NJPW News: Katsuyori Shibata confirms that he isn't retiring from Pro Wrestling

What’s the story?

While speaking at a press conference earlier today at the New Japan Dojo in Los Angles, NJPW wrestler Katsuyori Shibata seemingly gave an update regarding his in-ring future in the Pro Wrestling business.

In case you didn’t know…

As per recently confirmed by New Japan Pro Wrestling, former three-time Never Openweight Champion Katsuyori Shibata has been confirmed to undertake the role of head coach in New Japan’s LA Dojo, along with assistant and Ring of Honor Superstar Scorpio Sky.

However, following his impressive New Japan Cup win in 2017, Shibata seemingly suffered a subdural hematoma after his IWGP Heavyweight Title match against Kazuchika Okada at Sakura Genesis, 2017. The injury caused Shibata to be paralyzed on his right side and it was reported by Dave Meltzer that the 38-year-old star might never be cleared to wrestle.

The heart of the matter

Earlier today, New Japan Pro Wrestling held a fan exhibition at the newly inaugurated Los Angeles Dojo in order to hype their first ever Strong Style Evolved pay-per-view, which takes place later today in Long Beach, California.

As noted, LA Dojo head trainer Katsuyori Shibata was also a part of the meet and greet, during which he seemingly gave an update regarding his potential future inside the wrestling ring.

When asked about his health and his potential future in the wrestling industry, during the press conference, Shibata evidently broke the massive news, that he isn’t retired from in-ring competition yet, despite being diagnosed with a subdural hematoma last year.

In addition, 'The Wrestler' also stated that his current goal and focus is towards training his students in the Los Angeles Dojo, however, the former IWGP Tag Team Champion still hopes to get back into the squared circle someday in order to compete and wrestle, sometime down the road.

What’s next?

Shibata, who is currently recovering from his devastating and life-threatening injury, will now look to shift his focus towards his next goal, which is to train others at the New Japan Dojo in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, NJPW is set to host their first ever Strong Style Evolved show later today at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California.

Author’s Take

The wrestling world recently witnessed the epic return of WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan and let us all just hope that someday we get to see the in-ring return of Katsuyori Shibata.