Injured AEW star says he's 85% alive; makes an appeal to fans
AEW is still dealing with a handicap in the form of several of its top stars recovering from injuries. While MJF and Rush recently made their comebacks, Kenny Omega is still out of action for the foreseeable future – as is his longtime partner, Kota Ibushi.
Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi first teamed up in DDT Pro Wrestling back in 2009. They went on to become one of the most popular tag teams in Japan, and the two have reunited several times over the years. Most recently, they teamed up with Chris Jericho and Paul Wight to take on Brian Cage and The Don Callis Family on the November 15, 2023, episode of AEW Dynamite.
Ibushi went on to wrestle one more match – against Naomichi Marufuji at Pro Wrestling NOAH's The New Year pay-per-view in January – before going on hiatus due to injury. He'd suffered tears in his right foot and ankle, which were made worse when he wrestled while hurt. He's since been out of action and receiving treatment.
There's no current timeline for Ibushi's return to the ring, but he's determined to help his friend, Kenny Omega, who is currently recovering from surgery for his diverticulitis. Omega was attacked by The Young Bucks and Jack Perry on May 1 in order to write him off television for an extended period.
A fan recently asked Kota Ibushi if he would be able to return soon in order to avenge Omega, and the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion claimed that he would report to AEW immediately once he's cleared:
"Of course, if my current doctor in Japan tells me that I can compete, I will report to AEW and return immediately. I'm now 85% alive. Please wait a little more," wrote Ibushi.
AEW EVPs The Young Bucks taunt Kota Ibushi amid injury hiatus
Since their attack on Kenny Omega in May, The Young Bucks have run wild in AEW, with only Christopher Daniels, who is standing in as interim EVP for Kenny Omega, able to stand in their way.
Matthew and Nicholas Jackson know that Kota Ibushi is frustrated that he can't avenge Omega, and they took advantage to taunt the 42-year-old on his birthday in May.
The Bucks sent Ibushi a jovial greeting and reminded him that they are currently in charge of All Elite Wrestling:
The Young Bucks have ironclad contracts as Executive Vice Presidents in the Jacksonville-based promotion, and they're using their status to enact whatever changes they want in the company. Whether Kota Ibushi, Kenny Omega, or anyone can stop them remains to be seen.