Yoshi Tatsu Returning To In-Ring Action

Nearly a year and a half after breaking his neck due to a botched Styles Clash, former WWE Superstar Naofumi "Yoshi Tatsu" Yamamoto is almost ready to return to the ring. In a statement released to PWInsider, Yamamoto announced that he will be cleared to compete next month and is accepting independent bookings for April and beyond. After being released from his WWE contract in June of 2014, Yamamoto made a triumphant return to New Japan Pro Wrestling, helping Hiroshi Tanahashi fend off Bullet Club interference en route to defeating AJ Styles for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Taking the name "Yoshitatsu," Yamamoto wrestled Styles in a one-on-one match at November's Power Struggle event, but the returning star tucked his head while taking the Styles Clash, breaking two bones in his neck. He continued to compete for nearly two weeks afterward before realizing the severity of his injury. Yamamoto's road to recovery has been arduous. Immediately after surgery, he was placed in a halo brace, requiring the screwing of bolts into his skull in order to keep his neck immobilized. The halo was removed after three months and he began training for a comeback in May of 2015, but his only wrestling appearance since then came at Wrestle Kingdom 10, where he helped provide English commentary for the broadcast. Thus far, there is no word regarding Yamamoto's return to action in New Japan.