The AEW superstar is returning to the legacy wrestling promotion despite being legally banned

Several AEW stars were on hand at the Tokyo Dome this week for NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 20 pay-per-view. However, a surprise appearance on the show was Kota Ibushi.

Ibushi was one of NJPW’s biggest stars a few years ago. However, his relationship with the promotion began to unravel after a serious shoulder injury in the 2021 G1 Climax. While recovering, he openly criticized the company and its rules, leading to tension. The fallout damaged his standing in NJPW and halted his momentum. This appearance came after several years of tension between the two parties. Ibushi was present at the ceremony to honor wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi. The veteran star played his final match against Kazuchika Okada this week.

Omega came out to the ring to congratulate Hiroshi Tanahashi. However, he also directed Kota Ibushi with him. Ibushi wasn’t one hundred percent physically ready and slowly made his way to the ring. Both stars then honored Tanahashi with flower bouquets during the retirement ceremony.

Kota Ibushi is working on his return to AEW

Kota Ibushi suffered a serious injury during a taping of AEW Collision in October 2025. The star fell awkwardly from the top rope to the outside during a match against Josh Alexander. He was helped out of the arena on a stretcher.

The 41-year-old star later confirmed that he had fractured his femur and underwent surgery to repair the damage. After the surgery, doctors claimed it could take up to two years for him to return to the ring. However, in a recent update, Ibushi shared that his recovery is underway and he is doing his best to rehabilitate. The star was positive but stated that the road to recovery was long and demanding.

This appearance indicates that the star is recovering well and could return to the squared circle earlier than expected.