Kota Ibushi says a return to the ring is “almost impossible” following his latest femur surgery, but he still plans to work toward one.
In a post-surgery update on X, Ibushi explained that a recent check-up showed his broken femur had not healed at all, leading to the September 17 procedure to replace the hardware in his leg with a thicker plate. He said the surgery was successful, but that the plate will remain in his leg for life and there is a high chance the bone will break again if he wrestles.
Ibushi admitted he is unsure whether he still has the motivation to come back, before adding, “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.”
The 44-year-old broke his femur at the October 9, 2025 taping of AEW Collision after falling from the top rope to the floor during a match with Josh Alexander.
https://x.com/Ibushi_ganbaru/status/2101989820230975860
