16 Ups & 9 Downs For NJPW In 2018

12. Katsuyori Shibata Finds Solace In The LA Dojo

Katsuyori Shibata Scorpio Sky
NJPW

Years of punishing in-ring brutality finally caught up with Katsuyori Shibata in 2017. Collapsing after a particularly gruelling battle with Kazuchika Okada, 'The Wrestler' suffered a subdural hematoma similar to the one that had cost MMA fighter Tim Hague his life a few months prior. The situation looked dire. Shibata survived, mounting an emotional return at that year's G1 Climax finals, but his wrestling days were over, though the man himself has never officially retired.

While most fans were just relieved Shibata's story hadn't ended in tragedy, 'The Wrestler' (renowned for his stiff, hard-hitting approach to the sport) was left in limbo. Fortunately, his story got the happy ending it deserved in 2018.

Shibata was retained as a full-time coach after the Okada match, and now heads the recently reopened LA Dojo, overseeing the growth and development of a new generation of US-based talent. It's a great role for him. Already the subject of an NJPW World documentary, Shibata appears to be approaching his new opportunity the same way he approached wrestling, and while we're certain he'd rather be competing, this is surely an acceptable compromise.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.