Kota Ibushi Gives Update After Most Recent Leg Surgery

It’s been a long road back to the ring for Kota Ibushi. He recently underwent surgery on a broken femur suffered during a match on the October 11, 2025 edition of AEW Collision. He’s had multiple surgeries on the leg, apparently a recent test showed that the leg hadn’t healed properly so he had the bolt put in his leg replaced with a thicker one.

After his most recent surgery, Ibushi posted a video on social media recapping the procedure.

Kota Ibushi says a return to professional wrestling is almost impossible after his 2nd surgery. 💔

Even though a comeback seems hopeless, Kota hopes to return to the ring one day. Doesn't know how many years it will take, but says he will never give up.pic.twitter.com/XB0KWTP7iZ

— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) September 21, 2026

“Fortunately, the surgery was successful, but I learned a few things from it. It seems that a return to professional wrestling is almost impossible. The plate that was replaced this time will not be removed from my perspective in the future, and will remain like this for life. Thanks to the treatment, I can now go about my life without any problems, but apparently there is a high chance it will break again if I do professional wrestling. When that happens, even daily life becomes difficult. In the past, I would have tried to make a comeback, but I’m confused because I don’t feel that motivation anymore. Is it due to age? Perhaps my body has come to understand that with these legs, I may never be able to return to my prime. That’s what I thought, I’m completely recovered after just two days since the surgery! Even though a comeback seems hopeless, I will definitely return to the ring. I don’t know how many years it will take, but I will never give up. However, my leg is in pretty bad shape, so I’m going to stop pushing as hard as I used to.”

Ibushi is still under contract with AEW, where he has been employed since 2023.