Kota Ibushi says an in-ring return is unlikely following a broken femur suffered in 2025, and has announced plans to channel his energy into saving a historic Tokyo wrestling venue from closing.

Ibushi posted a video on Instagram during his recovery, addressing fans and outlining his new mission on his 44th birthday.

"Thank you all so much for everything up until now. I'm Kota Ibushi, a professional wrestler who has been active for 22 years. I was able to fulfill many dreams in the world of professional wrestling and I truly had a wonderful life as a wrestler. I am currently sidelined due to a right leg injury sustained last November. To be honest, a comeback seems unlikely for now."

He described the closure of Shinjuku FACE as a crisis for the wrestling industry.

"The professional wrestling world is currently facing a serious crisis: Shinjuku FACE is closing down. This venue, where I've had many matches, is a place that professional wrestling organizations have been grateful to. In particular, it was the perfect venue for independent wrestling promotions to hold regular shows. I believe that the disappearance of such venues is equivalent to a crisis for the culture of professional wrestling."

Ibushi said he plans to take on outside work to fund building a new venue.

"Therefore, Kota Ibushi will put his body on the line. I'm putting my body on the line to earn money. I am going to build a pro wrestling venue. So, please cooperate with me. Please give me work, no matter how small the project may be. My leg isn't fully recovered, so I can't play the match, but I'll manage to get through everything else with sheer willpower. And with the money they earn, I'll build a professional wrestling venue. I don't care how long it takes. I want to give back to the professional wrestling world in the end."