New Japan Pro Wrestling have washed their hands of Katsuyori Shibata due to worries about his health.
The Ring Of Honor PURE Champion has at this point, not signed a full time deal with All Elite Wrestling, but it appears New Japan have interest in signing their former talent to another extended deal with the promotion.
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that NJPW have washed their hands of Shibata due to concern for his health.
I don’t know what the medical situation is, obviously New Japan, who’s pretty much washed their hands of him, he’s not even with them anymore. He’s in AEW and AEW is letting him do whatever he wants to do. I know New Japan doctors were very concerned about him, because he wants to be a wrestler, and that’s why he’s not working there.
Dave Meltzer
On April 9 at Sakura Genesis 2017, Shibata was defeated by Okada in the IWGP Heavyweight Championship match. Following the match, Shibata collapsed backstage and was rushed to a hospital, where it was discovered that he had a subdural hematoma, which required emergency surgery.
The injury was caused by Shibata’s repeated use of a headbutt as a signature move, something he had been doing regularly since the summer of 2016. This, combined with severe dehydration, caused Shibata to also experience some paralysis on the right side of his body.
While Shibata is back in the ring and doing well in the health department, it is clear that New Japan are still concerned for his health after such a scary incident.
H/T to Ringside News
Follow Corey at @CoreyBrennanBS on Twitter
If you enjoy Bodyslam’s content, you can help donate to the site here. You can also visit our PWTees store and buy Bodyslam official merchandise here.
You can listen to all of Bodyslam’s podcasts by following us on Spotify and subscribing to our YouTube Channel, or any of your favorite podcast platforms.ⓘⓘⓘⓘⓘⓘⓘⓘⓘⓘ
