It’s been almost a year since Kota Ibushi was injured during a match with Josh Alexander at “AEW Collision”. and while the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion was hoping for an in-ring return, the latest update himself says that fans could see the last of the Golden Star in a wrestling ring.
Important notice pic.twitter.com/IyREpWaxs8
— Until Kota Ibushi puts his body on the line and builds a pro wrestling venue (@Ibushi_ganbaru) September 21, 2026
Ibushi uploaded a video to him social media accounts on Sept. 21, noting that despite breaking his hip nearly a year ago, the bone still hasn’t healed properly. This led to him undergoing a second surgery, which Ibushi claimed was more successful, but the plate that was placed in his leg during the last surgery would remain there for the rest of his life and would more than likely break on impact if he ever got in the ring again. Ibushi said his routine will be easier now that the surgery went well, but he’s not as motivated to get back in the ring as he once was due to his new circumstances.
With that being said, Ibushi has promised to return to the ring at some point in the future, and he doesn’t care if it takes a few more years to get back, he wants to get back in the ring.
Meanwhile, Ibushi will continue to contribute to wrestling outside of the ring in his ongoing quest to save one of Japan’s most iconic venues. Back in April 2026, it was announced that Shinjuku FACE in Tokyo would be closing, a venue that holds a special place in Ibushi’s heart. As a result, Ibushi vowed to earn enough money for it build a new wrestling venue instead of him, if it was officially closed, which, he admits, would be difficult, because he cannot earn money from wrestling due to his injury. However, he hopes to win back Japanese fans by either saving the famous venue or building a new one in its place.
