Shunma Katsumata Solid in Return to DDT Pro at Korakuen Hall

By: Thom Fain

The long awaited return of Katsuma Shunma lightened up the vibe at Korakuen Hall for the D-OH Grand Prix Finals 2023 early on, shaking off whatever ring rust might have accrued the past eight months. Shunma scored a tag-team victory pinfall alongside partner Toy Kojima.

Hideki Okatani and Yukio Sakaguchi were on the losing end of the affair after striking at Shunma and putting him on the mat throughout the course of the bout, testing his mettle and his ankle in the process.

Korakuen showed no shortage of love for Shunma, and each cheer brought the competitor to his feet again and again. Shunma suffered a nasty ankle injury way back in May 2023 and had been on the shelf ever since.

Although it seemed as if he was still getting his wind, Shunma sent volts through Korakuen Hall with his fighting spirit as random shouts of “SHUNMA!” echoed from side to side in the audience.

All Photos by Masahiro Kubota for MP

How to Stream Japanese Wrestling