Nearly a year ago, Kota Ibushi suffered a severe injury when he awkwardly fell during an “AEW Collision” match against Josh Alexander, breaking his femur. Despite undergoing surgery immediately after the incident, his road to recovery has been tougher than anticipated. On Tuesday, Ibushi shared an update via Instagram revealing that he will be hospitalized again and facing a second surgery to replace the plates in his femur with stronger ones, as the current hardware was insufficient for his body. Although frustrated by the ongoing medical challenges, Ibushi remains determined not to let this injury end his professional wrestling career, pledging to make the surgery a success and return to AEW.
While Ibushi called this his second surgery, he had previously undergone another procedure earlier this year soon after appearing at Wrestle Kingdom for Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement. In April, he expressed optimism about his recovery, showing himself doing squats and stairs with less difficulty and aiming for a return to wrestling by the end of 2026, despite medical advice suggesting 2027 might be more realistic. Now, with this upcoming surgery, his comeback timeline is likely pushed even further back.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for wrestling fans because it highlights the physical toll athletes endure and the resilience required to keep competing at an elite level. Ibushi’s determination to return not only inspires current and future wrestlers but also brings attention to the importance of comprehensive injury recovery in preserving the longevity of the sport.
Source: www.wrestlinginc.com
