Various: Hiroshi Tananashi Rib Injury Update, Stevie Richards Health Update, Dark Side of the Ring Update

Apr 20, 2023

Hiroshi Tanahashi Rib Injury Status Update

As noted before, Hiroshi Tanahashi is currently out of action for New Japan Pro Wrestling due to a rib injury he had suffered at this past Saturday’s Capital Collision 2023 event in Washington, D.C.

NJPW recently provided an update stating that they have pulled Tanahashi from the cards of several of their upcoming Road to Wrestling Dontaku shows due to the current status of his injury.

Official press release:

Hiroshi Tanahashi injured; to miss Road to Dontaku dates
Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
At Capital Collision on April 15, Hiroshi Tanahashi sustained a rib injury, and was absent from the following night’s Collision in Philadelphia.
After examination it has been determined that Tanahashi will be absent from forthcoming events on the Road to Dontaku Series starting today, April 20 in Nara, with a return date to be determined.
We apologise to fans who were looking forward to seeing Tanahashi wrestle, and appreciate your understanding. Changes have been made to forthcoming cards: for full updated match listings, check our schedule page.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling joins fans in wishing Tanahashi a fast and full recovery.

Stevie Richards Health Status Update

As noted before, former WWE and ECW wrestler Stevie Richards is currently dealing with serious spinal-related health issues.

Richards recently provided an update on YouTube stating that he is no longer in excruciating pain nor does he not need the assistance of a walker to get around anymore. Richards also stated that he does not even need his cane to help him walk around 97% of the time since his pain in his back ranges from being a zero to a two these days.

Richards also stated that the next milestone for his recovery will be taking place on May 23rd, which is when his IV antibody treatments culminates. Richards stated that at that time, his doctors will either decide to implement more treatment or inform him that he can start living his life normally again.

Another Episode Confirmed for Season Four of Dark Side of the Ring

As noted before, the fourth season of VICE TV’s Dark Side of the Ring series is currently scheduled to debut on May 30th. This upcoming season is currently set to feature episodes based on Chris Candido and Tammy “Sunny” Sytch, Magnum T.A., Abdullah the Butcher, Marty Jannetty, Mike Awesome, Bam Bam Bigelow, and The Sandman.

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that members of the late Keith Franke’s family had been interviewed for an episode based on Franke’s career and life for that is currently set to air as part of this upcoming fourth season.