AEW star Kota Ibushi has released his first public statement since suffering a devastating broken femur, confirming that his surgery was a success and that he will do his best to return to the AEW ring. The Japanese wrestler was injured during his match against Josh Alexander, which was taped on Thursday, October 8, and aired on the October 11 episode of AEW Collision.
The injury occurred when Ibushi and Alexander fell from the top rope to the floor, with Ibushi landing badly on his leg. In a post on his Instagram account on Sunday, Ibushi provided an emotional update on his condition and his mindset.
“I’ve only been getting seriously injured. This time, it’s a femur fracture, and the broken bone even pierced through the muscle. The surgery was a success!!! (If I get another serious injury like this, I think I’ll live out the rest of my life as an ordinary person.) I couldn’t believe it. Tony Khan himself sent me flowers and a letter. If someone does that for you, you can’t just quit, can you?!!! I cried. I don’t know if it’ll take one year or a year and a half to recover, but I’ll do what I can. Right now, only my toes can move. The pain is intense. I was shocked to even feel anything. Mr. Tony Khan… all I can do is try my best.”
The card from the AEW President that Ibushi referenced read: “WE ARE ALL THINKING OF YOU AND SENDING OUR BEST WISHES FOR A SMOOTH AND SPEEDY RECOVERY. – TONY KHAN.”
Following the airing of the match on Saturday night, Tony Khan also released a public statement showing his support for Ibushi.
“We are all very grateful for The Golden Star @ibushi_kota. In my opinion, he’s one of the greatest wrestlers that I’ve ever seen. He is adored by the AEW locker room + fans worldwide. We wish him the best as he recovers from the leg injury he suffered on #AEWCollision tonight!”
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