Katsuyori Shibata Is NOT Cleared To Wrestle; G1 Climax Final Angle Was A "One Off"

The comedown following the high.

by Michael Sidgwick
KENTA, Bullet Club
NJPW/TV Asahi

In deflating news, Dave Meltzer has reported on the most recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that said angle was a "one off thing". "Things can always change," Meltzer followed up, but he also mitigated that point:

"There's no indication that he's doing anything for a match, or anything like that." To speculate on speculation, Meltzer did express surprise at how much physicality Shibata showed in the angle, but again, he reminded listeners that "the doctors said that it would be impossible for [Shibata] to wrestle again."

Following the subdural haematoma Shibata suffered in his Sakura Genesis '17 classic opposite Kazuchika Okada, Shibata was in a dire condition. He recovered, but the dark, tragic history and precedent of head injuries in New Japan compelled the company to retire him as a precautionary measure.

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This lessens the impact of the superb angle in retrospect; the very power of an angle lies in its promise. A great pro wrestling angle creates anticipation for the blowoff. Fans immediately fantasy booked Shibata Vs. KENTA for Wrestle Kingdom 14, biting eagerly at the dangled carrot. But no blowoff is forthcoming, at latest word. If nothing else, this has elevated KENTA as a top, despicable heel. His performance was so d*ckheaded as to be iconic. Per the Royal Quest announcement, it is Tomohiro Ishii who is set to exact vengeance.

That's hardly a terrible alternate scenario.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!