Kota Ibushi Set To Undergo Surgery

Kota Ibushi has revealed he set to undergo surgery following his recent Pro Wrestling NOAH bout against Naomichi Marufuji, a match marred by several injuries to the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

Ibushi took on Marufuji on January 2 at NOAH The New Year, with fans concerned for Ibushi as he looked a shadow of his former self. It was later revealed that Ibushi had gone into the match with a broken ankle and broken hand, further damaging his ankle only minutes into the near 35 minute bout. Ibushi was taken to hospital following the match.

Taking to X/Twitter, ‘The Golden Star’ revealed he is set to undergo surgery on January 17, with Ibushi posting the following:

“Long time no see. It feels unusually long. Things won't go on as before. I hope tomorrow's surgery is successful. As long as you can walk, that's enough. I don't need anything else,” wrote Ibushi (translated via Google).

Ibushi’s match against Marufuji was his first singles match in Japan since October 2021, with Ibushi returning to the ring in mid-2023 after several years on the shelf with various injuries. Ibushi would later go on to make his long awaited for All Elite Wrestling at Blood & Guts, and would even wrestle at All In in Wembley Stadium prior to signing with the company in November 2023.