Kota Ibushi to undergo surgery

Kota Ibushi won’t be wrestling in AEW anytime soon, as he will be sidelined with an ankle injury.

The injury

Pro Wrestling NOAH held its New Year 2024 show earlier this week with the main event singles match between Naomichi Marufuji and Ibushi.

There were some rough-looking spots in the bout, something Kota later apologized for. Ibushi was believed to have suffered injuries to both of his ankles early in the match. Post-bout, he was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.

Sidelined

Ibushi has announced that he will undergo surgery on Twitter on Friday to repair an ankle injury in two posts. He revealed he had a pre-existing ankle injury. Google Translate interprets Ibushi's posts:

“Sorry for the late contact. I'm sure Mr. NOAH will give you more details, but I would like to inform you that the inside of my left ankle was quite a mess, so I decided to have surgery on the right ligament. I think there will be a release soon. I'm really, really sorry.

I came here with the goal of being able to do it for 20 years, and I think it's about time for me to be active. There are still a lot of things left on my contract, but I want to complete them! I try not to talk too darkly or think about the future, but I have to take care of my mother and other things, so I'll talk about it when the time comes! Don't miss one game at a time.”

NOAH has since released a statement on Ibushi's status, where they noted he has been diagnosed with a right tibiofibular ligament tear and a right ankle lateral ligament complex injury.

We wish him a speedy recovery.