NJPW obtains US visas, reveals ticket info for G1 show in Dallas, David Finlay Update

[cero2k]

Source: f4wonline.com

-- NJPW has confirmed that they have visas for their Japanese wrestlers to wrestle in the United States as they prepare for the G1 Climax 29 Opening Day this summer.

In a simple statement on New Japan’s site, the company wrote “New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Japanese wrestlers have obtained their visas for the United States. We truly appreciate the understanding and support of our fans.”

The company also confirmed that tickets will go on sale for their G1 Climax 29 Opening Day event in Dallas, Texas on March 13 starting at 12 p.m. Central time. Prices will start at $50 and will go as high as $300.

Due to the United States government shutdown that started in December and ended a month later, New Japan was unable to get visas in time for shows that took place during the New Beginning tour earlier this month. As a result, a number of planned matches featuring the likes of Tomohiro Ishii, Yuji Nagata and Hirooki Goto had to be scrapped. ROH and other local talent were brought in instead for the shows.

-- Though the tournament has yet to get underway, an injury has forced a change to the New Japan Cup lineup.

NJPW announced on Wednesday night that David Finlay will miss the New Japan Cup due to a left shoulder injury. A replacement for Finlay has yet to be announced. He was scheduled to face Hiroyoshi Tenzan in a first round match on March 10.

The shoulder injury happened during the main event of NJPW-ROH Honor Rising night two on February 23. Finlay was teaming with Juice Robinson against ROH Tag Team Champions The Briscoes and was hurt when he went for an uppercut off the top rope towards the end of the match. After the injury, Mark Briscoe hit the Froggy Elbow on Finlay and Jay Briscoe pinned him.

Finlay tweeted after the Honor Rising show: "Thanks to everyone for all the positive vibes! I did dislocated my shoulder last night but it’s back in now. I’ll see a doctor when I’m home to see what the damage is but hopefully it’s nothing too serious. Thanks again to everyone. See you in the mountains!"

NJPW noted that the date for when Finlay will be able to return is currently undecided.

The New Japan Cup will begin on March 8 and conclude on March 24. The winner will challenge for Jay White's IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Madison Square Garden on April 6.

[cero2k]

UPDATE

NJPW has named David Finlay's replacement in the New Japan Cup.

It was announced last night that Ryusuke Taguchi is replacing Finlay in the single-elimination tournament. Taguchi's opponent in the first round is Hiroyoshi Tenzan, with them set to face each other in Hyogo on Sunday (March 10).

Finlay was forced out of the New Japan Cup after suffering a left shoulder injury at ROH-NJPW Honor Rising night two on February 23. Finlay tweeted after the injury happened: "Thanks to everyone for all the positive vibes! I did dislocated my shoulder last night but it’s back in now. I’ll see a doctor when I’m home to see what the damage is but hopefully it’s nothing too serious. Thanks again to everyone. See you in the mountains!"

NJPW noted that when Finlay will be able to return to the ring is currently undecided.

This year's New Japan Cup has 32 participants. It will begin at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo this Friday (March 8) and conclude in Niigata on March 24. The winner of the tournament will challenge for Jay White's IWGP Heavyweight Championship at ROH & NJPW's G1 Supercard at Madison Square Garden on April 6.

[cero2k]