Kota Ibushi, a prominent AEW wrestler, suffered a broken femur during an October match against Josh Alexander on AEW Collision. Doctors initially estimated that Ibushi would require a full year to recover and would not be cleared to compete for two years, setting a long and challenging recovery period.
Updated Recovery Expectations and Goals
In a recent interview with Hype Talk TV, Ibushi revealed that medical professionals still expect him to be approximately a year away from returning to wrestling. However, he expressed his determination to reduce that timeframe by half, hoping to resume competing within six months. He mentioned plans to engage in less demanding matches both in Japan and AEW but noted that he is currently unable to run.
Shift From Previous Timeline Forecast
This revised goal marks a significant change from Ibushi’s statement last month on Instagram, where he said he had 1 year and 9 months remaining before recovery. By aiming to speed up his rehabilitation, he hopes to avoid a 2026 comeback and return sooner to the ring.
Kota Ibushi said in an interview with HypeTalk that his doctor says his injury takes another year to heal, but he wants to be back in 6 months and work "easy matches" in Japan & AEW
He also mentioned that he can't run yethttps://t.co/Vd9NSdrM1x pic.twitter.com/JroMsVMgu3
— Peps🪠(@Peps_Wrestling) February 23, 2026
