Tag: new japan pro wrestling



Headbutt Blues: Katsuyori Shibata’s (Likely) Swan Song

Katsuyori Shibata after headbutting Kazuchika Okada in NJPW Sakura Genesis 2017

Due to his recent self-inflicted injury during his excellent match against IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada, Katsuyori Shibata was hospitalized by a subdural hematoma. The image of blood streaming down his forehead after headbutting Okada will always pop up whenever his name is mentioned from now on. While it’s indeed a testament to how serious he is as a performer, Katsuyori Shibata’s career now hangs in the balance as of this writing. (more…)