Ladies and gentlemen, wrestling aficionados, and fans of dramatic twists, gather ’round! In the world of wrestling, one name that sparks excitement, awe, and a dash of “is he really okay?” is Kota Ibushi. This AEW star has had a journey bumpier than a politician’s campaign trail, but he’s still kicking and, according to him, “85% alive.” So, let’s dive into the epic saga of Kota Ibushi’s medical odyssey, his heroic struggles, and his near-miraculous updates.
After nearly two years of shoulder issues that could make a chiropractor weep, Ibushi made his triumphant return to GCW in 2023, only to, you guessed it, injure that same shoulder again. If shoulder injuries were an Olympic sport, Ibushi would have all the gold medals. But like any true wrestling legend, he didn’t let that stop him and eventually found his way to AEW, participating in the Blood and Guts match and the All In London event. Because why not, right?
But wait, there’s more! On January 2, during a match against Naomichi Marufuji at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s New Year’s event, Ibushi decided to one-up himself by injuring not one but both ankles. Surgery was inevitable, and once again, our hero was sidelined, leaving fans to ponder if he should invest in a bubble wrap suit.
During this time, Ibushi’s BFF, Kenny Omega, faced the wrath of The Elite’s latest version. And while Omega was getting the beating of a lifetime, Ibushi was benched, not even medically cleared to travel, let alone leap into the fray like a valiant knight.
Hope, however, springs eternal! In a response to a fan on X (formerly known as Twitter, for those keeping track of social media rebrands), Ibushi dropped a tantalizing update. “Of course, if my current doctor in Japan tells me that I can compete, I will report to AEW and return immediately. I’m now 85% alive. Please wait a little more.” Now, 85% might not sound like much, but in wrestling math, that’s practically superhero status!
Initial reports suggested a six-month to a one-year recovery from his double ankle surgery. Ever the optimist, Ibushi aimed for a three-month comeback, but alas, that deadline has come and gone like a New Year’s resolution. His last match was the “Like A Dragon: Gaiden” Street Fight on the November 15 “AEW Dynamite,” where he snagged his second AEW win.
So, as we wait with bated breath and crossed fingers, let’s all send some positive vibes and maybe a few lucky charms Kota Ibushi’s way. After all, if anyone can turn “85% alive” into a triumphant return, it’s the Golden Star of AEW!