NJPW Star Announces Leave Of Absence

One of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's top junior heavyweight stars will be taking a leave of absence.

El Desperado has announced he will be stepping away from the ring to undergo meniscus surgery. Despe revealed he has been working with the injury for the past six months. The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion's final match for now took place on Sunday where he defeated Chris Brookes in DDT, during which El Desperado was unmasked.

"Everything from my back to my nipples has holes in after I wrestled Chris Brookes yesterday, but this is nothing to do with that," Despe said.

Desperado noted now was the right time to step away as G1 Climax 34 began over the weekend which will see NJPW focus on the heavyweights for the next month. The annual tournament kicked off on July 20 and will continue until the final on August 18.

El Desperado has been a part of New Japan Pro-Wrestling since 2010 and he has established himself as one of the biggest stars in the junior heavyweight division in recent years. He is a four-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and recently dropped the gold to former Suzuki-gun faction mate DOUKI on July 5.