AJPW’s Suwama Tests Positive For Covid-19, Vacates Triple Crown
The seven-time champion’s reign has ended at 454 days
Jun 21, 2021
Although for many of us it seems like the end of the Covid-19 pandemic is in sight, the threat of the virus is still very real, and causing widespread disruption.
The wrestling business has been hit very hard by the pandemic, especially in Japan where the lingering presence of the virus has caused everything from event rescheduling and cancellation, to title forfeitures.
With the latter, the latest wrestler to drop titles due to Covid-19 is All Japan Pro Wrestling ace Suwama, who has dropped the organisation’s prestigious Triple Crown as a result of contracting Covid.
Per a report from Tokyo Sports, Suwama missed AJPW’s Saturday show in Toyama due to ‘poor physical condition’, with an initial antigen test coming up negative. However, a follow-up PCR test confirmed the champ had indeed contracted Covid, with Suwama dropping the title and missing next weekend’s Champion’s Night event at the very least.
Suwama was scheduled to defend the Triple Crown at Champion’s night against Jake Lee, but as of yet there is no indication on how All Japan will crown its next champion.
