Kota Ibushi Injury Status & NJPW Contract Updates

As noted before, Kota Ibushi has been out of action for New Japan Pro Wrestling since October of 2021 due to a shoulder injury. During his time away from the company, Ibushi accused NJPW’s management of “power harassment” against him over the past year.

Dave Meltzer reported in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that Ibushi recently has been doing some light training in the ring for a potential return. Meltzer reported that Ibushi’s shoulder has held up well enough during training and is a good sign on his chances to be able to resume his in-ring career at some point in the future.

In regards to Ibushi’s current contract with New Japan, Meltzer reported that it is currently expected to expire at the end of January 2023 based on a recent tweet from Ibushi.

There is nothing wrong with my choice. If there is, that failure is a mistake for success. When I was asked about regrets in my life, I have never regretted so much that I thought time had stopped.

Do you need this word? regret. . Hey. Let’s do our best to prepare today! Two more months, oops. dangerous dangerous

自分の選択に間違いはない。
あるとすればその失敗は成功の為の間違い。人生の後悔と言う質問をされた時、時が止まったかとおもったくらい後悔したことないなぁ。

この単語必要なんですか？後悔。。ねぇ。
今日も準備に向けて頑張ろう！あと２ヶ、おーっと。危ない危ない😅

— 飯伏 幸太 (@ibushi_kota) November 28, 2022

In regards to Ibushi’s future in NJPW, Meltzer reported that Ibushi has yet to make a definitive decision on if he will be staying or leaving the company beyond the recent cryptic tweet mentioning his upcoming free agency status.