Injury Leads To Sudden Title Change At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19

The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title match at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19 ended in disaster on January 4.

The match saw DOUKI put the championship on the line against his former Suzuki-gun stablemate El Desperado and the match was a contest full of risks, with Despe setting the tone with a big Senton through the middle ropes to the floor in the opening moments.

The big moves only continued as DOUKI caught Despe with a Top Rope Seated Senton to the floor, with both men crashing into the barricade. While El Desperado hit the back of his head off the barricade, DOUKI landed awkwardly which left him with a suspected broken arm.

Following the spot, the match was quickly waved off by the referee as officials rushed to provide medical attention to DOUKI. The referee's call also meant a visibly upset El Desperado won the match by forfeit and became the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, becoming a five-time champion in the process.

Post-match, Despe announced the two men would run it back when DOUKI is able to do so.

There was plenty of sympathy for DOUKI on social media following the injury as the popular junior heavyweight was the star of the division in 2024, becoming IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion for the first time in July with a win over El Desperado. The underdog went on to successfully defend the title until his forfeit loss at Wrestle Kingdom 19.

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