Katsuyori Shibata Discusses AEW Match & In-Ring Future

AEW

Katsuyori Shibata has commented on his AEW in-ring debut against Orange Cassidy on the November 4 edition of Rampage.

In the opening bout of the show, Shibata challenged for Cassidy’s All-Atlantic Championship in a competitive bout. Cassidy ultimately scored the victory after dropping Shibata with an Orange Punch.

Speaking with Tokyo Sports, Shibata noted that he has been cleared for action by his own doctor.

Wanting more opportunities to wrestle, Shibata said:

“It’s frustrating, really. The result is the same and I have a lot of things to reflect on in terms of my moves. I felt that I was back in the battlefield, and that the ring is special.

“Sometimes things go well, and sometimes things don’t go well. I really felt alive.

“I’ve been looking for a chance for a long time. I thought that if I waited in Japan, I would never get a chance. I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity I have now.

“I wanted to give it my all… I went there without hesitation.

Prior to his AEW match, Shibata last wrestled at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 in January, facing off against Ren Narita.

This bout was originally meant to be contested under special rules as a health precaution, but Shibata called for the bout to be fought under normal rules moments before the bell rang.

Shibata told Tokyo Sports that he’s already working on securing his next bout, noting:

I think I will fight in the near future. I’ve already started working on it.

Tony Khan recently addressed Shibata’s AEW future, potentially revealing the Japanese wrestling veteran’s next AEW opponent.

Transcription via POST Wrestling. 

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• KATSUYORI SHIBATA
• Orange Cassidy
• NJPW
• AEW

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