Kota Ibushi Re-Injures Shoulder Ahead Of In-Ring Return
Will Kota Ibushi be ready for his return match?
Kota Ibushi's in-ring return may have to be delayed.
The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion has revealed he injured his shoulder again while working out at an MMA gym, with Dark Puroresu Flowsion confirming that Ibushi re-injured his shoulder on Wednesday, March 29.
For the time being, Ibushi's return match with "Speedball" Mike Bailey at Josh Barnett's Bloodsport 9 on Thursday, March 30 is still on the card but the match could end up being scrapped depending on the severity of Ibushi's shoulder injury. Ibushi is also scheduled to face Joey Janela at Spring Break 7 on Friday, March 31.
Dark Puroresu Flowsion tweeted: "Kota Ibushi vs. Speedball Mike Bailey! Unfornately Kota Ibushi did re injure his shoulder yesterday. As much as I'd like to see the match. Health comes first! For now the match is still on."
Ibushi has not wrestled since suffering a serious shoulder injury during the NJPW G1 Climax final in October 2021. The Golden Star sustained the injury following a botched Phoenix Splash.
Ibushi left NJPW in February 2023 and he is currently working as a freelancer.
Written by Aidan Gibbons
Editor-in-Chief of Cultaholic.com Twitter: @theaidangibbons
