Summary

Gabe Kidd will not wrestle Yota Tsuji for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship at NJPW Wrestling Dontaku on May 3 after suffering a right arm injury at AEW Dynasty.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling confirmed that Kidd is unable to compete and said Tsuji will still defend the title in the main event of Dontaku night one. The promotion said a new challenger will be announced later.

The injury update adds another layer to what was already a rough stretch for Kidd after being ruled out indefinitely following AEW Dynasty.

Quote from NJPW

"Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling."

"On April 12 in Vancouver Canada at AEW’s Dynasty event, Gabe Kidd, who was scheduled to challenge Yota Tsuji for the IWGP Global heavyweight Championship May 3 at Dontaku, sustained an injury to his right arm and will not be able to compete."

"We apologise to fans who were looking forward to seeing Kidd wrestle and appreciate your understanding."

"Yota Tsuji will still defend the IWGP Global title May 3 in the main event of Dontaku night one. An announcement will follow when a new challenger has been determined."

"NJPW joins fans in wishing Kidd a speedy, full recovery."

What Gabe Kidd's absence means for Yota Tsuji at Dontaku

Yota Tsuji now heads into Wrestling Dontaku without the originally advertised challenger for his IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, which means NJPW has to reshuffle the top of the May 3 card before night one arrives.

For Kidd, the immediate consequence is that his injury has now cost him a major singles title opportunity in addition to taking him off the board after AEW Dynasty. For Tsuji, the title defense remains in place, but the focus shifts to who NJPW picks as the replacement challenger for one of the biggest matches on the show.

Sources

NJPW Press Release