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Katsuyori Shibata Announces In-Ring Return At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16

Wrestling
Jeremy Lambert Dec 15, 2021 7:16AM

Katsuyori Shibata is coming back.

Shibata announced he will wrestle at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 night one on January 4. No opponent was announced. Shibata made his major announcement at NJPW Best of the Super Juniors and World Tag League Final, just before intermission.

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"The Wrestler" hasn't wrestled since April 2017 when he took on Kazuchika Okada. He was forced to retire due to a subdural hematoma suffered in the match. He shot at angle with KENTA in 2019, but a bout never came to fruition. He made a surprise appearance at the G1 Climax 31 Finals, participating in an exhibition grappling match against Zack Sabre Jr.

After the grappling match, Shibata took a back bump and promised the next match would be real.

He has remained active by training young lions at the LA Dojo.

Fightful will have full results from NJPW Best of the Super Juniors and World Tag League Finals following the conclusion of the event.

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