Yuma Aoyagi Named Replacement For Cyrus In AJPW Champion Carnival 2026 Tournament and Issues Comment On Social Media

By: Lewis Carlan

One day after All Japan Pro-Wrestling pulled Cyrus from the Champion Carnival 2026 tournament due to an unfortunate situation, the promotion named former two time Triple Crown Champion Yuma Aoyagi as his replacement.

Aoyagi returned to AJPW on Mar. 15th after serving a three month suspension. On Nov. 23rd 2025, Aoyagi was involved in a traffic accident in which it was reported he ran a red light and was driving with an expired license. He was found guilty of negligent driving causing injury which led to his three suspension and 50% reduction in pay by AJPW.

Aoyagi has wrestled in four matches upon his return but was initially left off the Champion Carnival 2026 roster which could have been related to the incident that led to his suspension.

With Cyrus out, Aoyagi has been placed in the B Block and instantly becomes one of the favorites to win the block.

Aoyagi took to X and posted a comment after being named a participant for Champion Carnival 2026.

From Yuma Aoyagi:

“I don’t think I can fill Cyrus shoes. But since I’m competing, I’ll make it more exciting than anyone else and win. Thank you for your support.” (English quote translation via Google Translate)

Aoyagi’s first tournament match will be against Daisuke Sekimoto when AJPW Champion Carnival 2026 kicks off on April 12th at Korakuen Hall.