NJPW Provides Health Updates For Shibata & Honma

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.

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.