Katsuyori Shibata was named as the head of NJPW’s Los Angeles Dojo back in March of 2018. The former NEVER Openweight Champion and MMA practitioner of course had to retire following a horrific injury suffered against Kazuchika Okada at New Japan’s Sakura Genesis 2017.
Shibata had been using the headbutt as a signature move since the year prior, and the repeated use appeared to have caused a subdural hematoma, which required emergency surgery. Katsuyori Shibata collapsed following the match, and he has not wrestled in a match since.
Although Shibata has appeared for physical segments in recent times? His in-ring career is 100% done.
Shibata In-ring
Fightful Select recently confirmed that Shibata was done as an in-ring competitor and also talked about his status in the LA Dojo. Fightful confirm that “he’s still heavily involved in New Japan Pro Wrestling as a trainer at the LA Dojo.”
Select also spoke to Danny Limelight about ‘The Wrestler’ Shibata’s training method. Limelight would state that Shibata is a “perfectionist who is hands on, with tough love and very stern training.”
Whilst Shibata is still not cleared to wrestle? That does not stop him from getting in the ring and showing trainees holds and guiding them through if needs be,
Also Check Out:
