Get ready for a whole new learning experience courtesy of Chris Jericho.

The pro wrestling legend defeated HOOK for the FTW Championship at AEW Dynasty on Sunday and had some words of wisdom for the live crowd in Jacksonville, FL on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

All with a somewhat patronizing tongue, Jericho took to the ring to thank the fans for the love and support following his victory and spoke about the controversial meaning behind the letters “FTW.” Instead of the title standing for “F*** The World” he wants FTW to mean “For The World” because the championship now for all the fans.

Jericho then brought up the name of the late legendary Terry Funk and recounted when Funk told him it was time for him to start teaching the next generation of how to carry on the legacy of the pro wrestling business. He then thanked Terry Funk and thanked everyone in attendance.

Suddenly, out came former AEW World Tag Team Champion in Big Bill. What first felt like it was going to be a tense confrontation, Bill actually said that he’d love to learn under the learning tree of Chris Jericho. Chris noted that he respected the talent of Big Bill and told him that he’d very much consider that, but would like to see Bill prove it. Bill assured Jericho that he would do just that.

It’s serendipitous that Jericho did conjure up the name of Terry Funk. Back in 2019, Jericho was asked about being the modern-day version of Funk, who was notorious for always re-inventing himself later on in his career which helped to put ECW on the map.

“My mission has always been to reinvent and evolve. It’s David Bowie. It’s been one of my inspirations since I was 25 years old, when you realize that you have this guy that’s a genius and who constantly changes what he’s doing, what he looks like to keep the fans guessing.”

Chris Jericho Will Have A Challenger Next Week

Jericho will have a tough contender to go up against next week in his hometown of Winnipeg. Later during Dynamite, Katsuyori Shibata ending up revealing that he’ll face Jericho next week for that “For The World” Championship gold.

Katsuyori Shibata has issued a challenge to the FTW Champion Chris Jericho.

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@K_Shibata2022 pic.twitter.com/m5dKFQBvsd

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 25, 2024

AEW has a lot of people on their roster with incredible stories, but few are as dramatic as Katsuyori Shibata. He nearly died in 2017 from a brain injury after wrestling Kazuchika Okada. Shibata collapsed after that match and was taken to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma. Now, he is gearing up for his return.

Although Shibata was signed to AEW, he hasn’t been around in recent memory. It seems that he had another hurdle to get over this time around. Now, he is gearing up for his return despite having visa issues.

TOMORROW, Sat 3/16
Ottawa, ON
Saturday Night #AEWCollision
TNT 8pm ET/7pm CT

An Impossible Dream@K_Shibata2022 vs @bryandanielson

Before his #AEWDynasty Dream Match vs @WillOspreay,
Bryan collides vs Shibata, who aims for payback vs BCC in his own personal Dream Match TOMORROW pic.twitter.com/49Js17QsCn

— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) March 15, 2024

Shibata’s Recent Issues

In a new development, Fightful Select has reported that Katsuyori Shibata is slated to clash with Bryan Danielson in a high-stakes showdown set for AEW Collision. That being said, there was a tough road for Shibata at the end of 2023.

Sources close to the situation have revealed that Shibata faced an unexpected hurdle in November, compelling him to return to Japan due to pressing visa issues. This turn of events led to him relinquishing the ROH Pure Title to Wheeler YUTA. 

What’s Next For Shibata in AEW

Despite these setbacks, it was made clear that AEW President Tony Khan harbored substantial hope for Shibata’s future within the company. Additionally, insiders indicated that Shibata harbored contentment with his tenure in AEW.

Recent developments have seen Shibata’s visa woes resolved. This encouraged the powers-that-be in AEW to seize the opportunity and thrust him into a marquee matchup against Bryan Danielson on the next Collision episode.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more in the pro wrestling world. Please keep checking back for more stories and updates that you need.

Katsuyori Shibata doesn’t know when his wrestling career will come to an end but intends to spend the rest of his career in AEW. 

Shibata officially became All-Elite last month but has been competing for the promotion since 2022. Merely getting to this point is a huge feat for Shibata, who suffered a subdural hematoma in 2017 after a bout with Kazuchika Okada. At the time, it was thought that Shibata’s career had ended, but he would make a return to the ring at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 in early 2022. 

Katsuyori Shibata Wants to End His Career in AEW

Speaking to Tokyo Sports, Shibata commented on his health and his tenure with AEW thus far, compared to his run with New Japan. 

“I can’t work as an affiliated fighter. I guess that (New Japan’s decision) is not wrong. But if there is no place for me, then there is no reason for me to be here. I’ve regained a lot of my senses after competing in AEW, and I feel like I want to finish my career here.”

Shibata was also asked about his health. 

“I’ve been checked by a doctor, and I’ve given him a medical certificate. If I don’t clear it, I can’t compete.”

Shibata’s most recent match took place on the November 25, episode of AEW Rampage, where he lost the ROH Pure Championship to Wheeler Yuta. He has also challenged for the AEW International Championship and the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship. 

Fans can expect to see plenty more of Katsuyori Shibata in All Elite Wrestling now that the Japanese wrestler is officially All-Elite. 

On Twitter, AEW President Tony Khan broke the news of Shibata’s signing and described Shibata as one of the greatest fighters and champions ever in wrestling. Khan also shared a letter from Shibata himself in which the new signing spoke about joining the “wonderful” AEW. 

Dear Tony Khan,

Today, I have signed the contract with AEW under a permission from New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

In the past year, I worked for AEW/ROH and I learned how wonderful the AEW is.

This is the best environment where wrestlers can focus only on fighting in the ring.

