NJPW Cancels All Remaining January Events

New Japan Pro wrestling has had a very difficult time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Even WWE was forced to change a major main event after a positive test for the virus. AEW has been affected by outbreaks as well. NJPW has had multiple waves of bad luck.

The promotion has been forced to cancel several shows the same month that NJPW held their flagship Wrestle Kingdom event. New Japan had recently resumed touring with live crowds, although they have been subject to several restrictions. Several close contacts with individuals who have tested positive for COVID have now forced the company to cancel their remaining January events.

NJPW posted the news on their English web site. Three live events have been cancelled and one postponed. The event on January 28 in Aichi will be rescheduled at a later time. NJPW outlined the details in a statement.

“With a number of wrestlers presenting elevated temperatures or being in close contact with same, and in accordance with event protocols, New Japan Pro-Wrestling has arrived at the difficult decision to cancel or postpone remaining live events on the schedule for January. 

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We deeply apologise to fans for the inconvenience, disappointment and concern caused by this decision, and appreciate your understanding. 

The cancelation affects the following three live events:

LEC Cleanpa! Presents new Year’s Golden Series

Tuesday January 25 Fukushima ・Toyota Crown Arena 

Saturday January 29 Korakuen Hall

Sunday January 30 Ibaraki・Kamisu Bousai Arena

One event has been postponed:

Friday January 28, Aichi –> Monday April 18 Aichi ・Nagoya Congress Center Event Hall

All ticket holders are eligible to be refunded, with a refund process to be outlined before the end of January. Tickets for the Aichi event on January 28 are valid for April 18. For assistance,  please fill a contact form here with the subject line ‘ticket inquiries’

Live touring is set to resume February 6 in Chiba, with February 7’s card live and in English from Korakuen Hall on NJPW World. Please keep checking NJPW’s official homepage and social media for the latest event information. “

NJPW plans to return to touring in February. Japan is currently experiencing very high caseloads and crowded hospitals. Time will tell if they are able to return as anticipated.

What do you think of the New Japan cancellations? Share your thoughts in the comments!