NJPW has issued an update regarding the injury sustained by Kota Ibushi that halted his match with Kazuchika Okada in the G1 Final on Thursday.
New Japan Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi issued the following update on Ibushi at a press conference:
The G1 Climax started on September 18 and ran for just over a month. With the co-operation of fans following our COVID protocols, we were able to complete the series without incident, and we appreciate your support.
I have two updates for you today. Firstly, in the G1 final last night in the Nippon Budokan, Kota Ibushi incurred a dislocated right shoulder during the match, and was treated by the ring doctor and training personnel. Further updates to Ibushi’s condition and a timetable for return will be announced after Ibushi has received more thorough appraisal.
Secondly, over the last year or so, under NJPW’s COVID protocols, there has been a reduction in the number of matches on each New Japan Pro-Wrestling event. As a result of the current infection levels in Japan, as well as the vaccination of staff and wrestlers, from the forthcoming tour we will be increasing the number of matches on each card, while maintaining our other COVID rules and protocols. From now on, fans can expect to see more of their favourite wrestlers competing on each live event. Once again, we appreciate your understanding and support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Your patience through this period has been very important, and in several ways moving forward, we will be looking to bring back the New Japan Pro-Wrestling of pre-COVID times’
Ibushi executed a Phoenix Splash with his right arm jamming into the mat and immediately displayed the effects of the injury as the match was promptly waved off.
Ibushi remained in the same position on the mat for a prolonged period before he was taken to the back.
Kazuchika Okada was announced as the winner of the G1 Climax and addressed the audience.
