NJPW’s El Phantasmo Fighting Cancer
El Phantasmo has revealed he is battling cancer after NJPW confirmed the star was taking an indefinite leave of absence from the company.
NJPW issued a statement confirming that El Phantasmo had been pulled from upcoming matches and was taking an indefinite leave from the company due to a health concern:
EL Phantasmo, who was scheduled to wrestle this week on the Super Jr. Tag League Tour and at Power Struggle November 4, will be taking indefinite leave due to a health concern.
We apologise to fans who were looking forward to seeing Phantasmo wrestle, and appreciate your understanding.
The following changes have been made to forthcoming cards:
November 2, Nagoya
Hiroshi Tanahashi, El Phantasmo, Toru Yano, Ryusuke Taguchi & Dragon Dia vs EVIL, Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi, SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru →
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Boltin Oleg, Toru Yano, Ryusuke Taguchi & Dragon Dia vs EVIL, Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi, SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
November 4, Osaka
Hiroshi Tanahashi & El Phantasmo vs EVIL & Ren Narita →
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Boltin Oleg vs EVIL & Ren Narita
NJPW joins fans in wishing Phantasmo a speedy, full recovery.
El Phantasmo Vows To Fight Back To NJPW
Now the former IWGP Tag Team Champion has revealed the extent of his condition, taking to social media with a statement of his own to note that “a little tumour of cancer” has been found:
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!
https://t.co/IUj12ZreYhpic.twitter.com/aFV4Ghwbwg
— ELP (@elpwrestling) October 29, 2024
El Phantasmo’s former Bullet Club partner Chris Bey suffered a serious neck injury at a recent TNA taping that led to him undergoing surgery.
Everyone at TJR Wrestling sends their best wishes to El Phantasmo for a full and speedy recovery.