Folks, it’s a sad day for all the HENARE fans out there—both of you. New Japan Pro Wrestling’s hardest-hitting Kiwi has been out of action since December 2024, and the latest update is about as uplifting as a Great-O-Khan karaoke performance.
According to Fightful Select, NJPW is planning 2025 like HENARE doesn’t even exist. No matches, no comebacks, not even a backstage cameo where he gets powerbombed through a table for fun. The man was supposed to have knee surgery before the end of 2024, but word on how that went is about as available as a decent meal at a New Japan press conference.
HENARE vs. Injuries: A Feud Nobody Wants to See
Injuries have been treating HENARE like a Bullet Club War Dog treats a steel cage—absolutely relentless. Let’s recap:
- 2021: Neck injury, six months gone.
- 2024: Deep lacerations from the “Dog Pound” Steel Cage match, three months out.
- Now: Knee injury, potentially the entire year. At this rate, his biggest rival isn’t Shingo Takagi, it’s modern medicine.
The Silver Lining (Kind Of)
Despite the beatings from both opponents and his own body, 2024 was a career year for HENARE. He finally won his first singles title in NJPW, the NEVER Openweight Championship, by defeating Shingo Takagi. Then he had his best G1 Climax performance, racking up eight points, including a win over current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Hirooki Goto. And just before his latest injury, he won the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships alongside Great-O-Khan.
The man was on fire—until his knee decided to book itself on the injured list.
What’s Next?
For now, NJPW has already moved forward without him, but if his recovery goes well, maybe—just maybe—he can return in time for the 2026 G1 Climax. Or at least before United Empire renames itself United Without HENARE.
Wishing the best for the guy. Someone wrap him in bubble wrap next time.