22 Injured AEW Stars (And When They're Set To Return)
6. Kota Ibushi
Kota Ibushi will never again be the same.
A rotten 2021 for 'The Golden Star' saw his body mangled by the effects of aspiration pneumonia, and later, with Ibushi now in a visibly dishevelled state, he wrecked his right arm after a missed Phoenix Splash in that year's G1 Climax finals.
Now, in 2024, Kota has been sidelined with seemingly numerous ankle injuries for which he had to undergo surgery. He had complained of "severe pain" following his Pro Wrestling NOAH showdown vs. Naomichi Marufuji, and had reportedly gone into the match with his left ankle and right hand both broken.
Stomach churned yet?
He's wrestled the odd match in Japan since, but an AEW comeback is likely still a while away.
Returning: Hopefully not for a long, long time. Rest up, Kota.