El Phantasmo’s UNEXPECTED Health Update: Cancer Diagnosis Sidelines Wrestler for Foreseeable Future

After New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) has announced that the high-flying El Phantasmo will be taking an indefinite hiatus from in-ring competition due to a health concern in a heartfelt social media post, Phantasmo revealed a more serious diagnosis: cancer.

Phantasmo penned a post on X (Twitter) to provide a further update on his health after NJPW issued their statement. Phantasmo wrote, “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 l'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 right now than I do,” he further noted.

Phantasmo concluded by writing, “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!

Much love,
ELP”


Earlier today New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) announced that El Phantasmo will be sidelined indefinitely due to a health issue.Phantasmo, alongside wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi, was scheduled to face the formidable duo of EVIL and Ren Narita from House of Torture. The tag team match was highly anticipated by fans, as it promised a clash of styles and personalities.

The promotion also wished him a speedy recovery and expressed their support during this challenging time. Here’s what the post reads: “Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling
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 apologize 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.”

His last match for NJPW was at the King of Pro-Wrestling event on October 14th. He was slated to compete in the Super Junior Tag League and was scheduled for a high-profile match at Power Struggle on November 4th. However, these plans have been put on hold as Phantasmo prioritizes his health.