What’s the story?
New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star Katsuyori Shibata recently posted on his REAL TALK blog on PKDX to update fans on his current physical condition and ongoing recovery.
Meanwhile, Tomoaki Honma who’s been injured since last month was visited by Ryusuke Taguchi at the hospital, with the latter posting an update on Honma’s condition on his official social media account.
In case you didn’t know...
In a recent IWGP Heavyweight championship match against Kazuchika Okada, Katsuyori Shibata suffered a subdural hematoma after he landed his signature headbutt on his opponent. Shibata has been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation following the injury that has reportedly caused a certain degree of paralysis on the right side of his body.
Besides, Tomoaki Honma who suffered a neck injury courtesy a hanging DDT by Jada in a multi-man tag-team match, is reportedly suffering issues with using his limbs and is presently undergoing treatment at a medical facility.
The heart of the matter
The 37-year old Shibata revealed on his blog that his right side is still handicapped and that he is required to undergo another surgery in May. He added that he’s not rushing his recovery and pushing himself, but does intend to return to professional wrestling again.
Fellow pro-wrestling performer Ryusuke Taguchi visited Tomoaki Honma and posted a photograph of himself and Honma on Twitter.
Honma is rehabilitating his neck and hopes to return to the ring later this year.
What’s next?
If one was to believe the rumour mill, Katsuyori Shibata may never be medically cleared to compete as a pro-wrestler again, owing to the intensity of his internal injury. On the other hand, Honma’s return depends on his neck rehabilitation in the months to come.
Author’s take
Katsuyori Shibata is a true warrior and regardless of whether he ever competes again as a pro-wrestler, fans of ‘The Wrestler’ will always have fond memories of him as the risk-taking daredevil that he was.
As for Tomoaki Honma, neck injuries are no joke either and in my humble opinion, the man shouldn’t push himself too hard, but instead, take his time before returning to the ring.
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