And the love for professional wrestling is overflowing from Tony and all the people who work for him.

I want to make AEW’s ring the last end point of The Wrestler’s career. I dedicate my wrestler life to Tony Khan, and AEW. 

Thank you, 

Katsuyori Shibata. 

It's official: @K_Shibata2022 is ALL ELITE!

Welcome to @AEW for one of the greatest fighters + champions ever in wrestling, legend Katsuyori Shibata! Thank you @njpwglobal for making it possible!

See you all moments from now for #AEWCollision NEXT on TNT after this huge news! pic.twitter.com/91RDUmBQHd

— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) December 24, 2023

Katsuyori Shibata in AEW

Shibata first appeared for AEW at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door in June 2022, saving Orange Cassidy from a beatdown by the United Empire. Shibata would save Cassidy again later that year. In November, Shibata challenged Cassidy for the AEW All-Atlantic Championship but was unsuccessful. 

In March of this year, Shibata made his ROH debut and defeated Wheeler Yuta at Supercard of Honor to win the ROH Pure Championship. Shibata retained the title on the June 2, 2023, edition of Rampage against Lee Moriarty. He dropped the title back to Yuta last month on AEW Rampage. 

The winner of the triple threat All-Atlantic Championship match between Orange Cassidy, Luchasaurus, and Rey Fenix would get to defend the title in a dream match this Friday on Rampage.

Jungle Boy returned with a surprise attack on Luchasaurus to take care of him. PAC tried to get Fenix to use the ring bell hammer to cheat. Cassidy ended up pinning Fenix and immediately paid for it when PAC attacked the champion. “The Bastard” was about to live up to his moniker and attack Cassidy with the hammer when Katsuyori Shibata’s music hit (yeah, you read that right).

Following him out of the tunnel was Rocky Romero and Best Friends. Shibata also had a hammer in hand while PAC safely awaited on the other side of the ring. He needn’t worry because “The Wrestler” wasn’t coming for him, he was coming for the All-Atlantic Champion. Cassidy handed Shibata the contract and a pen, which he signed on the spot.

Shibata had Orange Cassidy’s back at Forbidden Door

Shibata was last seen in AEW back in June at Forbidden Door. Will Ospreay attacked Cassidy and Shibata made the save. That makes it surprising that he wants to challenge Cassidy for his title.

• Title Match Set For AEW Full Gear

Shibata hasn’t wrestled since January at Wrestle Kingdom 16. He beat his protege, Ren Narita. Last October, Shibata made his surprise in-ring return at the G1. He and Zack Sabre, Jr. went to a time-limit draw in a grappling match. Shibata stopped wrestling (he says he wasn’t retiring) in 2017 after suffering a subdural hematoma in a match against Kazuchika Okada, which left the right side of his body paralyzed.

His match on Rampage will only be his third match since that fateful day.

Katsuyori Shibata is set to end his in-ring hiatus.

Shibata suffered a life-threatening injury back in April 2017. He took on Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Sakura Genesis. The match was a classic but Shibata injured himself after connecting with a headbutt.

Okada won the match and Shibata ended up collapsing backstage. He was rushed to the hospital and needed to undergo emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma. It’s believed that an accumulation of headbutts, which Shibata had used as a signature, was the culprit.

Katsuyori Shibata Returns At Wrestle Kingdom 16

Katsuyori Shibata has been trying to make an in-ring comeback and he will get his wish on Jan. 4, 2022. On the final day of the World Tag League and Best of the Super Juniors, Shibata announced that he will wrestle on night one of Wrestle Kingdom 16.

It looked as if Shibata would never wrestle again but he has tested the waters since his head injury. Back in summer 2019, Shibata attacked KENTA for turning on his LA Dojo young lions.

He even took bumps from the Bullet Club members but nothing was aimed at his head.

Shibata then shocked the wrestling world on the final day of the G1 Climax 31 tournament. He had a surprise UWF rules exhibition grappling match with Zack Sabre Jr. The match went to a five-minute draw.

At this time, there is no word on who Shibata’s opponent will be at Wrestle Kingdom 16.

Katsuyori Shibata is seemingly testing the waters of a comeback.

Shibata broke the hearts of Japanese wrestling fans after he suffered a subdural hematoma in his classic IWGP Heavyweight Championship match with Kazuchika Okada back in April 2017. A series of headbutts, specifically a gnarly one near the end of the match, was to blame.

While Shibata hasn’t had a full-on wrestling match since the showdown with Okada, he has gotten physical. During the G1 Climax 29 finals event back in 2019, Katsuyori Shibata attacked KENTA after KENTA turned heel and joined Bullet Club. At the G1 Climax 31 event, Shibata and Zack Sabre Jr. had a surprise five-minute grappling match that ended in a draw.

After the match, Shibata said the next time he’s in the ring it’ll be in his wrestling gear.

Shibata told Tokyo Sports that more and more, he’s itching to make a comeback (h/t Reddit user Weezy-NJPW_Fan).

“It was a great space. It’s a special place. This is the only way for me. My desire to make a full-fledged comeback seems to have grown stronger. I’m living my life one step at a time, and year by year, the ring is getting closer and closer. Anyway, if I don’t have a goal, I really don’t know who I am, so I always keep it there. As Okada said when I was injured, pro wrestlers are superhuman.

“Three steps forward, two steps back. Sometimes I take three steps forward and four or five steps back. But I don’t want to give up. This is all I can do. I’m not going to give up. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be doing this job.”

Shibata has played a key role in NJPW’s LA Dojo system. He has been tasked with ensuring that foreign talent is able to grasp Strong Style before breaking free from being a Young Lion.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Power Struggle 2019 event took place at the EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan on November 3.

