Pro Wrestling NOAH has confirmed that Midori Takahashi will undergo surgery after suffering a dislocated shoulder, extending the young wrestler’s absence from competition for the foreseeable future.
NOAH had previously announced that Takahashi would miss multiple events because of the injury. The promotion has now provided a more serious update, confirming that surgery has been selected as the next step in his treatment. No timetable for his return to the ring has been announced.
The news pauses what had been an especially active start to Takahashi’s professional career. Still only 20 years old, Takahashi debuted in 2025 and has already wrestled 71 matches. His most recent bout took place at NOAH’s August 23 event.
Surgery Means a Longer-Term Focus for Takahashi
A dislocated shoulder can be a difficult injury for any professional wrestler to manage because the joint is involved in nearly every aspect of in-ring performance. Striking, grappling, absorbing falls, lifting opponents and even routine defensive movements can put stress on the shoulder. When surgery is necessary, the priority shifts from trying to work through the issue to protecting the joint and building back stability before a return can be considered.
For more background on this topic, read NJPW Road To Destruction Night Two Results: Claudio Castagnoli Accepts Shingo Takagi’s Kobe Challenge.
NOAH has not disclosed details on the procedure, the precise circumstances surrounding the injury, or a projected recovery window. As a result, it remains unclear how much of the promotion’s upcoming schedule Takahashi will miss. What is clear is that he will be sidelined for the time being while he undergoes treatment and recovery.
That distinction matters for a wrestler at the beginning of his career. Takahashi has rapidly accumulated ring experience since debuting in 2025, reaching 71 matches in a relatively short period. A young performer’s first years often center on repetitions: working different opponents, learning how to adapt to various match structures, becoming more comfortable in front of crowds and developing the physical durability required by a demanding schedule.
His current absence interrupts that momentum, but surgery also gives Takahashi the opportunity to address the injury with a long-range view. For a 20-year-old wrestler with significant time ahead of him, a careful recovery is more important than an early return. NOAH’s decision to announce the surgery makes clear that the promotion is treating the shoulder issue as one that requires proper medical attention rather than a short-term adjustment to his schedule.
A Fast Start Since His 2025 Debut
Takahashi’s 71 recorded matches are a notable workload for someone who only began his in-ring career in 2025. Match totals do not tell the entire story of a wrestler’s development, but they illustrate how often a talent has had the chance to perform, learn and build familiarity with the demands of professional wrestling.
For developing wrestlers, consistent appearances can be vital. Each match brings opportunities to improve timing, conditioning and communication, while also allowing a competitor to establish an identity within a promotion’s roster. An extended medical absence naturally limits those opportunities in the immediate future, particularly for someone still accumulating foundational experience.
At the same time, the work Takahashi has already put in should not be overlooked. Seventy-one matches represent a substantial amount of ring time during the opening stage of a career. That early experience can be valuable once he is medically cleared to resume training and competition, even though the focus now must remain on the recovery process rather than the next match on the calendar.
His last known match came on August 23, before NOAH announced that he would be absent due to the dislocated shoulder. The later confirmation that surgery will be required provides a clearer picture of why his return will not be immediate.
What the Absence Means Within NOAH
NOAH’s roster regularly relies on a mixture of established names, experienced veterans and younger wrestlers working to gain a foothold. Injuries can reshape cards quickly, especially when a performer had been appearing frequently. Takahashi’s absence removes one of the promotion’s newer talents from that rotation while he concentrates on rehabilitation.
There has been no announcement of a replacement role, altered storyline direction or specific match plans affected by his injury. Without further information from NOAH, it would be premature to speculate about how the promotion will fill the space created by his time away. The immediate concern is simply that Takahashi will not be available for upcoming events.
The situation is also a reminder of the physical demands placed on wrestlers who are trying to establish themselves. The early portion of a career can involve a particularly heavy learning curve, with performers expected to refine their craft while taking the same physical risks inherent to the profession. Shoulder injuries are especially complicated because of the degree to which wrestlers depend on upper-body strength and mobility in both training and matches.
Whether Takahashi’s eventual return comes after a shorter or longer absence, he will need medical clearance before returning to action. NOAH has not indicated when that point may arrive. Until the promotion provides another update, any specific estimate would be speculation.
The Importance of Patience in Recovery
For fans following Takahashi’s progress, the announcement will understandably be disappointing. A wrestler who has already worked 71 matches since debuting had been building a body of experience, and every missed event represents time away from that process. However, the decision to have surgery underscores the importance of prioritizing a complete recovery over maintaining short-term momentum.
Returning before a shoulder has adequately healed can present obvious challenges in an environment built around physical contact. Wrestlers need confidence in the joint not only to execute offense, but also to protect themselves and their opponents during routine exchanges. Recovery is therefore about more than being able to appear on a card; it is about regaining the condition needed to perform safely and effectively.
Takahashi’s age remains an important part of the broader picture. At 20, he is still at the very beginning of what could be a lengthy career. The immediate setback is significant, particularly after such a busy first stretch in NOAH, but it does not define his trajectory. The more meaningful measure will be how he is able to return after completing surgery, rehabilitation and the necessary conditioning work.
NOAH has not offered a target date for that return, and there is no indication that one has been set publicly. The promotion’s latest statement establishes only that Takahashi is scheduled for surgery and will be out of action for now.
Awaiting Further Updates
Midori Takahashi’s next step is clear: surgery and recovery following the dislocated shoulder. The timeline beyond that remains unknown.
His 2025 debut and 71-match total demonstrate that he has already gained meaningful experience despite his youth. That makes the injury an unfortunate interruption, but NOAH’s decision to proceed with surgery places the emphasis where it belongs: on giving the 20-year-old the best possible chance to return in proper condition.
For now, Takahashi will be absent from NOAH events as he undergoes treatment. Additional details regarding his rehabilitation, medical status and eventual return date have not been announced.
Darryl Polo
Darryl Polo is a passionate wrestling fan covering WWE, AEW, TNA and beyond. He loves great rivalries, breakout stars and the moments that keep fans talking long after the bell. How we work.