DOUKI Pulls Himself From All Remaining Events Of The NJPW DONTAKU Tour

By: Lewis Carlan

New Japan Pro-Wrestling will be without the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion DOUKI for the remainder of the DONTAKU tour which concludes on May 4th.

On April 29th at NJPW’s Hizen no Kuni, DOUKI successfully defended his IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship against Tiger Mask. Following his win, DOUKI declared that he has proven to be the best Jr. Heavyweight and indicated that he does not need to participate in the upcoming Best of Super Jr’s Tournament.

In addition, DOUKI decided to pull himself out of all the remaining NJPW DONTAKU events.

NJPW made the announcement on their official website today and apologized to the fans. Yujiro Takahashi will replace DOUKI on the DONTAKU Tour.

From NJPW:

“Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling. After the main event of Hizen no Kuni on April 29, DOUKI announced that he would not be competing for the remainder of the Dontaku series. Yujiro Takahashi will replace DOUKI on remaining events on the Road to Dontaku, and on Dontaku day two May 4. New Japan Pro-Wrestling deeply apologises to fans for DOUKI’s absence.”

DOUKI is currently in his second reign as the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion having won the title back in Oct. 2025 when he defeated El Desperado for the belt.