This event can be watched live on NJPW World.

Power Struggle 2019 Results

Titán, Volador Jr., TJP & Clark Connors def. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask IV, Ryusuke Taguchi & Yuya Uemura (5:43)
With the exception of Liger, this tag team match was composed of wrestlers who failed to advance to the Final in the Super Junior Tag League. Volador Jr. entered wearing a Spiderman mask and rash guard. As always, Jushin Thunder Liger was incredibly over, but work from everyone involved was brisk and fast-paced. TJP pinned Yuya Uemura after a Detonation Kick.

Bullet Club (Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo) def. CHAOS (Robbie Eagles & Rocky Romero) (8:42)
With his tag team partner involved in a defense of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, Robbie Eagles was left with Rocky Romero as a partner. Ishimori and Phantasmo used their superior experience to keep the CHAOS team apart. At one point, El Phantasmo walked the ropes with Rocky Romero in a fireman’s carry, then came crashing down on Robbie Eagles. El Phantasmo pinned Rocky Romero with the CR II.

Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi, SANADA & EVIL) def. Suzukigun (Lance Archer, Zack Sabre Jr. & Minoru Suzuki) (9:07)
The Suzukigun team entered to Lance Archer’s music, who walked to the ring bow-legged, carrying his newly won IWGP US Heavyweight Championship with one half of the strap in his pants. The highlight of this match was a long battle of strikes between Shingo and Minoru Suzuki. SANADA defeated Zack Sabre Jr. with a rolling cradle, as Suzuki and Shingo continued to battle outside the ring and the frustrated Zack Sabre Jr. put the referee in an armbar. Meanwhile, Lance Archer told the English commentators that he wanted to defend his IWGP US Heavyweight Championship against David Finlay.

Kota Ibushi & Hiroshi Tanahashi def. CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI) (10:51)
All wrestlers received separate entrances except for YOSHI-HASHI. Tanahashi looked disinterested as Ibushi made his entrance, not wanting to be the second fiddle to the G1 Winner. He had really been focused on finding his own path to Wrestle Kingdom 14. Down the stretch, the fans really were hoping for YOSHI-HASHI, as was able to get near falls on Tanahashi. Nevertheless, Tanahashi reversed his Karma finisher. Tanahashi pinned YOSHI-HASHI with the High Fly Flow.

After the match ended, the lights went out, and a video of musicians with blonde hair getting beaten up played, then transitioned to Chris Jericho on the screen. He challenged Hiroshi Tanahashi to a match at Wrestle Kingdom 14 Day 2, on January 5, 2020. He said “It’s going to be a classic match. It’s also going to be your last match!”

Tetsuya Naito def. Taichi (12:56)
In contrast to his lackadaisical attitude, Naito immediately attacked Taichi at full speed. Their fight spilled into the crowd, where Taichi was able to get the upper hand. As Naito went for an avalanche hurricanrana, Taichi reversed it into a falling powerbomb, and taunted the downed Naito. Their other matches this year involved lots of out of the ring trickery, but now, Taichi was able to face Naito head on, eating his strikes and asking for more, and countering Naito’s first attempt at the Destino. Taichi hit the falling elevated powerbomb for a near fall as the crowd gasped. Naito hit a running Destino for a near fall, falling by the Valentia. Naito attempted the Destino once more, but Taichi caught him and tried to hit the Black Mephisto, and Naito wiggled out. Naito hit his own Black Mephisto, and then the Destino for the three count.

Super Junior Tag League 2019 Final Match: Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH) def. Suzukigun (El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) (14:13)
As Roppongi 3K entered, Suzukigun snuck up behind them and attacked them, taking an advantage before the bell rang. With that advantage, they dominated the early going, isolating YOH. SHO was able to rally when he tagged them in, but more good teamwork put him on the disadvantage as well. El Desperado went for the Pinche Loco on SHO, but it was reversed, then Roppongi 3K were able to take control when they finally worked together. El Desperado reversed the Shock Arrow and hit a headbutt, but YOH came in and Roppongi 3K were able to hit 3K to pin El Desperado and win the Super Junior Tag League. This is their third time winning the Super Junior Tag League.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Taiji Ishimori and El Phantasmo came out and attacked Roppongi 3K as they celebrated. With the tournament winners laid out, Bullet Club took the Super Junior Tag League trophies and posed with them as if they had won the tournament.

NEVER Openweight Championship Match: KENTA (c) def. Tomohiro Ishii (20:12)
KENTA had been spending the whole tour taunting Tomohiro Ishii, calling him cute and generally belittling him. His patience exhausted, Ishii had no time for KENTA’s antics, immediately going after him and bringing him back in when he tried to bail from the ring. Ishii took KENTA’s strikes and asked for more, but eventually his resiliency found its limit, as KENTA grinded him down with kicks, only for Ishii to find another gear and take the advantage once more. As Ishii went for a sliding lariat, KENTA sneakily managed to put on the Game Over crossface. Due to Ishii’s lack of neck, he was able to make it to the ropes and break the submission. KENTA hit the Busaiku Knee Kick, but Ishii powered through, only to eat a second one. KENTA hit a Falcon Arrow, a PK, but Ishii reversed the Go 2 Sleep attempt. KENTA hit the Go 2 Sleep, then pulled down his knee pad and hit a second one to defeat Tomohiro Ishii and defend the NEVER Openweight Championship.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Match: Will Ospreay (c) def. BUSHI (16:20)
Ospreay started the match with guns blazing, sending BUSHI reeling with high-speed offense. BUSHI did a good job of using Ospreay’s momentum against him, countering the Sasuke Special by dropping Ospreay on his head with an apron DDT. BUSHI hit a lightning spiral and went for the MX, but Ospreay got out of the way. Ospreay accidentally hit the referee and BUSHI went to spray black mist in Ospreay’s face, but Ospreay stopped it by taking the black mist from his mouth and spitting it in BUSHI’s face. Ospreay hit a shooting star press only for BUSHI to get the knees up and spray mist in Ospreay’s face. BUSHI went for the MX once more, but Ospreay hit a head kick to stop him. BUSHI hit a codebreaker and the MX, but Ospreay kicked out at two. BUSHI went for another MX, but Ospreay gave him an Oscutter out of mid air, followed by a Hidden Blade. Finally, Ospreay hit the Super Oscutter and Stormbreaker to pin BUSHI and defend the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.

