El Desperado’s Surgery Break Led Back to the Tokyo Dome
El Desperado announced a leave of absence for meniscus surgery on July 22, 2024. NJPW said the knee injury had troubled him for six months, prompting a break after his appearance against Chris Brookes the previous day.
A difficult first half of the year
Desperado explained that managing the injury was interfering with his ability to perform at full intensity. He remained satisfied with his efforts but wanted to return able to give everything without working around the knee problem.
The decision followed his Best of the Super Juniors victory and an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship win over SHO. That reign lasted nineteen days before DOUKI defeated him during the New Japan Soul tour.
A challenge on his return
With the heavyweight-focused G1 Climax beginning, Desperado considered the timing suitable for surgery and an indefinite absence. His stated ambitions included recovering the junior-heavyweight title and pursuing further tournament success.
He returned to NJPW at Power Struggle in Osaka on November 4, 2024. There, he challenged DOUKI for the championship at Wrestle Kingdom 19 on January 4, and the champion accepted.
The championship changed hands
Their Tokyo Dome match ended abruptly when DOUKI was injured landing a dive outside the ring. With the champion unable to continue, the referee stopped the contest and Desperado regained the title.
The outcome completed the route from surgery leave to championship return, although Desperado’s concern for DOUKI overshadowed the celebration of an anticipated rematch.
Sources
- NJPW: July surgery announcement and reasons for the break
- F4W/WON: November return and accepted Tokyo Dome challenge
- NJPW: Wrestle Kingdom 19 title change by referee stoppage
