El Phantasmo makes NJPW return, medically cleared after cancer diagnosis
El Phantasmo is back in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
He returned on today’s Road to Tokyo Dome show at Korakuen Hall and appears in the mix for the NJPW World TV title. After his match today, Champion Ren Narita was approached by Jado (dressed as Santa), who gave him a gift. Inside was a pair of ELP’s sunglasses. ELP then came out and cleared House of Torture from the ring.
ELP told the live crowd he doesn’t speak Japanese, whispered something to Jado, and then Jado revealed to the fans that ELP was medically cleared to return.
Two months ago, NJPW announced that ELP would be taking an indefinite leave for medical reasons. Shortly after, ELP revealed that doctors had found “a little tumor of cancer.”
NJPW1972.com wrote of his return, “ELP had been absent from the World Tag League due to medical reasons, but now fully recovered, he wasted no time making an impact.”
Narita is scheduled to defend his TV title against Jeff Cobb and Ryohei Oiwa in a triple threat at Wrestle Kingdom. Based on what happened today, ELP could be added to the match to make it a four-way.
ELP said he’s also cleared to compete on Monday’s show at Korakuen Hall. While NJPW has not officially confirmed his match on the show, the event’s lineup has Katsuya Murashima vs. mystery opponent listed. Monday will be the promotion’s last show before Wrestle Kingdom on January 4, 2025.