Kota Ibushi might be a long way from returning.
Ibushi has been out of action since he suffered a shoulder injury in the G1 Climax Finals against Kazuchika Okada. He was announced for the New Japan Cup, but was pulled from the tour. In May, Ibushi took to social media to express his frustrations with NJPW management, which led to NJPW holding a press conference addressing the issues and announcing penalties to Ibushi and others involved in the incidents.
It is unknown when Ibushi will return to the ring, but he did take to social media (translations via @thfeelite) to address his current status.
Speaking about his shoulder, Ibushi, "Sadly, my shoulder [injury] is getting worse. I have done my rehab according to the instructions and guidance [of my doctors and trainers] too. I'm not risking anything this time. Physically, it's been 8 months and I still can't do a single push-up, so. I'm making a calm decision. I'll say it again and again, but I'm not giving up."
Ibushi said that his shoulder won't move at all and he "probably overdid it for many years" and that he was doing better in December than he is now.
"If I wrestled now, [my shoulder] would dislocate in less than a minute. I'm sorry that it's gotten worse and made daily life difficult, instead of having rested again for a little under a year. I will do everything I can to take care of my mother," he said.
Ibushi also continued to express his frustrations with NJPW, saying that the company announcing him to return on March 1, knowing it would be "impossible" for him to return so soon, was a "scam."
He also said he never spoke to President Takami Ohbari and thought it was "shady" of NJPW to upload photos of him while things are bad between them.
Fans can view the entire translated thread by clicking here.
