Latest on Kota Ibushi’s Potential Return

After breaking his femur in a match with Josh Alexander on AEW Collision, Kota Ibushi had to undergo two surgeries — the second being because a screw came loose from the first one. This has kept him on the shelf for quite a while, and he has focused on rehabilitating not just himself, but the Shinjuku FACE arena in which he competed many times.

In today’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer has a more optimistic update on his condition than previously. Though he says it won’t be any time soon, word he has heard is that Ibushi does still plan on working towards a return. He states, “Those close to him say that they believe he has every intention of trying to return but he worries that his balance, lateral movement, change of direction etc, might not come back. He has not given up on a comeback but did want to temper expectations it would be coming soon.”

Meltzer adds that any time in 2026 sounds premature at this point. In January, Ibushi stated, “I have one year and nine months left. I’ll cure you in nine unnecessary months! That means I’ll be back in 2026.” Since that math doesn’t quite add up, it sounds like he meant 2027, and that could still be the expected pace of any return.