As noted before, Kota Ibushi has been out of action for AEW since this past October due to a broken femur injury and surgery.
Ibushi provided an update earlier today on Instagram stating that a potential in-ring return is currently next to impossible for him at the moment. Ibushi also stated that he will be helping to revamp notable wrestling venue Shinjuku FACE in Japan to prevent it from closing down as his way of giving back to the wrestling community.
“Thank you all so much for everything up until now. I’m Kota Ibushi, a professional wrestler who has been active for 22 years. I was able to fulfill many dreams in the world of professional wrestling and I truly had a wonderful life as a wrestler.
I am currently sidelined due to a right leg injury sustained last November. To be honest, a comeback seems unlikely for now. I turned 44 today. So I decided, Kota Ibushi, I want to give back to the professional wrestling world.
The professional wrestling world is currently facing a serious crisis: Shinjuku FACE is closing down. This venue, where I’ve had many matches, is a place that professional wrestling organizations have been grateful to. In particular, it was the perfect venue for independent wrestling promotions to hold regular shows.
I believe that the disappearance of such venues is equivalent to a crisis for the culture of professional wrestling. Therefore, Kota Ibushi will put his body on the line. I’m putting my body on the line to earn money. I am going to build a pro wrestling venue. So, please cooperate with me. Please give me work, no matter how small the project may be.
My leg isn’t fully recovered, so I can’t play the match, but I’ll manage to get through everything else with sheer willpower. And, with the money they earn, I’ll build a professional wrestling venue. I don’t care how long it takes! I want to give back to the professional wrestling world in the end.
To achieve this, I need your cooperation. I look forward to your DMs. Thank you!”

WWE RAW Results – May 18, 2026 – Roman Reigns Responds to Jacob Fatu Attack, Scream Mode vs. Judgement Day
Red Velvet vs. Willow Nightingale for TBS Title, Sammy Guevara vs. Darby Allin for AEW World Title, and More Set for 5/16 AEW Collision Show [Update: AEW World Trios Eliminator Match Added]
WWE SmackDown Notes: Chelsea Green Makes Return from Heart Procedure, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, & Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill, Michin, & B-Fab Set for 5/23 WWE SNME Show, Gunther vs. Cody Rhodes for Undisputed WWE Title Set for Clash In Italy, 5/22 Show Card




