The NJPW’s World Tag League is over for both of the United Empire’s teams of Jeff Cobb and Callum Newman and Great-O-Khan and Henare.
Jeff Cobb and Callum Newman are mathematically out of the tournament and Great-O-Khan and Henare, the IWGP Tag Team Champions, have been eliminated due to injury. NJPW revealed that both Newman and Henare are now on the injured list.
In yesterday’s A Block action, Callum Newman twisted his knee while he and Ryohei Oiwa fought on the top rope. Newman crashed down onto the arena floor in obvious pain. Cobb and medical officials came to his aid, even bringing out a stretcher in case Newman couldn’t put any pressure or weight on his injury. TMDK (Oiwa and Zack Sabre. Jr.) took the forfeit win but were very disappointed by the outcome. Cobb and officials attended to Newman who limped to the back with Cobb and a Young Lion supporting him.
“Henare and Callum Newman, both of whom scheduled to compete on tonight’s World Tag League card in Kagoshima, have sustained knee injuries and will be unable to appear. We deeply apologize to fans who were looking forward to seeing both wrestle and appreciate your understanding. NJPW joins fans in wishing both Henare and Callum a speedy, full recovery.” stated NJPW.
The following changes have been made to tonight’s card.
An injured Callum Newman is helped to the back. Courtesy: NJPW.
1st Match:
Shoma Kato vs Katsuya Murashima → Hiromu Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito vs Shoma Kato & Katsuya Murashima.
3rd Match:
BUSHI, Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi vs Jeff Cobb, Callum Newman & Jakob Austin Young → BUSHI, Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi vs Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young.
The injures have had an effect on the the tournament itself.
“As a result of the card change Henare and Great-O-Khan’s scheduled group match with Tetsuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi has been forfeit and Naito and Hiromu have been awarded two points. Owing to Naito and Hiromu’s forfeit victory they will advance to the final with a Boltin Oleg and Toru Yano loss. Should Boltin and Yano win and House of Torture lose against Jado and Hiroshi Tanahashi, Boltin and Yano will advance. Should both teams win, a three way tie will create the need for a three-way,” stated NJPW.
Top Photo: The official calls the match as Callum Newman lays injured. Courtesy: NJPW.
