Kota Ibushi wants to give back to the wrestling world despite currently being sidelined with an injury.
On the October 11th, 2025 edition of AEW Collision, Kota Ibushi suffered a broken femur during a match with Josh Alexander. In an update earlier in May, the Golden Star revealed that the femur still hadn’t attached, but he was continuing to push forward.
Now, in a new Instagram reel, Ibushi has admitted that a comeback seems unlikely, at least for now. He then turned to recent events in Japan, where it has been announced that the Shinjuku FACE venue in Tokyo will close down at the end of September. The venue has been host to pro wrestling for over 20 years, with shows from promotions including NJPW, Pro Wrestling NOAH, and TJPW, as well as many independent companies.
Ibushi sees the closure of the building as a crisis for pro wrestling in Japan, and has now pledged to create his own venue to take its place. To raise funds for the venture, he has asked for work, and it doesn’t matter how big or small the project is.
“Thank you all so much for everything up until now. I’m Kota Ibushi, a professional wrestler who has been active for 22 years. I was able to fulfill many dreams in the world of professional wrestling and I truly had a wonderful life as a wrestler.”
“I am currently sidelined due to a right leg injury sustained last November. To be honest, a comeback seems unlikely for now. I turned 44 today. So I decided, Kota Ibushi, I want to give back to the professional wrestling world.”
“The professional wrestling world is currently facing a serious crisis: Shinjuku FACE is closing down. This venue, where I’ve had many matches, is a place that professional wrestling organizations have been grateful to. In particular, it was the perfect venue for independent wrestling promotions to hold regular shows.”
“I believe that the disappearance of such venues is equivalent to a crisis for the culture of professional wrestling. Therefore, Kota Ibushi will put his body on the line. I’m putting my body on the line to earn money. I am going to build a pro wrestling venue. So, please cooperate with me. Please give me work, no matter how small the project may be.”
“I want to give back to the professional wrestling world” – Kota Ibushi
Kota Ibushi reiterated that he won’t be able to wrestle at shows, but believes he can do anything else through “sheer willpower” alone. The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion’s DMs are now open for any promotion that wants to offer him work to help him achieve his goal.
“My leg isn’t fully recovered, so I can’t play the match, but I’ll manage to get through everything else with sheer willpower. And, with the money they earn, I’ll build a professional wrestling venue. I don’t care how long it takes! I want to give back to the professional wrestling world in the end.”
“To achieve this, I need your cooperation. I look forward to your DMs. Thank you!”
In the wake of Shinjuku FACE closing down… Kota Ibushi on his 44th birthday wants to build a BRAND NEW PRO WRESTLING VENUE. 🔥
pic.twitter.com/bZTCJImK5k— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) May 21, 2026
H/T to F4WOnline for the above transcription.
