Kazuchika Okada has stepped forward to reveal he tested positive for COVID-19.
In an interview with Radio Oshabering (via Tokyo Sports), Okada admitted he was one of the handful of positive tests coming out of NJPW following Wrestling Dontaku on May 4. Okada, along with SHO, YOH, Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru were pulled from Wrestling Dontaku and with the company saying they were undergoing thorough examination and PCR and antibody testing.
Okada stated he repeatedly tested negative, but over time felt a fever and was unwell before he finally tested positive. He stated that he is feeling better now.
NJPW paused events following multiple positive COVID-19 tests and Japan declaring a state of emergency. Live events returned on May 22 with Road to Wrestle Grand Slam, but Okada has not been announced for the tour.
It is unknown when Okada will return to the ring. He was scheduled to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title at Wrestle Grand Slam, but the events were postponed and the IWGP World Heavyweight Title is now vacant after Will Ospreay suffered a neck injury.
