Last year, Shibata challenged Kuzuchika Okada for the NJPW World Heavyweight championship.
It was truly an amazing match, that unfortunately became Shibata’s last. He was diagnosed with subdural hematoma after delivering a hard hitting headbutt to the champion. The move actually was career ending and Shibata hasn’t wrestled another match in NJPW since.
In an interview, Katsuyori Shibata said that he’s not retired from the ring, something he made clear at a press conference today for the new LA Dojo.
Pro Wrestling Sheet was present as Shibata spoke to the media and was asked about transitioning from wrestler to trainer, since he’s running the new Dojo. The Wrestler was quick to correct the person asking though and stated that he’s not retired from in-ring competition, he’s just still recovering from the injury.
Check out the headbutt below: