What’s the story?
According to Dave Meltzer, the recent injury sustained by Katsuyori Shibata at an NJPW (New Japan Pro-Wrestling) show on April 9th may be a ploy to cover-up for something else.
In case you didn’t know...
Katsuyori Shibata, one of NJPW’s most popular performers, was hospitalised after his main-event matchup on April 9th at the Ryogoku Sumo Hall. He reportedly sustained a subdural hematoma and underwent surgery as part of his treatment.
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Also read: Career Retrospective: Katsuyori Shibata
The injury occurred when Shibata hit his opponent, Kazuchika Okada, with his signature headbutt in their IWGP Heavyweight Championship match at Sakura Genesis.
The heart of the matter:
As per Meltzer, the Japanese pro-wrestling organisation may be using the aforementioned injury to divert attention and take the heat off of, what may be another issue. The organisation addressed Shibata’s injury on its official website, stating that he had a successful operation and is now recovering.
It’s essential to note that Shibata’s style of wrestling involves several high-risk manoeuvres, including his signature move, that’s recently become increasingly prominent in most of his matches- a stiff skull-on-skull headbutt that induces a cut on his forehead. The Japanese media and the NJPW higher-ups have been alluding to the fact that the incident was a shoot and not a part of any storyline.
Nevertheless, given the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling in general, and Japan in particular, fans have been speculating about the legitimacy of Shibata’s injury.
What’s next:
Katsuyori Shibata is currently recovering from the subdural hematoma and does not have a definite timetable for his return, as of yet.
Author’s take:
Well, I for one, have to disagree with the notion that NJPW would use an injury of this severity, as a work. There are a couple of reasons that lead me to think Shibata’s hematoma is legitimate. The first one is that the man has a high-risk style of performing that pretty much guarantees brain damage; if you’ve seen his headbutts, you know what I’m talking about.
Secondly, NJPW would not risk its credibility by making light of such an injury, especially when you consider the fact that a few of the company’s performers have met with unfortunate ends, owing to injuries sustained during competition. Nevertheless, this is still wrasslin’, so ladies and gents, don’t be surprised if this surgery incident turns out to be an elaborate work. Hope to see back soon Shibata!
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