After the match, Ospreay made a list of all the junior heavyweights that he defeated, remarking that he had beaten anyone and there was no one left. As he left the ring, the lights went out, and a video of a Time Bomb scheduled to go off in 1,448 hours played. (1,448 hours from the time of this writing is on January 4th, 2020). Hiromu Takahashi entered to an electric response, pulled off the neck bandage he was wearing, threw it into the crowd, and ran around taking bumps. He took the microphone and said, while in a neck bridge to show that his neck was fine, that Ospreay was now the strongest junior heavyweight, but that now “Hiromu is back” and challenged Ospreay for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 14.

IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match: Jay White (c) def Hirooki Goto (27:40)
Ever since Hirooki Goto challenged White for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at Destruction in Kobe, White had done nothing but belittle him, and say that he didn’t deserve to challenge for the Championship. In the early going, he seemed to be correct, as he controlled the early match, despite Goto nearly getting his hands on Gedo, who had yet to involve himself in the match. At one point, White threw Goto into the guardrail near the Japanese announce table, which drew the ire of guest commentator Katsuyori Shibata, who raised from his seat but did not act. White hit the Kiwi Crusher for a near fall. Goto rallied, hitting the Ushigoroshi, then went for the GTR, but White managed to avoid it, as Gedo distracted the referee to boos. White hit the sleeper suplex, but Goto headbutted him to stop him in his tracks, then hit a reverse GTR. Goto followed up with a Shouten Kai for a near fall. Goto hit the GTW, followed by the GTR, but Goto pulled the referee out of the ring so that he couldn’t count the pin, but Shibata came in and apprehended Gedo. KENTA then came in and hit Goto with a Go 2 Sleep, then a kick on Shibata. KENTA continued attacking Shibata, as Jay White hit the Blade Runner on Goto to retain the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

Jay White says he wants to be the first IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion and to wrestle against the winner of Ibushi vs. Okada on the second day of Wrestle Kingdom 14. He taunts Ibushi and Okada to come to the ring, but Tetsuya Naito comes to the ring instead. Eventually, Kota Ibushi and Kazuchika Okada come to the ring as well. Naito and Ibushi are also in favor of a double championship match. However, Okada dissents, and says that there should be a fan vote to decide it. Jay White demands to be announced as “IWGP Intercontinental Champion and future double Champion.” He is announced as such, and confetti rains down as Naito glares at him from the entrance ramp.

Katsuyori Shibata is the head trainer at NJPW’s LA Dojo. He has also recently been involved in an angle where KENTA turned his back on him and the rest of the LA Dojo after training him to get ready for the G1. The students from the LA Dojo will be competing in the Young Lion Cup in Japan which kicked off today from Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.

Shibata spoke to NJPW1972.com about his work in the dojo and the Young Lion Cup.

“It’s exciting. I really wanted this to happen. To have my students go to Japan and test themselves there, that was one big step, a goal of mine that we’ve achieved,” he said during the interview.

Shibata would continue to say that the matches had by Karl Fredericks and Clark Connors on the G1 tour in Japan helped pave the way to them entering the Young Lion Cup.

“I think those performances really played a big part in them getting entered into the Young Lion Cup. I’ve been really hard on them for the past year, but that’s paid off. These guys aren’t half-assing it.”

Shibata also addressed what is different about the type of training he puts his students through.

“I mean, I haven’t been teaching them anything other than the fundamentals. Nothing more at all. I haven’t taught them how to throw elbows, anything like that. The strict fundamentals, taught in a strict way.”

Shibata spoke specifically on Clark Connors during the interview as well:

“(Connor’s) changed a lot since he started. He looks different, he’s gotten bigger. He was really small when he started. All the guys in the dojo were chosen from a training camp we had when it fist opened. We reached out to the guys who had the most promise, and Clark was the first one we called.”

He also addressed Karl Fredericks’ decision to join the LA Dojo.

“He came with experience too. I guess I can say this? He was called by another major company as well, and went through their camp,” Shibata said. “But there, he asked himself whether he could really do what he wanted. When he did our camp, he decided ‘this is where I should be’.”

The full interview can be read here.

While Katsuyori Shibata has not been given medical clearance to resume his pro-wrestling career, it is believed he is hoping that will happen eventually. His status was addressed recently in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

“(Shibata) hasn’t been cleared, but he will be attempting to get cleared,” wrote Dave Meltzer. “He trains with his students, but the issue in question is whether it can ever be healthy for him to take head shots and if he were to return as Katsuyori Shibata, can they work around that issue within the New Japan style.”

Speculation as to whether Shibata would be returning to the ring began after an angle where KENTA joined Bullet Club and beat down Shibata with his new teammates took place on the final night of the G1 Climax tournament.

Katsuyori Shibata’s Injury

After winning the New Japan Cup in 2017, Shibata was scheduled to take on Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. They met at Sakura Genesis that year. After Okada won the match, Shibata collapsed backstage. He was taken to the hospital with a subdural hematoma which required surgery. MMA fighter/boxer Tim Hague would die of the same injury just two months later.

• Shibata Hospitalized After IWGP Title Match At Sakura Genesis

It has previously been reported that doctors will likely never clear him to return to the ring.

On the final night of New Japan’s G1 Climax 29, KENTA joined Bullet Club, turning his back on Katsuyori Shibata and the LA Dojo which had trained him for his NJPW debut in the tournament this year. Shibata himself came out to confront KENTA and his new stablemates but was beaten down for his efforts.

The physicality involved in the segment left many wondering if Shibata had been cleared to return to the ring. Unfortunately, it appears the segment was not meant to build toward his return. Shibata’s status was addressed recently by the Wrestling Observer.

“Regarding last night, Katsuyori Shibata has not been cleared to wrestle,” wrote Dave Meltzer. “We don’t have more info and very very few people knew about the angle last night before it happened.”

“Shibata has always wanted to return but doctors have said in the past that there is no way he’d be cleared,” he continued.

“It’s a one-off thing, it’s an angle, I don’t think there’s really much else new to it,” Meltzer continued on Wrestling Observer Radio. “There’s no indication he’s doing anything for a match.”

Katsuyori Shibata Injury

Shibata was taken to hospital with bleeding on the brain following an IWGP Heavyweight Championship match against Kazuchika Okada.The match took place at Sakura Genesis on April 9th, 2017. The technical term for his injury is a subdural hematoma and is similar to what led to the death of MMA Fighter/Boxer Tim Hague just 2 months later.

Since being forced to retire, Shibata has been training recruits at New Japan’s LA Dojo.

New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced the dates for their upcoming camp at the LA Dojo. The company has also confirmed that “NJPW LA Dojo head coach Katsuyori Shibata is opening up the LA Dojo to aspiring wrestlers who want to learn wrestling basics and techniques from The Wrestler himself.”

The dates for the camp are as follows:

• 27th May (Monday)
• 28th May (Tuesday)
• 29th May (Wednesday)
• 30th May (Thursday)
• Cost: $400

If you are interested in attending then you can find more information via the official NJPW LA Dojo site.

NJPW conducted their first training dojo camp in March 2018 in Los Angeles. Applicants can learn ‘Japanese wrestling techniques’ from pro-wrestlers in the camp.

NJPW President Taakaki Kidani told Tokyo Sports back in 2017 that opening a training center in Los Angeles was part of the promotion’s strategy to expand into the country further.

Ring Of Honor has announced that popular New Japan Pro Westling star, Katsuyori Shibata, will be in attendance for all three nights of their Texas ‘Road to G1 Supercard’ events this January.

Shibata will be in attendance in order to sign autographs and take photos with fans as part of the promotion’s pre-event Meet and Greets.

One of NJPW’s most prominent stars during his time with the company, ‘The Wrestler’ has not competed in-ring following his brutal matchup with Kazuchika Okada on April 9th, 2017, during New Japan’s Sakura Genesis event.
Shibata suffered a severe injury via a vicious headbutt during the match that led to him to experience paralysis to the right side of his body. This injury has led to speculation that Shibata is most likely done wrestling.

He has since been assigned as Head Coach for New Japan’s American dojo, located in Los Angeles, California.

NJPW has released a series of YouTube documentaries following his journey adjusting to life in America and his new role within the company, entitled ‘California Dreamin’.”

Road To G1 Supercard

You can meet Shibata on the following dates:

ROAD TO G1 SUPERCARD – DALLAS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24TH
BELL TIME @ 07:30 PM CT
GILLEY’S DALLAS
1135 S LAMAR ST
DALLAS , TX 75215

ROAD TO G1 SUPERCARD – HOUSTON

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25TH
BELL TIME @ 07:30 PM CT
NRG ARENA
NRG PKWY
HOUSTON , TX 77054

ROAD TO G1 SUPERCARD – SAN ANTONIO

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26TH
BELL TIME @ 07:00 PM CT
AUSTIN HIGHWAY EVENT CENTER
1948 AUSTIN HWY
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78218

New Japan Pro Wrestling has posted a new video to their YouTube channel.

Documenting “The Wrestler” Katsuyori Shibata’s journey segueing into his new role as NJPW LA Dojo’s head coach, it is the first of a two part series and features English subtitles, running for just over 21 minutes.

NJPW visited the LA Dojo in July to cover the wrestling camps taking place during that time. They state that “the footage reveals the inner workings of their Dojo system.”

Sakura Genesis

Shibata has been away from in-ring action since his brutal match up against “The Rainmaker” Kazuchika Okada at Sakura Genesis 2017. The men would wrestle for an astounding 38 minutes before Okada finally defeated Shibata.

The aftermath of the match, however, left a lot of people concerned over Shibata’s well being. During the match itself, Shibata delivered a headbutt to Okada that split him open. Shibata subsequently collapsed backstage and was rushed to a hospital, where it was discovered that he had a subdural hematoma and required emergency surgery.

On April 13th, Dave Meltzer reported that Shibata would probably never be cleared to wrestle again.

Come August 13th, at the 2017 G1 Climax Finals, Shibata made a surprise appearance, simply expressing, “I am alive. That is all.”

NJPW note that the second part of this documentary will be aired soon, so be sure to catch up on Part 1 before it does!

