Kota Ibushi makes surprise appearance at Japanese wrestling show
Injured and currently recovering from an injury, former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kota Ibushi made a surprising cameo at a Super Japan Pro Wrestling event.
On May 27, 2026, at Ueno Park, Taito, during Super Japan Pro Wrestling’s show, former NJPW and current AEW wrestler, Ibushi, made an unexpected cameo.
Following a tag team match featuring Cima and Yuji Nagata against Poison Julie Sawada and Sanshiro Takagi, fans saw Takagi making his way backstage when he was stopped by Ibushi.
Takagi and Ibushi proceeded to hug each other before both of them made their way to the back. Nothing more came out of the cameo appearance.
Signed to AEW, Ibushi has been out of action since October 2025 after suffering a broken femur. Ibushi underwent surgery, following which, again in February 2026, he underwent a second surgery. While he hoped to return soon, Ibushi was given an estimated recovery timeline of two years.
Still recovering, the 44-year-old hopes to revamp Shinjuku FACE, a notable venue in Tokyo, Japan.
Shounak Chakrabarti is an experienced sports journalist with a lifelong passion for athletics and storytelling. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Journalism from the University of Leeds and joined F4WOnline in 2025.
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