Katsuyori Shibatas wrestling journey has taken yet another twist, surprising fans around the globe. After parting ways with NJPW and signing with AEW in 2023, many believed Shibata would never return to the promotion where he built his name. But at Wrestle Kingdom 19, the unthinkable happened.
Following Hiroshi Tanahashis hard-fought victory over EVIL, The House of Torture stormed the ring to deliver a post-match beatdown on The Ace. Enter Shibata, his music blaring as he made a dramatic save for his longtime ally. The Tokyo Dome crowd erupted as Shibata cleared the ring, signaling that his issues with NJPW were now in the past.
But Shibata didnt stop there. He grabbed the mic and issued a challenge to Tanahashi for a match at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5. Without hesitation, Tanahashi accepted, setting the stage for what promises to be a monumental clash between two of NJPWs most iconic figures.
This return is significant for more reasons than one. Shibatas rocky departure from NJPW had cast doubt on whether hed ever step foot in the company again, let alone challenge one of its top stars. Now, fans are eagerly anticipating how the Wrestling Genius will fare in his in-ring return against a competitor of Tanahashis caliber.
With the Wrestle Dynasty event just a day away, the excitement is palpable. Will Shibata prove he still has what it takes to shine on NJPWs biggest stage, or will Tanahashi remind the world why hes NJPWs ace?
What are your thoughts on Shibatas NJPW comeback and this dream match with Hiroshi Tanahashi? Do you think its a one-time appearance, or could we see more of Shibata in NJPW? Let us know in the comments!
