David Finlay to miss New Japan Cup due to shoulder injury

Though the tournament has yet to get underway, an injury has forced a change to the New Japan Cup lineup.

NJPW announced on Wednesday night that David Finlay will miss the New Japan Cup due to a left shoulder injury. A replacement for Finlay has yet to be announced. He was scheduled to face Hiroyoshi Tenzan in a first round match on March 10.

The shoulder injury happened during the main event of NJPW-ROH Honor Rising night two on February 23. Finlay was teaming with Juice Robinson against ROH Tag Team Champions The Briscoes and was hurt when he went for an uppercut off the top rope towards the end of the match. After the injury, Mark Briscoe hit the Froggy Elbow on Finlay and Jay Briscoe pinned him.

Finlay tweeted after the Honor Rising show: “Thanks to everyone for all the positive vibes! I did dislocated my shoulder last night but it’s back in now. I’ll see a doctor when I’m home to see what the damage is but hopefully it’s nothing too serious. Thanks again to everyone. See you in the mountains!”

NJPW noted that the date for when Finlay will be able to return is currently undecided.

The New Japan Cup will begin on March 8 and conclude on March 24. The winner will challenge for Jay White’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Madison Square Garden on April 6.