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Katsuyori Shibata to wrestle at Wrestle Kingdom 16

By Raphael Garcia

TOKYO, JAPAN - OCTOBER 21: Katsuyori Shibata looks on during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling - G1 Climax 31 Final at Nippon Budokan on October 21, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN - OCTOBER 21: Katsuyori Shibata looks on during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling - G1 Climax 31 Final at Nippon Budokan on October 21, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images) /
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Katsuyori Shibata will return to wrestling at night one of Wrestle Kingdom 16 on January 4.

Shibata made the announcement during the World Tag League and Best of the Super Junior final on December 15. While standing in the ring he said one line to announce his return.

“I will have a match on January 4. That’s it.”

Shibata’s last official match was against Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in April of 2017. During that match, he suffered a subdural hematoma, which left him hospitalized. It appeared his career was over at that point in time.

However, at the G1 Climax, he made a return against Zack Sabre Jr in a Grappling Rules match that ended in a five-minute time limit draw.

Details about the match rules and Shibata’s opponent have yet to be announced.

Shibata is one of the most well-respected competitors in New Japan, even when he was forced to the sideline. He is a three-time NEVER Openweight Champion while holding the IWGP Tag Team Championship and the RevPro Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship.

Wrestle Kingdom 16 is a three-day event that starts on January 4 and 5, ending on January 8 from the Tokyo Dome and Yokohama Arena. This year’s event will not only feature stars of New Japan, but competitors from Pro Wrestling NOAH, and an exhibition match from Stardom.

For more news about Shibata, Wrestle Kingdom, and all things professional wrestling, stick with Daily DDT.

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