Update on NJPW Star Katsuyori Shibata’s Condition Following Possible Career Ending Injury

April 25, 2017

As noted, New Japan Pro Wrestling star Katsuyori Shibata suffered a possible career ending injury when he headbutted Kazuchika Okada during a match at NJPW’s Sakura Genesis event on April 9th.

Following the headbutt, Shibata was busted open, later taken to the hospital and was eventually diagnosed with subdural hematoma. Following successful surgery, The Wrestling Observer reported that the medical staff and Shibata’s friends were not optimistic about his return to pro wrestling.

@STRIGGA of Puroresu Love noted today that Shibata provided an update on his blog saying that the “right side of his body is still handicapped” and he will need another surgery in May:

Update from Katsuyori Shibata himself from his REAL TALK blog on PKDX. He says the right side of his body is still handicapped. (1/2)

— STRIGGA (@STRIGGA) April 25, 2017

Shibata also wrote that he needs another surgery in May. While he doesn’t push himself he wants to return to wrestling. (2/2)

— STRIGGA (@STRIGGA) April 25, 2017

Footage of Shibata’s injury can be seen below:

Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.

Nick attended New York University and graduated in 2001 with a degree in Drama.

Nick first entered the internet wrestling community back in 2004 when he became the co-host of The Voice of Wrestling Radio Show. From there, Nick made the transition from radio personality to editor when he began working with WrestleZone in 2008.

Nick is a member of two Off-Broadway theatre companies, Another Urban Riff, and the Drama Desk Award winning Godlight Theatre Company. Nick has appeared in over a dozen Off-Broadway plays since he moved to New York City, and has shot several short and feature length films. In 2010, he completed principle photography on a film titled "How to Score Your Life," which also features TNA Knockout ODB.

Inspiration in his life has come from many people including his family, Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, The Beatles, and of course, Lassie.