New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced that Katsuyori Shibata will be the Head Coach of their new Dojo in Los Angeles. New Japan recently revealed that they will be running a camp on March 19th to scout for future talent in the United States and now ‘The Wrestler’ has been confirmed as the head of the training school.

Speaking to NJPW1972.com, Shibata had this to say about his new position:

“With rehab and training, I’ve been sensing it’s time to move past the struggle of finding what I am capable of doing. These days, I’ve had a burning desire to take on a new challenge… What can I do in my current state? I thought a change of pace was needed, and the next thing I knew, I found myself in Los Angeles.

By some twist of fate, my thoughts happened around the time the new NJPW dojo was being set up in LA. While getting the dojo ready, I had the chance to assemble the ring with some of the young wrestlers and train with them, and I found myself doing wrestling moves I haven’t been able to do before. 

The good, classic Japanese pro-wrestling is starting to disappear from the current wrestling world. But we must never lose that fighting attitude and spirit of traditional Japanese pro-wrestling. I have accepted the mission to open the gates and transcend the cultural differences to pass down our knowledge to the younger generation. As the NJPW dojo opens in Los Angeles mid-March, I wanted to share my thoughts as I announce that I, Katsuyori Shibata, will lead the LA dojo as the head coach.”

Katsuyori Shibata to be Head Coach of New Japan Dojo in Los Angeles!https://t.co/yjhdDNZYO1

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) March 5, 2018

Early today, NJPW posted health updates for both Katsuyori Shibata, and Tomaki Honma.

Honma was injured in a match on March 3rd, after taking a DDT. He experienced temporary paralysis in both arms and legs. It is believed he injured his cervical vertebrae.

Shibata collapsed backstage after his April 9th IWGP heavyweight championship match with Kazuchika Okada. He was taken to hospital, where it is said his condition was initially life-threatening.

Shibata and Honma Health Updates

Honma is said to be recovering well, and has regained movement in both arms and legs. He is working on muscular rehabilitation and is exercising. He is able to go for light runs, which also sounds encouraging. It is currently not known when he will be discharged from hospital.

As for Shibata, the forthcoming information doesn’t offer much. He has no trouble walking or talking and has been transferred to the general ward of the hospital. NJPW stated that it is impossible to comment on the potential impacts of his injury. The full release can be read here.

Shibata is said to have suffered a subdural hematoma which required emergency surgery. The cause is suspected to be a combination of a hard head butt he took during the match and dehydration.

After his show stealing bout against Kazuchika Okada at New Japan’s Sakura Genesis event last weekend Katsuyori Shibata was rushed to hospital with what was reported as a subdural hematoma. This is an extremely serious injury where blood builds up between the skull and brain.

Several reports from Dave Meltzer at the Wrestling Observer seemed to indicate that this may have been part of an angle to ‘get over’ the severity/brutality of the match. It is now believed that the injury is in fact very real and there is a chance that Shibata will never wrestle another match. Whilst in hospital Shibata temporality lost mobility on the right side of his body, he apparently has now recovered fully from this paralysis however given the severity of this injury he may never again be cleared to wrestle.

Shinsuke Nakamura recently spoke to Yahoo Japan regarding the New Japan wrestling style and the risks that performers are taking:

“Lately exchanging dangerous moves has become a trend in Japanese wrestling. With serious injuries happening, it might have to change and wrestlers should look back and think about dangerous moves they do and the risks they take.”

Credit to Chris Charlton for the transcription

Nakamura on dangers in Japanese wrestling https://t.co/eMvtX1ZVm8 pic.twitter.com/D52g4DN7P6

— chris charlton (@reasonjp) April 13, 2017

Zack Sabre Jr made his debut appearance for New Japan Pro Wrestling at today’s 45th Anniversary event in Tokyo, where he faced Katsuyori Shibata for Revolution Pro Wrestling’s British Heavyweight Championship.

During the match Minoru Suzuki interfered on Sabre Jr’s behalf and used a Gotch style Piledriver on Shibata, giving Sabre Jr the opportunity to hit his signature Penalty Kick to secure the pinfall victory and win back the RPW title.

After the bout Sabre Jr donned a Suzuki-Gun t shirt and appeared to accept the invitation from Minoru to join the group.

#NJPW45th pic.twitter.com/B4K6bdjF7E

— ZSJ. ? (@zacksabrejr) March 6, 2017

I want to thank @noah_ghc for being my home & family for almost 5 years. Such an important part of my life. Long may the ark sail safely.

— ZSJ. ? (@zacksabrejr) March 5, 2017

New Japan Pro Wrestling have announced that several title matches will take place on March 6th 2017. The event is to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the promotion and will air live on New Japan World (5am est.)

NJPW 45th Anniversary Show Lineup

• Jushin Liger and Hirai Kawato vs. Tiger Mask and Tomoyuki Oka
• Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi, Gedo and Jado (CHAOS) vs. El Desparado, Taka Michinoku, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Minoru Suzuki (Suzuki-Gun)
• Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi and David Finlay vs. Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, Yujiro Takahashi, Bad Luck Fale and Kenny Omega (Bullet Club)
• Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, Bushi and Sanada (Los Ingobernables) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Michael Elgin, Kushida and Juice Robinson
• RPW British Heavyweight Championship
  Katsuyori Shibata (c) vs. Zack Sabre Jr. *
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship
  Hiromu Takahashi (c) vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
  Roppongi Vice (c) vs. Taichi and Yoshinobu Kanemaru (Suzuki-Gun)
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
  Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano (c)(CHAOS) vs. Tomoaki Honma and Togi Makabe (GBH)**
• Kazuchika Okada (CHAOS) vs. Tiger Mask W***

*     Zack Sabre Jr. is making his NJPW debut
**   This match was made after GBH beat CHAOS at Togi Makabe’s anniversary show this weekend.
*** non-title match. Tiger Mask W is played by Kota Ibushi and is from the current Tiger Mask anime series. 

