El Phantasmo Comments On Making His NJPW Return After Treatment For Tumor

El Phantasmo says there was no way he was missing the Tokyo Dome.

El Phantasmo made his return at the NJPW Road to Tokyo Dome event on December 22, and he announced that he had been cleared to compete. He had been sidelined since October, as he announced that doctors had found a small tumor. In his return, Phantasmo took the fight to HOUSE OF TORTURE and targeted Ren Narita's NJPW World TV Championship.

TNA Wrestling Programming Listed On Sportsnet 360 Schedule In 2025

In his backstage comments, Phantasmo commented on his return.

"You know, it has been a long time since I’ve been in Korakuen Hall. As a matter of fact, the last time I was here was in the G1 against Takeshita, and it’s even hard to wrap my brain around how different life was back then. But right now, I am back. I am back in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Tomorrow, Korakuen Hall. I am back in the Tokyo Dome. I am back. There is no chance in hell I was gonna miss the Tokyo Dome," Phantasmo said.

Jeff Cobb then approached Phantasmo and said that he jumped into a story that he planned to finish. Ryohei Oiwa interrupted and said that it was his story. Phantasmo responded by saying that as long as one of their stories happened at Wrestle Kingdom, he was happy, as he wanted to take out Narita. Phantasmo then noted that he never doubted that he would be back.

“As I sat at home in Canada, I didn’t for a second think that I was ever not gonna be back in New Japan. My fighting spirit is stronger than ever," Phantasmo said.

Phantasmo has not officially been added to the NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19 card as of this writing. Narita is set to defend his title against Jeff Cobb and Ryohei Oiwa.

Catch up on past NJPW results and other events with Fightful's results section.

If you use these quotes, please credit the original source and link back to Fightful with an h/t for the transcription.

Get exclusive pro wrestling content on Fightful Select, our premium news service! Click here to learn more.