Kota Ibushi is in rough shape after his latest match, as it is being reported he is dealing with two injured ankles.
Naomichi Marufuji and Kota Ibushi squared off at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s ‘The New Year 2024’ event on January 2. According to Sports Hochi in Japan, Kota Ibushi was taken by ambulance to the hospital after his Pro Wrestling NOAH match with Naomichi Marufuji.
It is believed that Ibushi severely hurt both of his ankles in the match. Ibushi finished the match and walked backstage, but ended up calling an ambulance.
Kota Ibushi was dealing with an ankle injury prior to the match and attempted to wrestle through it. Ibushi further exacerbated the injury and suffered a reported second ankle injury, but still managed to wrestle for nearly 34 minutes.
As seen in the video below, Ibushi couldn’t stand after the bout. Marufuji raised Ibushi’s arm, but he ended up falling down on the mat. Once he got backstage, Ibushi called for an ambulance.
Ibushi is Elite
Kota Ibushi recently signed a contract with All Elite Wrestling. Tony Khan announced that Ibushi signed with AEW after the November 15 episode of Dynamite. There, Ibushi, Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, and Paul Wight defeated The Don Callis Family in the Like A Dragon Gaiden Street Fight.
Prior to that match, Ibushi spoke with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated. He said he looks forward to having a dream match with a new opponent, and hoped to share who it is soon.
“I hope to be able to play a role in deepening the connection between Japan and the United States,” Kota Ibushi said through a translator. “After that, I personally want to have a dream match with a wrestler I have yet to fight. Hopefully you will soon know who that is.”
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