Report: Update On Kota Ibushi's Recovery

Kota Ibushi has been out of action since he suffered a dislocated shoulder and joint damage in the G1 Climax 31 final back in October of 2021, but when The Golden Star will return remains unclear.

Ibushi continues to recover from his injury and Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is "70 to 80 percent ready" to return.

"He said he's about 70 to 80 percent ready but he's still weak on the shoulder that he dislocated... His right side tires quickly and it still hurts. He does not have his strength fully back. He said when he gets his strength back on his right side and his balance fully back he'll be ready to return," Meltzer said.

NJPW are reportedly hoping Ibushi will be back in the ring by mid-July, in time for the G1.

Ibushi suffered the injury in the G1 Climax 31 final following a botched Phoenix Splash which caused him to land awkwardly on his shoulder. Speaking about the injury, Ibushi noted it was due to his weight control after he suffered from aspiration pneumonia earlier in the year.