Report: Kota Ibushi's Shoulder 'Slowly Healing Up'

A new update has emerged on Kota Ibushi's status with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. 

The Golden Star has been out of action since the G1 Climax 31 final in October of 2021. Ibushi went for a Phoenix Splash during the bout but landed awkwardly on his shoulder and suffered a serious injury in the process. The injury was so severe that the match was immediately waved off, handing the win to Kazuchika Okada.

Almost one year on and Ibushi has still yet to return to the squared circle, with past reports noting that the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion's shoulder was not healing as well as hoped. 

Some positive news has emerged from the latest update, though, and Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported that Ibushi's shoulder is "slowly healing up." There is no timetable on when Ibushi will return to the ring, however. 

Outside of the squared circle, Ibushi recently reunited with Kenny Omega in Japan and The Golden Lovers were pictured eating brownies together and playing a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video game with Michael Nakazawa.