Report: Kota Ibushi's Shoulder 90% Healed

A positive update has emerged about Kota Ibushi's shoulder.

The Golden Star has sent a video of himself sparring to Dark Puroresu Flowsion, with Ibushi noting that his shoulder has "90% comeback." The inaugural IWGP World Heavyweight Champion suffered a serious shoulder injury in the G1 Climax 31 final in October of 2021. Ibushi sustained the injury following a botched Phoenix Splash in which the 40-year-old landed awkwardly on his shoulder.

Such was the seriousness of Ibushi's injury that the match was immediately waved off and Kazuchika Okada was awarded the victory. 

If Ibushi will wrestle again for New Japan Pro-Wrestling is currently unknown. His contract is reportedly set to expire in January 2023 but there is no word on if both parties have held talks about a new deal. It is expected that AEW would be interested in signing Ibushi if he left New Japan due to his close relationship with Kenny Omega and others in The Elite. Omega and Ibushi famously teamed together as The Golden Lovers.