AEW’s Kota Ibushi Has Not Given Up On In-Ring Return But It Likely Won’t Be Any Time Soon, Has Worries That His Balance, Lateral Movement, Change Of Direction ‘Might Not Come Back’

AEW

With an injury suffered in October of last year, an in-ring return is on the mind of AEW star Kota Ibushi, though it isn’t likely to be soon.

Kota Ibushi has been sidelined through injury since October, suffering a broken femur during his match against Josh Alexander on AEW Collision.

The AEW star has since undergone surgery for the injury, with Ibushi seemingly intent on making a return to the ring in the future.

In the most recent issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer shared an update on Ibushi, noting the star is working on a return but has worries that some aspects of his in-ring skillset “might not come back.”

Meltzer wrote:

“From what I understand, he has not given up hope for a return, but it would not be any time soon. In January he talked about being back by the end of the year, but that seems premature. But he is still looking at returning.

“Those close to him say that they believe he has every intention of trying to return, but he worries that his balance, lateral movement, change of direction, etc., might not come back. He has not given up on a comeback, but did want to temper expectations (that) it would be coming soon.”

Ibushi made his AEW debut in July 2023, being revealed as The Elite’s partner in the Blood & Guts match against Blackpool Combat Club, reuniting with his Golden Lovers tag partner, Kenny Omega, signing a contract in November of that year.

No Quick Road For A Return

It should come as little surprise that a broken femur doesn’t lead to a quick return, even with the standard of surgery available these days.

The femur is described by the Cleveland Clinic as “the longest, heaviest and strongest bone in your body.” It can take months for a broken femur to heal, with even longer for the individual who suffered the injury to be able to get back on their feet, let alone do the sort of physicality one would expect from a professional wrestler.

Ibushi has been keeping himself busy as he works on his mobility, with the star announcing plans to build a new wrestling venue in Japan, although that’s quite the undertaking, too, from a logistical and financial perspective.

This isn’t the first time that Ibushi has suffered an injury, having been out of action after the Pro Wrestling NOAH The New Year 2024 show, undergoing surgery on his left ankle and right ligament.

A return to the ring isn’t beyond the star, who has demonstrated his commitment to recovery on social media.

WrestleTalk wishes Kota Ibushi well as he continues to rehabilitate from injury.

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• AEW
• kota ibushi
• Injury

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