Kota Ibushi’s dream of winning the G1 Climax 31 tournament ended prematurely due to an apparent shoulder injury, and now New Japan has provided an update on his status.
According to New Japan Pro-Wrestling Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi, Kota Ibushi suffered a dislocated shoulder during the match, and his status will be revisited after he goes through more testing. Sugabayashi addressed the media (via remote conference) and offered the following statement on Ibushi’s shoulder injury:
“The G1 Climax started on September 18 and ran for just over a month. With the co-operation of fans following our COVID protocols, we were able to complete the series without incident, and we appreciate your support.
“I have two updates for you today. Firstly, in the G1 final last night in the Nippon Budokan, Kota Ibushi incurred a dislocated right shoulder during the match, and was treated by the ring doctor and training personnel. Further updates to Ibushi’s condition and a timetable for return will be announced after Ibushi has received more thorough appraisal.
“Secondly, over the last year or so, under NJPW’s COVID protocols, there has been a reduction in the number of matches on each New Japan Pro-Wrestling event. As a result of the current infection levels in Japan, as well as the vaccination of staff and wrestlers, from the forthcoming tour we will be increasing the number of matches on each card, while maintaining our other COVID rules and protocols. From now on, fans can expect to see more of their favourite wrestlers competing on each live event. Once again, we appreciate your understanding and support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Your patience through this period has been very important, and in several ways moving forward, we will be looking to bring back the New Japan Pro-Wrestling of pre-COVID times.”
The final match of the G1 Climax between Kota Ibushi and Kazuchika Okada was stopped mid-way through the bout after Kota Ibushi landed hard on his arm while performing a Phoenix splash. Ibushi tried to continue the match, but the referee and medical staff wouldn’t allow him to continue. Read more about the rest of the final G1 Climax 31 event, including full tournament results and winner Kazuchika Okada’s post-match comments at this link.
