Kota Ibushi Misses NJPW Summer Struggle Night 2
The Golden Star is currently out of action due to vaccine side effects.
With New Japan Pro Wrestling's Summer Struggle Night 2 having taken place earlier today, one huge name missing from the show was Kota Ibushi.
As per the Wrestling Observer, Ibushi was pulled from today's card due to side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine. The The Golden Star also missed the first night of Summer Struggle for that same reason.
Originally, Kota was due to work the semi-main event today, teaming with Master Wato to take on IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Shingo Takagi and BUSHI. Instead, that match was changed to a singles bout between Shingo and Master Wato.
NJPW released a statement on Ibushi's absence, stating how the health of the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion will continue to be monitored and that this will obviously influence decisions on his future bookings.
There are still another seven Summer Struggle shows to come from New Japan before Kota Ibushi is due to challenge for Shingo Takagi's prize at Wrestle Grand Slam on 25 July. Following that, NJPW is then embarking on a ludicrous 16(!) consecutive Tokyo Dome shows between 27 July and 28 August as their Summer Struggle tour marches on.