Ibushi suffering from aspiration pneumonia, off three NJPW shows

Kota Ibushi has been diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia and will miss the next three NJPW dates.

The website reported that in order to make a full in-ring recovery, he will miss the July 22 and 23 shows in Osaka, and July 24 in Nagoya. They also wrote that a final decision regarding Ibushi’s appearance at Wrestle Grand Slam, where he is slated to face Shingo Takagi for the IWGP World Heavyweight title, will be determined after assessing Ibushi’s recovery.

NJPW further explained that the pneumonia Ibushi is suffering from is not a side effect of a COVID-19 vaccination.

“Ibushi’s illness was originally reported as a result of side effects arising from his COVID-19 vaccination,” they explained. “Aspiration pneumonia has no connection to COVID vaccinations, and Ibushi’s illness is not a result of his inoculation. We apologise for any misunderstanding. Ibushi has also tested negative for COVID-19,” they wrote.

Ibushi was slated to team with Master Wato against Shingo Takagi and BUSHI on all three dates he will now miss. Tomoaki Honma will replace him on all three shows.

The last time Ibushi wrestled was prior to the Summer Struggle tour, where he defeated Yota Tsuji in a singles match on July 2.