Kota Ibushi may not be able to wrestle again for two years.
Last week, the AEW star suffered a major injury that forced his match against Josh Alexander to be called off. AEW still played the match on Saturday and the spot in question was Ibushi falling off the turnbuckle to the outside. Ibushi himself confirmed through a social media post that he broke his femur.
However, it’s now been revealed that the injury is so bad that the 43-year-old won’t likely get back into the ring for two years. The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion updated fans about his condition.
“My current condition. One year to fully recover. Two years until I can step into the ring again. I believe in myself more than the doctors. I absolutely don’t believe in that. I know I have amazing DNA that gives me the ability to heal!!”
Kota Ibushi may not return to the ring until 2027. It’s certainly disappointing news as it seemed that the AEW star was finally finding his groove during his latest run in the company. Ibushi has been wrestling for over 20 years and he isn’t exactly known for doing or taking safe bumps throughout his remarkable career. It seems that his past is catching up to him.
Nevertheless, this is a disappointing development, but hopefully Ibushi recovers safely. Tony Khan spoke about the update on Ibushi’s injury and he’s devastated over the recent news.
"That was devastating for many reasons," Khan began. "I'm very, very sad to see Kota Ibushi not being able to wrestle and compete. Absolutely, Kota Ibushi was planned to wrestle on WrestleDream, and the injury was devastating, and I have had to make changes in recent days accordingly. But Kota Ibushi is absolutely somebody we will be excited to have back in AEW if and when he's ready, and I'm very sad about his injury."
Tony is a fan of the AEW star and he had big plans for him in the coming years. He feels back Kota and the fans that support him.
"I was excited for his return. We had gotten his new visa, and I was so excited to have Kota Ibushi back, and to have Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi together in Daily's Place, and sit in the office with them was a dream come true. We were having such a great day and it was just really sad to have Kota Ibushi's injury happen and I feel terrible for him, and of course, I feel bad for the great fans of Kota Ibushi who support him," Khan said.