was supposed to team with Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr., and El Desperado to take on Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kota Ibushi, Yuji Nagata, and Ryusuke Taguchi. He was replaced with Yoshinobu Kanemaru.
As far as Dominion goes, the NJPW veteran didn’t have any set matches at the event going in; however, Suzuki would’ve surely competed as the card wasn’t fully set before he was pulled from both shows. According to New Japan, Suzuki has tested negative for the coronavirus, so this is just a precautionary measure.
Check out the company’s official statement below:
From NJPW:
On July 10, Minoru Suzuki developed a fever, and as a cautionary measure, will not be present for the New Japan Cup or Dominion events on July 11 & 12.
Since wrestling on July 3, where Coronavirus antibody and antigen testing all showed negative, Suzuki has had no contact with any other wrestlers.
As a result of Suzuki’s absence, the following change has been made on tonight’s New Japan Cup final card:
Ryusuke Taguchi, Yuji Nagata, Kota Ibushi & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, Taichi & Zack Sabre Junior –> Ryusuke Taguchi, Yuji Nagata, Kota Ibushi & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Yoshinobu Kanemaru, El Desperado, Taichi & Zack Sabre Junior
We apologize to fans who were excited to see Minoru Suzuki wrestle, and appreciate your understanding.
At that moment, there’s no word on when they’ll allow Suzuki to make his in-ring return. We’ll keep you updated as this story develops.