Heartbreaking replace on beloved AEW star’s well being; will not be again for almost 2 years

An AEW fan-favorite is currently recovering from injury, and is not expected to be back in quite some time. However, the star in question, Kota Ibushi, has now shared an interesting social media update on his return.

Last year in October, on Collision: Homecoming, The Golden Star went toe-to-toe with Josh Alexander in singles action. The bout ended in disaster, unfortunately, as Ibushi took a tumble to the outside of the ring off of the corner turnbuckles, sustaining a broken femur in the process. Kota has since undergone surgery for the injury, and is currently on the mend.

In Ibushi’s absence, his close friend and tag partner Kenny Omega has continued to compete in the Tony Khan-led company, and recently set his sights on recapturing the World Title. This week on AEW Dynamite, The Cleaner was confronted by Don Callis and Josh Alexander, and a bout between Kenny and The Walking Weapon has been scheduled for next week.

A couple of hours ago, Kota Ibushi took to Instagram to post pictures of Omega’s exchange with The Invisible Hand and Alexander. In the caption, he revealed that he had over a year and nine months left till his potential comeback, although he expressed confidence that he would return in 2026 itself. The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion also assured Kenny that Alexander did not stand a chance against him.

“I’m so sorry, Kenny. There’s no guarantee, but medically, I have one year and nine months left. I’ll cure you in nine unnecessary months! That means I’ll be back in 2026. I’ve caused trouble for Kenny. In return, I can’t say for sure, but I’ll do it! I’ve gained the power to send out new energy. Shall I teach you bald guys that you have no chance of winning?”

Ibushi continued his post sharing more details on his recovery, and reiterated his desire to step back into the squared circle soon.

“Yesterday, for the first time in a while, I was able to enter the Budokan in costume for a live performance by the band that plays my entrance song. I think I’ve fulfilled another ambition. And to Tony Khan, I’ll be making a comeback once again! I’m not sure if my English will be understood, but I’ll do my best anyway.”

It remains to be seen when Ibushi will appear on AEW programming again.

AEW’s Kota Ibushi returned to his former promotion this year

Earlier this month, New Japan Pro-Wrestling hosted the 20th iteration of Wrestle Kingdom, an event of special significance as it staged the retirement bout of the legendary Hiroshi Tanahashi. The Ace was defeated by his iconic rival, AEW International Champion Kazuchika Okada, at the show. Afterwards, Tana was honored by several former NJPW talent he shares history with, including Kenny Omega and a tearful Kota Ibushi, who handed the New Japan president a bouquet of flowers and embraced him in a heartfelt moment.

Other major AEW names showed up to pay tribute to Tanahashi as well, including Will Ospreay and “Switchblade” Jay White, both of whom are also on the shelf due to injury.