When it was announced that Chris Hero had re-signed with WWE and would be returning to NXT it created a chasm across the Independent wrestling scene, both in the United States and Europe.

After his original departure from WWE back in 2013, Hero toured the world performing for numerous promotions big and small and establishing himself as quite possibly the best independent wrestler on the planet. What is truly astonishing is the quality and variety of matches that Chris Hero had in 2016; from his bouts in UK based Revolution Pro against Tomohiro Ishii and Katsuyori Shibata, his show stealing PROGRESS bouts against Mark Andrews and Marty Scurll, his PWG tag bout alongside Tommy End against Fenix & Pentagon Jr through to his EVOLVE matches with Dick Togo, Timothy Thatcher, Zack Sabre Jr……and Matt Riddle.

One of Hero’s biggest draws was that he seemed just as happy performing in front of thousands of fans as he did in front of a smaller crowd, eager to help as many promotions as possible gain traction and build their fan base.

Before I started writing this I saw a tweet from a very small UK based promotion stating that Matt Riddle would be performing for them in April against Josh Bodom, himself an up and coming star on the UK scene. Counter this with Riddle’s other matches so far in 2017 in the UK for the likes of Rev Pro and PROGRESS and you can see why I drew the comparison to Hero, he appears to be working for independents big and small.

Now, Riddle has only been wrestling for around 3 years and while he is not quite at the caliber of a Chris Hero just yet, he certainly has all of the tools to get there. Ever since his departure from UFC Riddle has taken to Pro Wrestling at an astonishing rate, earning him comparisons to the likes of Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar. His natural charisma and ability to read is what established him as a star in EVOLVE.

Riddle’s temperament seems to be the same as Hero’s, he wants to work for as many companies as possible, get as much experience as he can and build his brand globally. As I mentioned before the hole that Chris Hero left in the Independent scene was substantial. Indie companies desperately need a performer that can come in and elevate both your company and the stars on your roster  Matt Riddle looks set to be the man to fill those boots with his willingness to work in diverse matches against a litany of different opponents.

Who’s your Hero? It’s Matt Riddle….bro

Look at this Tyler Bate just photo bombed me! This means war bro! #ireland #dublin #kingofbros #bro #photobombed #ottwrestling @Tyler_Bate pic.twitter.com/1lxDdHE3xq

— Matthew Riddle (@SuperKingofBros) February 4, 2017

Here are the results from New Japan Pro Wrestling’s ‘The New Beginning’ event that took place in Osaka, Japan to a gate of around 5,500 people:

Here are the results from New Japan Pro Wrestling’s ‘The New Beginning’ show that took place in Sapporo, Japan:

Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado b KUSHIDA & Hirai Kawato – Desperado hit the Guitara de Angel on Kawato to take the win for his team. He now looks set to join the Junior ranks in NJPW following a staredown with KUSHIDA after the match.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata b. Yoshitatsu, Henare & Tomoyuki Oka – Nagata took the submission win with the Nagata Lock 2 on Oka.

Will Ospreay, Jado & Gedo b. Katsuyori Shibata, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask IV – Ospreay hit the OsCutter on Tiger Mask to take the pinfall victory. He stated after the match that he would defeat Shibata for the Revolution Pro British Heavyweight Championship on February 11th

YOSHI-HASHI b. Takashi Iizuka – YOSHI-HASHI took the win in around 7 minutes with the Karma

Michael Elgin, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Manabu Nakanishi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Dragon Lee b. Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL, BUSHI & Hiromu Takahashi – Dragon Lee won the bout following the Death Nukadora in around 13 minutes, he and Takahashi had a staredown after the bout ahead of their clash over the IWGP Junior Heavyweight belt on February 11th.

IWGP Junior Tag Championship Match: Rocky Romero & Barreta b. Taichi & TAKA Michinoku – Barretta hit the Strong Zero on TAKA Michinoku to retain the belts for Roppongi Vice in their 1st defence as champions.

NEVER Openweight Championship Match: Hirooki Goto b. Juice Robinson – Goto successfully defended his NEVER title after hitting the GTR for the pinfall victory. This was his first defence since winning the title from Shibata at Wrestle Kingdom.

IWGP Tag Championship Match: Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano b. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. – Yano rolled up Makabe in a schoolboy for the pinfall victory, this was also Ishii/Yano’s first title defence.

IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match: Kazuchika Okada b. Minoru Suzuki – Okada hit the Rainmaker on Suzuki for his third successful title defence. No one appeared after the match to challenge Okada for the belt however Okada hinted that Tiger Mask W may be his next feud.

