Gabe Kidd forfeits second NJPW G1 Climax 35 bout due to injury

Gabe Kidd is still out of action.

NJPW announced ahead of Wednesday’s G1 Climax show in Nagaoka that Kidd will miss his scheduled bout with Shingo Takagi. As a result, Takagi has now earned two points in the tournament.

“Gabe Kidd, who sustained an injury to his right knee on day one of G1 Climax 35 competition July 19, has yet to be cleared for return and as a result, will miss July 23’s event in Nagaoka,” they wrote on their website. “We apologise to fans who were looking forward to seeing Kidd wrestle, and appreciate your understanding.” 

The website further wrote that more information on Kidd’s status will be released as it becomes available.

Kidd was wrestling Konosuke Takeshita during the first night of the tournament when he suffered the knee injury. On the second night, Kidd came out in crutches to open the show and announced that he would be unable to wrestle Zack Sabre Jr. in the scheduled main event, giving Sabre two points.

“I woke up this morning, I hyperextended my knee yesterday, and I don’t want to go out there if I can’t give 100 percent, if I can’t give great matches to people who have paid their hard-earned money to come and watch me,” he said. “So, I have no other choice than to pull out of tonight’s show.”

“This was supposed to be my G1. I’m not saying I’m out the G1. The minute I’m ready to go again, put me back in.”

Kidd’s next match is on July 26, where he is scheduled to face Drilla Moloney.