AEW star Kota Ibushi was taken to hospital following a match that took place at the Pro Wrestling NOAH pay-per-view The New Year.
Ibushi faced off against Naomichi Marufuji on January 2nd in the main event of the show. The match went just over 33 minutes with many online expressing concern for Ibushi after concerning spots from the match started to circulate online. It has since been reported that the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion injured both his ankles in the match and later sought further medical attention.
As reported by Sports Hochi, Ibushi walked to the back on his own but was in so much pain that he was unable to give any interviews after his match. The AEW star then called an ambulance for himself and was taken to a hospital in Tokyo.
Arihiro Takeda, the director of Pro Wrestling NOAH, provided the following comment to Sports Hochi:
“We won’t know the details until after receiving a diagnosis at the hospital.”
This was Ibushi’s first match since November 15th, where he took part in the Like A Dragon Gainden Street Fight on AEW Dynamite, teaming with Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega and Paul Wight to defeat The Don Callis Family.
Kota Ibushi Dealing With Injuries Prior To Pro Wrestling Noah Appearance
The AEW star has recently admitted that he is dealing with multiple injuries that have limited what he can do in the ring. Despite being injured, the former New Japan star has elected to not undergo surgery to treat his injuries. Speaking with Sports Illustrated prior to WrestleDream, Ibushi admitted more recent injuries have taken their toll:
“I cannot say that I am completely better. Newer injuries have proven difficult. However, my fighting style will never be limited. I will continue to find a way to fight.”