El Phantasmo Makes NJPW Return After Cancer Diagnosis
El Phantasmo made a welcome return to NJPW on 22nd December.
The former three-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion had been schedule for a number of dates in November before the company released a statement explaining the stars upcoming absence. The 37 year-old later took to social media to reveal his diagnosis before promising to return:
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.
Believe me when I say I’m in good spirits, and I’m not nervous, worried or scared.
Please send your love and prayers to my brother Chris Bey, he needs it much, much more than I do right now.
My dream of standing beside Hiroshi Tanahashi defending New Japan Pro-Wrestling will still happen, it’s just impossible to say when. My fighting spirit has never been stronger and I promise once I’m ready, I’ll be back stronger than ever!
El Phantasmo Returns At NJPW Road to Tokyo Dome
El Phantasmo made his surprise return at NJPW Road To Tokyo Dome following House Of Torture’s victory over United Empire and TMDK.
The Vancouver-born star appeared on the show at Korakuen Hall at the conclusion of the bout after Jado, who was dressed as Santa, delivered a pair of Phantasmo’s sunglasses to reigning NJPW World Television Champion Ren Narita.
Phantasmo then arrived to clear House Of Torture from the ring before announcing, via the translation of Jado, that he was medically cleared to compete.
Narita is set to defend against Ryohei Oiwa and Jeff Cobb at Wrestle Kingdom on 4th January with Phantasmo heavily rumoured to be added to the bout to make it a fatal four way.
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