El Phantasmo Taking Leave Of Absence From NJPW Due To 'Little Tumour'

New Japan Pro-Wrestling have announced that El Phantasmo will be taking a leave of absence from the promotion, with the former IWGP Tag Team Champion revealing that he has a "little tumour of cancer."

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.

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"

Phantasmo was scheduled to perform during the Super Jr. Tag League and team with Hiroshi Tanahashi at Power Struggle on November 4 but those matches have been changed. ELP will be out of action indefinitely.

El Phantasmo has been a part of New Japan Pro-Wrestling since 2019. In addition to his IWGP Tag Team Title reign with Hikuleo, ELP is also a two-time NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Champion with Hikuleo and three-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion with Taiji Ishimori.