In-Ring Return 'Almost Impossible' For Kota Ibushi

Following successful surgery on September 17 to install a stronger metal plate in his leg, Kota Ibushi has revealed an in-ring return is "almost impossible" due to the high risk of re-breaking his femur, but the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion is planning to work towards an in-ring return anyway.

In a post-surgery update on social media, Ibushi stated:

"It's almost been a year since I suffered a fractured femur in an accident during a match last November but a recent check-up revealed that the bone hasn't healed at all. As a result, I underwent surgery last Thursday to replace the bolt in my leg with a thicker one. Fortunately, the surgery was successful, but I learned a few things from it. It seems that a return to pro wrestling is almost impossible. The plate that was replaced this time will not be removed, from my perspective, in the future, and will remain like this for life. Thanks to the treatment, I can now go about my daily life without any problems but apparently there’s a high chance it will break again if I do professional wrestling. When that happens, even daily life becomes difficult.

"In the past, I would have tried to make a comeback, but I’m confused because I don’t feel that motivation anymore. Is it due to age? Perhaps my body has come to understand that with these legs, I may never be able to return to my prime.

"That’s what I thought. I’m completely recovered after just two days since the surgery! Even though a comeback seems hopeless, I will definitely return to the ring. I don’t know how many years it will take, but I will never give up. However, my leg is in pretty bad shape, so I’m going to stop pushing myself as hard as I used to."

Kota Ibushi sustained a broken femur at the October 9, 2025, taping of AEW Collision after he fell from the top rope to the floor during a match with Josh Alexander.

At the time, it was noted that Ibushi faced at least two years on the shelf, but the 44-year-old was aiming to return way ahead of schedule. Ibushi's femur had not improved over the past year, which led to the September 17 surgery.

Kota Ibushi, one of the best wrestlers of his generation, has suffered from major health issues since he sustained a serious shoulder injury on a botched phoenix splash during the G1 Climax 31 final in 2021. Ibushi was out of action for 18 months and he wrestled with a broken ankle and hand for Pro Wrestling NOAH in January 2024, which sidelined him for several months.

Since the G1 Climax injury five years ago, Ibushi has only worked 23 matches, including nine matches for AEW, who he has been signed with since 2023.