Zack Sabre Jr. has reflected on one of the most emotional moments of his career: the night Katsuyori Shibata made his surprise return to face him in an exhibition match. Speaking on CMLL’s Esto es Lucha Podcast, Sabre Jr. said he has never experienced anything like the crowd’s reaction that night.
Zack Sabre Jr. (Credits: Fightful)
Zack Sabre Jr. Recalls Katsuyori Shibata’s Shock Return
The moment came on day 19 of the 2021 New Japan Pro-Wrestling G1 Climax tournament. An exhibition match was scheduled, with Sabre Jr. as one participant and his opponent unknown. When Katsuyori Shibata walked out, it marked his first NJPW match since 2017.
Because of COVID restrictions, Japanese fans were not allowed to cheer or make noise at the time. Sabre Jr. said he will never forget the silent gasp that swept the arena when the first bars of Shibata’s theme music played, a moment in which he felt completely in sync with the audience.
Why The Shibata Moment Meant So Much
For Sabre Jr., that silent reaction summed up the power of professional wrestling better than any roar could. An exhibition on paper became a genuine piece of wrestling history, as one of NJPW’s most beloved figures returned to the ring after years away.
Shibata is currently signed to AEW/ROH, where he is a member of The Opps alongside Samoa Joe, HOOK and ROH World Television Champion Action Andretti.
Also Read: Leon Slater Says TNA World Championship Is Finally Beginning To Feel Mine
Source: Fightful — read the full story there.
