El Desperado Announces Positive COVID-19 Test
El Desperado is the third NJPW wrestler to come forward to reveal he tested positive for COVID-19.
He made the announcement on social media, saying he experienced a fever, back pain, dizziness, upset stomach, joint pain, incredible levels of malaise, decline in cardiopulmonary function, a terrible cough, and altered taste in drinks.
He went into isolation, but the basics of simply “eating rice and sleeping well” became difficult as he was hungry but had no appetite and he’d wake up with a fever or back pain.
El Desperado was scheduled to defend his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title against YOH at Wrestling Dontaku on May 4, but was pulled from the event at the last minute. In the following days, NJPW announced that nine wrestlers had tested positive for COVID-19.
Kazuchika Okada and Taichi have also come forward to reveal they had tested positive.
Okada did make an appearance to open the May 26 Road to Wrestle Grand Slam event.
It is unknown when El Desperado will be back in the ring.
