NJPW's Master Wato Sidelined Following ACL Tear

New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Master Wato is set to be out of action indefinitely after suffering an ACL tear.

Wato was set to face rival SHO at night two of NJPW’s New Beginning tour stop over at Korakuen Hall, but Wato came to the ring on crutches revealing his injury.

Whilst addressing the fans in the building, Wato revealed he sustained the injury on January 20 at New Beginning in Nagoya. The injury will require surgery, but Wato alleviated audience fears by insisting he will come back ‘better than 100%’, and will face SHO when he eventually returns. SHO then made a surprise appearance to sneak attack Wato with a wrench.

Wato picked up the injury during a loss to SHO and Yoshinobu Kanemaru in Nagoya, with Wato teaming with El Desperado.

The 2023 Best of the Super Juniors winner has been on a roll since returning to New Japan from excursion in 2020, and it’s hoped this injury will not affect his in-ring style. Wato is also a former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, having held the belts with Six or Nine team mate Ryusuke Taguchi for over 120 days in 2022.