Gabe Kidd came to the ring on crutches at the start of day two of the G1 Climax tournament.
The IWGP Global Champion had been slated for a tournament match against fellow Englishman Zack Sabre Jr.
Instead, a despondent-looking Kidd told the crowd he could not compete after hyperextending his knee during Saturday’s match with Konosuke Takeshita.
Sunday’s match with ZSJ was forfeited.
Kidd told the crowd:
This isn’t how I wanted to start the G1…I think the match I was looking forward to the most is two English champions going out there in the name of Japanese professional wrestling, in the name of New Japan Pro Wrestling and putting on a performance.
But I woke up this morning, I hyperextended my knee yesterday, and I don’t want to go out there if I can’t give 100% and if I can’t give great matches to people who have paid their hard-earned money to come and watch me. So I have no other choice than to pull out of tonight’s show.
However, he said he was not out of the tournament yet, and wanted to be put back in as soon as he could perform.
I know one thing. When I can walk again, when I can fight again, it’s over for all you fuckers. It’s over for every single one of you. This was supposed to be my G1.
I’m not saying I’m out of the G1. The minute I’m ready to go again, put me back in. I’m ready to go. Listen, this is everything to me. Performing for these people, everything for me. Performing for you, performing for the people at home. This is my life…I’ll be back 100%, 200% and I’ll be back.
The severity of Kidd’s injury is not yet known, nor whether he will be able to re-enter the tournament.
