Kota Ibushi gives update on AEW injury recovery
Kota Ibushi is starting to progress in his recovery from injury.
In an Instagram post this week, Ibushi shared video showing how much his mobility has improved. He is now able to do squats and walk up and down stairs, which is a big improvement since Ibushi says he could barely walk a week ago. He is currently in Japan but is planning to return to Florida soon.
“Hello. It’s been about two months since my second surgery. I will definitely be back, so please wait for me,” the 43-year-old Ibushi wrote. “Sending these feelings to Kenny, Bucks, and Tony Khan!!”
Ibushi was forced out of action in October 2025 when he suffered a broken femur against Josh Alexander at an AEW Collision taping. He had surgery done shortly after the injury but had to undergo a second operation this February to secure a screw that came loose.
It was initially expected that Ibushi would be out of action for two years due to the injury, though he’s hoping to make it back to the ring sooner than that.
The main event of AEW’s Dynasty pay-per-view this past weekend saw Ibushi’s friend Kenny Omega come up short while challenging MJF for the AEW World Championship. Responding to a clip of the match on Instagram, Ibushi said Omega’s performance has given him courage as he progresses toward a comeback.
“You’ve given me courage. Thank you, Kenny,” Ibushi wrote. “I’ll do my best to step up towards the first stage of my comeback.”
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.