SUMMARY
- On January 2, 2024, Kota Ibushi suffered an injury during the match.
- Later on, he had to undergo surgery.
Kota Ibushi is a well-known Japanese pro wrestler who is currently a part of All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Not to mention, he is quite popular among the fans for his time in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). Apart from that, he also had a brief stint in the WWE.
Meanwhile, in November 2023, Kota Ibushi made his return to Pro Wrestling Noah. Following that, he confronted Naomichi Marufuji and challenged him to a match at Noah The New Year. Not to mention, Naomichi accepted the challenge, and it was announced that the match would be the main event of Noah The New Year.
The Noah The New Year event took place on January 2, 2024. At the event, Ibushi and Marufuji faced each other. Meanwhile, the outcome of the match saw Ibushi defeat Naomichi. However, in a shocking turn of events, after the match, Kota was immediately rushed to a hospital by an ambulance.
Kota Ibushi has reportedly injured both of his ankles whilst wrestling Naomichi Marufuji at a recent NOAH event.
Japanese outlet Sports Hochi reports that Kota Ibushi early on in his main event match, Ibushi suffered an injury to both his ankles.
Ibushi is reported to have been… pic.twitter.com/RamHzTNFzN
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) January 2, 2024
It was reported that Ibushi suffered injuries to both his ankles during the match. It was also reported that prior to the match, the Japanese pro wrestler had already sustained an injury to his left ankle and broke his right hand. With that, he was immediately hospitalized after the match. According to reports, Ibushi successfully made it to the backstage on his own but was in a lot of pain.
Also, it has been known that the AEW Star suffered a second ankle injury at the beginning of the match; however, he fought through the pain to get the win over Naomichi Marufuji. Not to mention, the match between the two lasted for over 33 minutes. Thus, it seems that though Kota Ibushi was in too much pain, he still battled and won the match with sheer determination and willpower.
Focusing on Kota Ibushi’s initial diagnosis
After his match against Naomichi Marufuji, Kota Ibushi was immediately hospitalized. Following that, after his initial diagnosis, Pro Wrestling Noah shared an update on the Japanese pro wrestler’s condition. It was revealed that the former NJPW star was diagnosed with a lateral ligament complex injury in his right ankle and a right tibiofibular ligament tear.
In addition to that, it was also reported that the Japanese pro wrestler was all set to undergo another examination on his left leg. With that, Pro Wrestling Noah stated that they will keep the fans informed in case of any other updates. Meanwhile, Kota also took to his ‘X’ handle to address the matter.
連絡が遅くなりすみません。詳しくはNOAHさんから報告があると思いますが、左足首の中は結構ぐちゃぐちゃに混ざっちゃっていまして、今回は右の靭帯を手術することになったことをお伝えします。近々リリースがあると思いますので。
本当に本当に申し訳ありません。
— 飯伏 幸太 (@ibushi_kota) January 6, 2024
First of all, he apologizes for the late update and then mentions that the inside of his left ankle was a “mess.” In that regard, the AEW Star had decided to undergo surgery on his right ligament. Finally, towards the end of the post, the wrestler stated that he might get a release soon. Thus, it seems that after Kota’s initial diagnosis, several complications came into the spotlight.
All you need to know about Kota Ibushi’s health update
After Kota Ibushi’s initial diagnosis, the pro wrestler talked about his decision to undergo surgery. However, moving ahead, more updates on his injury came into the spotlight. On January 16, 2024, Ibushi took to his ‘X’ handle to state that he was hopeful for a successful surgery, that was scheduled to take place on January 17, 2024.
He added that, as long as he is able to walk, that will be enough for him and require nothing else other than that. Moving ahead, Ibushi once again shared an update on January 18, 2024. He stated that his ligament has been completely torn, and thus he is completely immobilized. Going ahead, he will decide what to do with his left side.
報告遅れました。完全に靭帯が切れていたみたいで(別のヶ所も元々もう少なかった)膝下くらいまでのギプスで完全固定されております。
次は左をどうするか、右は2週通いになります。
肩も万全ではないので今回で全てを治すつもりです。
ご迷惑おかけしました。
後は色々と考えて行きたいとおもいます。 pic.twitter.com/Dj9qF5xp94— 飯伏 幸太 (@ibushi_kota) January 17, 2024
In addition to all that, Kota mentioned that his shoulder was also not in perfect condition. With that, he once again took to his ‘X’ handle to share an update on January 25, 2024. During that, the wrestler talked about his cast being removed. He mentioned that he would thus heal sooner rather than later. With that, he went on to talk about his left side. He stated that on the left side, there was a small broken bone that was filled with water.
In that regard, he mentioned that he used to get severe pain, which sometimes hit a nerve. Finally, towards the end, he stated that after he was done treating his left side, he would look after his shoulder. In a follow-up post on February 1, 2024, the former WWE Star wondered if he would be able to walk “normally” in the upcoming week.
今日から杖無しOK出ました!たぶん。
まだ固定だけど。来週からは普通に歩けるかな☺️ pic.twitter.com/DOJXJqT4UO— 飯伏 幸太 (@ibushi_kota) February 1, 2024
On February 2, 2024, Ibushi took to his ‘X’ handle to share a picture of his feet. He mentioned that he was at home following the surgery. Also, he stated that he got to see his feet for the first time. Moving ahead, on February 15, he mentioned that he would be cured in approximately three months.
Also, the wrestler shared his final health update on the same day with a video of him practicing. He also mentioned that going forward, he will work on his rehabilitation, without trying too hard. Thus, after Ibushi’s latest health update, it seems he might indeed make his return to the squared circle, sooner rather than later.
Kota Ibushi previously suffered from various health issues
Kota Ibushi has been busy with his rehabilitation after being hospitalized after his match against Naomichi Marufuji. Meanwhile, it is worth mentioning that he previously suffered from several health issues. Earlier in July 2021, Ibushi was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia. In addition to that, at the same time, he was also tested for COVID-19; however, he breathed a sigh of relief after his results came back negative.
Going forward, in October 2021, Kota Ibushi and Kazuchika Okada faced each other in the finals of the G1 Climax. However, the match was stopped midway because of an injury to Kota’s right shoulder. He suffered the injury after he missed a Phoenix Splash and therefore landed hard on the mat. This led to his being out of action for several months.
Apart from that, in August 2023, a report came into the spotlight that stated that Kota was dealing with minor illnesses. It was revealed that he was suffering from tonsillitis and had a fever. With that, the pro wrestling star also shared a post about his health issues and shared a few pictures of himself.
Thus, it seems Kota Ibushi has suffered a lot throughout his life. He has dealt with numerous health issues and has sustained several injuries. Meanwhile, he is currently working on his rehabilitation. With that, it is to be seen if he will share more updates about his condition in the upcoming days. Till then, fans will look forward to seeing him inside the squared circle.