Katsuyori Shibata Appears On AEW Dynamite, Will Wrestle On Rampage
"The Wrestler" with an unexpected appearance
Katsuyori Shibata will be in action on this Friday's episode of AEW Rampage, following a surprise appearance on Wednesday night's Dynamite in Baltimore.
Shibata appeared following the AEW All-Atlantic title three-way match in which Orange Cassidy retained his title over Rey Fenix and Luchasaurus.
Late in the match, Pac tried to get Fenix to use the ring bell hammer on Cassidy, but Fenix refused. Fenix then fell victim to Cassidy's Orange Punch and lost the bout.
Pac attacked Cassidy afterward, but was cut off by Shibata's theme music. Shibata then appeared with Rocky Romero and Best Friends, and when he reached the ring, Pac bailed.
Per the pre-match stipulation, Cassidy got to select a "dream opponent" for Friday's Rampage. It was then confirmed that Cassidy vs. Shibata will take place Friday night for the All-Atlantic championship.
Following an IWGP Heavyweight title match against Kazuchika Okada, Shibata was forced to retire in 2017, following surgery for a subdural hematoma. He returned to the ring in 2021, but has only wrestled two matches since his comeback. Shibata also made a guest appearance at Forbidden Door in June.
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.
