Injured AEW Star Admits In-Ring Return Is "Almost Impossible" (AEW News)
AEW's Kota Ibushi reveals second surgery and says a return to wrestling is "almost impossible".
Having been out of action for nearly a year, AEW star Kota Ibushi has provided fans with a health update.
The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion hasn't wrestled since fracturing his femur during an AEW Collision match against Josh Alexander back in October of last year. As a result, Kota had to undergo surgery, and he's now revealed he had to have a second surgery last week to replace the bolt in his leg with a thicker one because the bone hadn't healed correctly.
Taking to X with a video from the hospital, Ibushi confirmed that this second surgery was a success, but that a return to wrestling is "almost impossible". The Golden Star said that he's likely to require a plate in his leg for the rest of his life, and that he should be able to go about his daily life without any problems.
The 44-year-old has been told that a return to professional wrestling would mean a high chance of his femur breaking again, but vowed to "definitely" return to the ring at some point in the future. Ibushi also talked about how he doesn't have the motivation these days that he used to have, and that he's going to stop pushing his body as hard as he previously did. As for that potential return to the ring, Kota doesn't know how long it will take, but even though a comeback seems "hopeless," he hopes to one day lace up his boots again.
大切なお知らせ pic.twitter.com/IyREpWaxs8— 飯伏幸太が体を張ってプロレス会場を作るまで (@Ibushi_ganbaru) September 21, 2026
As ever, the best wishes to Kota Ibushi from all of us here at WhatCulture Wrestling on his continued recovery, whether that recovery ultimately results in an eventual return to the ring, or whether it's simply a case of Kota being able to live a comfortable everyday life again.