Kota Ibushi delivered a sobering update Monday on his wrestling future, saying an in-ring return is “almost impossible” after his latest surgery on the broken femur that has sidelined him since October 2025.
Ibushi fractured the femur during a match against Josh Alexander on AEW Collision. The bout was taped October 8 and aired October 11, ending by count-out after the injury.
Recovery has been difficult. Ibushi required an additional procedure in February after a screw in his leg came loose, and the most recent operation replaced the original plates with stronger hardware that is expected to remain in his body permanently.
In a video posted Monday, Ibushi shared the results of the surgery.
“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.”
Ibushi admitted that repeated physical setbacks have shifted his mindset.
“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.”
Even so, Ibushi did not announce his retirement and promised to pursue a comeback regardless of the timeline.
“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 initial medical projection after the fracture called for up to two years before a possible return. Ibushi had announced a two-year contract extension with AEW in August 2025.