Kota Ibushi has revealed that the femur fracture he sustained in a match last November has not properly healed. Last week, he underwent surgery to replace the plate in his leg with a thicker, permanent one. Despite feeling that his chances of returning to wrestling are bleak, Ibushi insists he will make a comeback regardless.
Ibushi, who signed with AEW in 2024, shared this update in a video posted on his Japanese Instagram account. He explained that a recent examination showed no bone fusion even after ten months since the injury. He said, “Last Thursday, I had surgery to swap out the plate in my leg for a thicker one. The operation was successful, but it made me realize that returning to pro wrestling seems hopeless.”
He clarified that the new plate will remain in place permanently due to his age. “This plate isn’t going anywhere and will stay for the rest of my life. It lets me live normally day-to-day, but if I wrestle again, there’s a significant risk it could break again. Should that happen, even regular life would be tough.”
Ibushi admitted he hasn’t regained the drive that fueled his previous comebacks. “Normally, I’d be fired up to make a return, but that motivation hasn’t come back, and it leaves me feeling uneasy. Is it because of my age? Or is my body accepting that I might never reach my peak again with this leg? However, just two days after surgery, I felt completely normal.”
He concluded with determination, “Even if it seems impossible, I will absolutely return to the ring. I don’t know how many years it will take, but I will never give up.”
Ibushi has not competed since the accident in November 2025. Previously, he missed most of 2022 due to a shoulder injury from the 2021 G1 Climax, which eventually led to his public fallout and departure from New Japan in 2023. After stints on the independent circuit and GCW, he signed with AEW in 2024.
At 44 years old, Ibushi holds a decorated career as a former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, two-time G1 Climax winner, and former IWGP Junior Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion. He is also known for being one half of the Golden Lovers tag team with Kenny Omega in DDT and New Japan.
We wish Kota Ibushi a full and speedy recovery.
Fan Take: This update highlights the physical toll professional wrestling can take, even on legends like Kota Ibushi. His unwavering spirit to return despite such setbacks inspires fans and underscores the passion that keeps the sport alive.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
