What was Shibata’s injury? How did Shibata get injured? What surgery did Shibata have?

AEW champion Katsuyori Shibata was diagnosed with subdural hematoma in 2017, which was reportedly caused by his continuous use of a headbutt.

He had to undergo an emergency surgery.

Shibata battled severe dehydration, and partial paralysis. He however fully recovered from the condition and returned to the bout in 2019.

How did Shibata get injured?

Shibata had collapsed backstage, following his defeat by Kazuchika Okada, in the 2017 IWGP Heavyweight Championship match.

What surgery did Shibata have?

Shibata had an emergency surgery for subdural hematoma.

Who Is Katsuyori Shibata?

Katsuyori Shibata has spent most of his career with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), and is a “former three-time NEVER Openweight Champion, and a one-time IWGP Tag Team Champion.”

The Japanese-born wrestler is a son to “former Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance and New Japan Pro-Wrestling competitor Katsuhisa Shibata.”

Shibata also doubles as a mixed martial artist and wrestling trainer under the All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and the Ring of Honor (ROH).

He happens to be the current ROH Pure Champion, a title he has defended twice.

In 2017, Shibata won the New Japan Cup, and has previously been a Revolution Pro Wrestling’s British Heavyweight Champion.

Shibata has a mixed martial arts record of 4 wins and a draw out of 15 fights.

As a trainer, Shibata served as the head coach of NJPW’s dojo in Los Angeles for five years.