AEW signs a New Japan Pro Wrestling star, Katsuyori Shibata, the latest addition to the company's seeming "cast of thousands." However, while Shibata is a new signing, he's no stranger to AEW fans. AEW President Tony Khan posted the news on X, along with a letter from Shibata.

Here's what

Dear Tony Khan

Today, I have signed a contract with AEW under a permission of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

In the past year, I worked for AEW/ROH and I leanrer how wonderful AEW is.

This is the best environment where wrestlers can focus only on fighting in the ring.

And the love for professional wrestling is overflowing from Tony and all the people who work for him.

I want to make AEW’s ring the last end point of The Wrestler’s career.

I dedicate my wrestler life to Tony Khan and AEW.

Thank You

Katsuyori Shibata

H/T Inside the Ropes

Shibata's Miracle Comeback

Shibata's decision to sign with AEW is just the latest episode in Shibata's incredible life story. Katsuyori's wrestling career dates back to 1999, but he also competed in mixed martial arts. In 2007, he left wrestling to focus on MMA, eventually returning to wrestling in 2011.

Competing in New Japan Pro Wrestling, Shibata enjoyed success until his career appeared to be over in the blink of an eye. Shibata was rushed to hospital after he collapsed following a match against Kazuchika Okada. The cause? A subdural hematoma reportedly caused by years of Shibata headbutting opponents in his matches. Things looked bleak. As Sports Illustrated's Justin Barrasso detailed in a 2022 article: 

Internal bleeding caused significant damage to the left side of his brain, causing temporary paralysis on the right side of his body.

H/T Sports Illustrated

It looked like Shibata's wrestling career was over, and he turned his love for the sport to coaching wrestlers in New Japan Pro Wrestling. However, Shibata's determination to wrestle again paid off with an incredible comeback at Wrestle Kingdom 16.

Will This Be Shibata's Last Run?

It sounds like Shibata wants to end his wrestling career in AEW, which could be good news for members of the AEW Galaxy as well as Ring of Honor fans. Shibata has had some outstanding matches in both promotions. It's unknown if AEW wants to use him in both promotions or whether Tony Khan will put him on one roster.

What do you think of AEW's latest signing?