Tony Khan has provided a critical medical update ahead of tonight’s AEW Dynamite, affecting the AEW World Trios Champion Katsuyori Shibata’s participation. The announcement follows a physically intense match at the recent All Out event, raising concerns about Shibata’s health and future in AEW.
The AEW World Trios Champions, known as The Opps—comprised of Katsuyori Shibata, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Samoa Joe—have held their title for 162 days. Their last defense was on August 27, where they successfully retained against The Demand on Dynamite. At the Tailgate Brawl pre-show for All Out, Hobbs and Samoa Joe defeated The WorkHorsemen in two-on-two competition. Later, Daniel Garcia defeated Shibata in a grueling contest. Marina Shafir aided Garcia, marking his debut victory as part of The Death Riders, but the match left the 45-year-old Shibata seriously hurt.
Details of Shibata’s Injury and Medical Suspension
Khan revealed the severity of Shibata’s injury during a pre-Dynamite briefing with Renee Paquette, emphasizing both the wrestler’s inspiring comeback and the forced halt in his career. Shibata, regarded as a legendary figure in Japanese wrestling and known for his remarkable return to the ring, suffered significant damage during his bout with Daniel Garcia.
“I will start with some news that’s not necessarily the greatest news… thankfully he’s going to be OK, but after a very hard-hitting match this past weekend at the Tailgate Brawl, Daniel Garcia vs. Katsuyori Shibata… one-third of the World Trios Champions, we know that Katsuyori Shibata is one of the most inspiring comeback stories ever in pro wrestling, the fact that Shibata is even wrestling at all is amazing, and the fact that he is a World Trios Champion, I just think it’s one of the greatest comeback stories ever, and I think it’s incredible. Coming off a brutal match with Daniel Garcia, that Piledriver and particularly that Curb Stomp that Daniel Garcia used on Shibata, the AEW doctors will not clear Shibata today. He is not cleared with medical. I’m going to have to medically suspend Shibata until he can pass these exams. It does make some changes,” Tony Khan said.
Khan confirmed that Shibata’s injury was the result of a ruthless piledriver and curb stomp during the match, leading AEW doctors to withhold medical clearance. This suspension means Shibata cannot compete further until he passes subsequent medical evaluations, which will require adjustments to AEW’s current plans.
Impact on The Opps and Upcoming Match Changes
Following the announcement, tensions within The Opps have intensified. Both Powerhouse Hobbs and Samoa Joe are reportedly displeased and eager for retaliation. Hobbs has requested a match against a member of The Death Riders, which has now been scheduled. For the first time, Hobbs will face Claudio Castagnoli tonight, marking a new chapter in his AEW career.
Tonight’s AEW Dynamite Features New Matches and Announcements
AEW Dynamite will air live this evening from the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, the hometown of Britt Baker, who is currently absent from the roster. Tony Khan is expected to make a significant announcement during the show, which was initially leaked earlier in the week. Among the highlights are several key matches and segments that aim to address ongoing storylines and set the stage for WrestleDream.
Tony Khan, who also owns ROH, has organized a lineup including FTR addressing the audience, a non-title showdown between ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty and AEW World Champion Adam Page, and a World Tag Team Championship defense by Brodido against GOA.
The full card scheduled for tonight’s Dynamite is as follows:
- Recap and fallout from All Out as the journey to WrestleDream commences
- A crucial announcement from Tony Khan
- FTR delivering a speech
- Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Claudio Castagnoli in their first-ever match
- Mark Briscoe, Hologram, and a mystery partner battle The Don Callis Family’s Hechicero, Konosuke Takeshita, and Kazuchika Okada
- ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty faces AEW World Champion Adam Page in a non-title match
- Women’s World Championship: Kris Statlander (c) defends her title against Mina Shirakawa
- World Tag Team Championship: Brodido (c) defend against GOA
Significance of Shibata’s Medical Update and Future Outlook
This medical suspension of Katsuyori Shibata not only disrupts upcoming matches involving The Opps but also casts uncertainty on his immediate future in AEW. As a wrestler whose career is celebrated for resilience and grit, this setback is a difficult moment for his supporters and the company alike. Tony Khan’s frank admission of the situation underlines AEW’s commitment to wrestler safety and the challenges inherent in professional wrestling.
With The Opps seeking retribution and key matches poised to unfold at Dynamite, the AEW landscape is at a crossroads. Fans and officials alike await further developments as doctors monitor Shibata’s recovery, while the build toward WrestleDream continues in earnest. Tonight’s broadcast stands as a pivotal episode, delivering updates, fresh matchups, and crucial story developments that will shape AEW’s coming weeks.
We are LIVE with @ReneePaquette and AEW President + CEO @TonyKhan just hours before #AEWDynamite https://t.co/MIBDm2qn8t
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 24, 2025