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— ?????????????? (@njpw1972) February 5, 2017

Here are the results from Revolution Pro Wrestling’s first York Hall show of the year. The promotion has been growing rapidly in popularity over the past year and with this absolutely stacked card that trend looks set to continue:

RPW Interim British Cruiserweight Championship Match: Josh Bodom b. Ryan Smile – Bodom took the win via pinfall to become the Interim Crusierweight Champion. The Interim title has been introduced as current champion Will Ospreay is tied up with New Japan & Ring of Honor commitments

RPW Undisputed British Tag Team Championship Match: Joel Redman & Charlie Sterling b. War Machine – Redman and Sterling took the win to retain their titles after hitting a spinning tombstone on Rowe

YOSHI-HASHI b. Pete Dunne – YOSHI-HASHI took the win after hitting the Karma

Zack Sabre Jr. b. Marty Scurll – Sabre took the win after avoiding a Crossface Chickenwing attempt and rolling Scurll up for the three count 

Trent Seven b. Trevor Lee – Seven took the win after hitting his second Snap Piledriver of the match to take the pinfall

Jay White b. Martin Stone – NJPW Young Lion Jay White took the upset win after making Stone tap with a Boston Crab

RPW Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship Match: Katsuyori Shibata b. Matt Riddle – In what was easily the MOTN Shibata retained his title using a rear naked choke. Shibata will now defend his belt against Will Ospreay at the NJPW New Beginning show in February

We are sold out here at York Hall! It might be cold outside but the action is heating up in here #britishwrestling #revpro #london pic.twitter.com/OrkTD4NVb2

— Revolution Pro (@RevProUK) January 21, 2017

New Japan have officially announced the cards for their two ‘New Beginning’ shows that take place on February 5th/11th in Sapporo and Osaka, Japan respectively. Following the events of the New Years Dash show Suzuki-Gun are set to make a huge impact on the landscape of New Japan with the group’s leader Minoru Suzuki set to face IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada for the belt in Sapporo on February 5th.

Also notable is the inclusion of a Revolution Pro Wrestling title bout between Shibata and Will Ospreay on the Osaka show. Shibata won the RPW British Heavyweight title from Zack Sabre Jr at the company’s last York Hall show.

The cards line up as follows:

New Beginning in Sapporo (02/05/17)
KUSHIDA & Hirai Kawato vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado (Suzuki-Gun)

Yuji Nagata & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Yoshitatsu & David Finlay & Henare

Katsuyori Shibata & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask IV vs. CHAOS’ Will Ospreay & Gedo & Jado

YOSHI-HASHI vs. Takashi Iizuka

Michael Elgin & Hiroshi Tanahashi & Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi & Dragon Lee vs. Tetsuya Naito & SANADA & EVIL & BUSHI & Hiromu Takahashi

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Roppongi Vice (c) vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi (Suzuki-Gun)

NEVER Openweight Championship Match – Hirooki Goto (c) vs. Juice Robinson

IWGP Tag Team Championship Match – Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano (c) vs. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. The Killer Elite Squad

IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match – Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Minoru Suzuki

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????“????”?????????IWGP?????????
K.E.S????3WAY????https://t.co/BTgdR34SpL #njnbg #njpw pic.twitter.com/M99AsWJSPy

— ?????????????? (@njpw1972) January 10, 2017

New Beginning in Osaka (02/11/17)
Yoshitatsu & Hirai Kawato vs. David Finlay & Henare
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & KUSHIDA vs. Suzuki-gun’s Takashi Iizuka & Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado

Juice Robinson & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask IV vs. YOSHI-HASHI & Gedo & Jado

Kazuchika Okada & Rocky Romero & Beretta (CHAOS) vs. Minoru Suzuki & TAKA Michinoku & Taichi (Suzuki-Gun)

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship Match – Hiroshi Tanahashi & Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi (c) vs. SANADA & EVIL & BUSHI

Revolution Pro British Heavyweight Championship Match – Katsuyori Shibata vs. Will Ospreay

IWGP Tag Team Championship Match – Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano (c) vs. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Killer Elite Squad

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Match – Hiromu Takahashi (c) vs. Dragon Lee

IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match –  Tetsuya Naito (c) vs. Michael Elgin

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???????????????????https://t.co/fobCHMLLZo #njnbg #njpw pic.twitter.com/USUQaQB2pK

— ?????????????? (@njpw1972) January 10, 2017

Here are the results from New Japan’s annual New Year Dash show. This is traditionally seen as New Japan’s version of the ‘Raw After Mania’ and the main storylines/feuds heading into February’s New Beginning shows start to take shape.

Kyle O’Reilly, Ricochet & David Finlay b. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask IV & Henare – Finlay took the win for his team

Yujiro Takahashi & Hangman Page b. Yoshitatsu & Billy Gunn – Hangman Page took the win after hitting the Right of Passage on Yoshitatsu

YOSHI-HASHI, Rocky Romero & Barreta b. Adam Cole and The Young Bucks – Yoshi-Hashi took the pinfall victory for his team after rolling up ROH Champion Adam Cole  

Scott Norton, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Hiro Saito & Cheeseburger b. Kenny Omega, Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa & BONE SOLDIER – Kojima hit the Lariat on BONE SOLDIER to take the win for his team

Michael Elgin & KUSHIDA b. Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi – Elgin took the win after hitting a Burning Hammer on Naito, he now looks set to be the next challenger for Naito’s Intercontinental Championship. CMLL Star Dragon Lee also appeared to attack longtime rival Takahashi and stated that he wants a shot at Takahashi’s IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title.
Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Katsuyori Shibata, Yuji Nagata & Juice Robinson b. Kazuchika Okada, Hirooki Goto, Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii & Will Ospreay – Robinson took the shock win over NEVER Champion Hirooki Goto to set himself as the next challenger for the title

NJPW/NOAH legend Minoru Suzuki appeared after the bout with his stable (The Suzuki Army) and attacked the members of CHAOS, Suzuki then proclaimed that all of New Japan’s titles will soon be theirs.

NEVER Openweight 6 Man Tag Championship Match – Hiroshi Tanahashi, Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi b. SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI – Nakanishi hit the Hercules Cutter on BUSHI to win the titles and make Los Ingobernables’ title reign end after one day.