Kota Ibushi still wants to wrestle again, but fans may need to slow down expectations for any quick comeback.
Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Ibushi has not given up hope of returning to the ring after his serious femur injury. However, the comeback is not expected to happen any time soon.
“From what I understand, he has not given up hope for a return but it would not be any time soon. In January he talked bout being back by the end of the year, but that seems premature. But he is still looking at returning.”
That is a more cautious update than the optimism Ibushi shared earlier in his recovery. Back in December 2025, Ibushi said doctors originally told him it could take around two years to return to competition, but he felt he might beat that timeline after making strong progress in rehab.
Dave Meltzer added that people close to Ibushi believe he fully intends to try returning. The concern is whether the injury will allow him to get back the movement needed to perform at his usual level.
“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.”
Ibushi’s injury was a brutal setback. After getting hurt during AEW Collision, he was left in a wheelchair and had to rebuild his body from the ground up. Previous reports noted that his legs had atrophied and that he would need to relearn how to walk, run, and jump.
While Ibushi once sounded hopeful about returning by the end of the year, this latest update makes it clear that timeline may have been too optimistic. He still wants the comeback, but the bigger issue is whether his balance, lateral movement, and change of direction can fully return.
For now, Kota Ibushi’s story is still about recovery, not a return date. The Golden Star has not closed the door on wrestling again, but after an injury this serious, the smartest move may be giving his body all the time it needs.
Do you think Kota Ibushi will make it back to the ring? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
