Dave Meltzer has given an update on the status of NJPW superstar Kota Ibushi in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Kota Ibushi has been out of action for over a year after he was injured during the 2021 NJPW G1 Climax Finals against Kazuchika Okada. The match was stopped after Ibushi suffered a right anterior dislocation of his shoulder.
According to Dave Meltzer, Ibushi has started light training in the ring and that his shoulder is holding up well.
In addition, Meltzer also mentioned that Kota Ibushi’s NJPW current deal expires at the end of January 2023. Despite bad feelings over the past year, there has been no indication as of this writing if Ibushi will stay or leave NJPW when his current deal expires.
Kota Ibushi took to social media in May 2022 to express his frustrations with NJPW management. Ibushi claimed he was being rushed back to early by NJPW in December 2021 when he felt he was not ready to return from his shoulder injury.
In addition, an individual from NJPW talent relations named Kikuchi reportedly threatened to end Ibushi’s contract with NJPW due to an appearance Ibushi made with a Just Tap Out show that Kikuchi did not approve. Ibushi took to social media to express his bitterness toward NJPW management. Ibushi and Kikuchi were both penalized financially and Kikuchi was transferred to another position within the company.
It remains to be seen if Kota Ibushi will re-sign with NJPW at the end of January 2023 or test the market once his shoulder is fully healed.
