El Desperado withdrawn from NJPW Super Jr. Tag League due to injury

New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) announced that wrestler El Desperado has been withdrawn from the Super Jr. Tag League 2026 due to medical issues. He has been diagnosed with spinal canal stenosis and a hernia, conditions that have caused him significant pain and loss of strength in his left leg.

Desperado revealed via YouTube that he had been wrestling through the pain using painkillers since June, but his condition has reached a limit where he can no longer stand, walk, or sit upright for extended periods.

Masatora Yasuda will replace El Desperado as the partner for Mistico in the tournament. Desperado personally selected Yasuda for the role to provide the young wrestler with an opportunity to team with a global star. While the tag team change is confirmed, NJPW has not yet announced a replacement for Desperado’s scheduled singles match against Mistico at the Lucha Kingdom event in Mexico City.