El Phantasmo Says Wrestling In The Tokyo Dome Was A ‘Big Win’ After Cancer Recovery

In an interview with NJPW1972.com, El Phantasmo spoke about his NJPW return following having a cancerous tumor removed and his thoughts about his comeback. Phantasmo revealed the diagnosis in October and returned in December. He then won the NJPW World Television title at Wrestle Kingdom 19. Here are highlights:

On having the support of the fans: “Even just being in the Tokyo Dome was a big win for me. When I found out about my (cancer) diagnosis in October, I had no idea of how long it would take, how long I would be away for, or if it had spread. There was a lot up in the air, but I always had Wrestle Kingdom as the goal to come back. The eight-hour bus rides, the long tours, they’re all with the Tokyo Dome in mind.”

On wanting to be back for Wrestle Kingdom: “I think if I’d have had the diagnosis in February say, it would have been harder to gear up for something specific. In the end, I had my surgery on October 29th and they said, ‘Don’t do anything for five to six weeks’. I was in the gym two weeks later, and maybe that could have been a bad thing, but I wanted to get back in time for Tokyo Dome and that’s what I was going for.”

On not being worried during his ordeal: “I asked people online not to worry about me because I wasn’t worried. I didn’t flinch. I’ve had a lot of family members who have had cancer, and who have passed away from it. I always said to them that it’s all about having a positive mental approach and not to let it get to you. I think it could have got to me a lot more if I got sad, but I literally didn’t think about it at all. I just accepted it. And I had a friend in Japan go through something very similar last year and we went through that journey together. They say testicular cancer is more common for men in their 20s, and I got it relatively late, but it just goes to show how you should get checked and take care of yourself.”