Wrestling Legend Wants To Finish Their Career In AEW

AEW

A wrestling legend has spoken about his work in AEW, noting that it is the company that he wants to finish his career in.

Katsuyori Shibata suffered what many believed to be a career-ending injury during a match with Kazuchika Okada at New Japan Pro Wrestling Sakura Genesis 2017.

Shibata suffered a subdural hematoma, and many believed he would never wrestle again, before he eventually returned to the ring in 2021 in an exhibition match for NJPW.

Since then, Shibata has worked almost exclusively for AEW and ROH, with him being announced as officially ‘All Elite’ last month.

Speaking to Tokyo Sports, Shibata spoke about his health, and working for AEW rather than NJPW, where he said that he wants to finish his career in AEW.

He said:

“I can’t work as an affiliated fighter. I guess that (New Japan’s decision) is not wrong. But if there is no place for me, then there is no reason for me to be here. I’ve regained a lot of my senses after competing in AEW, and I feel like I want to finish my career here.”

When asked about his health, Shibata added:

“I’ve been checked by a doctor, and I’ve given him a medical certificate. If I don’t clear it, I can’t compete.”

Shibata lost the ROH Pure Championship to Wheeler Yuta on the November 25 episode of AEW Rampage.

Shibata is set to be gone for an ‘extended period of time’ following his title loss.

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• KATSUYORI SHIBATA
• NJPW
• tony khan
• AEW

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