One of the messiest situations in professional wrestling right now involves Kota Ibushi and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Ibushi would blow the whistle on backstage corruption, and revealed that an official in the company was potentially looking to fire Ibushi. All this while Ibushi is still recovering from injuries suffered during the finals of the G1 Climax in 2021. We now know how NJPW dealt with this official, and the punishment to be placed against Ibushi for a breach of contract.
Kota Ibushi, The Official, and Takami Ohbari All Take 10% Pay Cuts For The Summer
Kota Ibushi is set to get a 10% reduction in pay for the months of July, August & September – but not for speaking out about backstage issues. This is due to Ibushi making an appearance for the Just Tap Out (JTO) promotion earlier this year on March 4th. He did not wrestle for this show, but appeared as a second for another wrestle without the permission of NJPW. Ibushi is not being directly punished for anything he said on social media.
Meanwhile, ‘The Official’ as NJPW has named them, is suffering similar punishment. They will get the same 10% pay cut for their actions, and will be moved into a different role in the company due to breach of duty. It was all but confirmed ‘The Official’ was someone who worked to book matches in NJPW.
Also, Representative Director Takami Ohbari is taking a 10% cut during the same period as Ibushi & ‘The Official’ as a result of executive responsibility. The hope is to move on from this messy situation, with all other issues being resolved behind the scenes.
Ibushi Wanted To Avoid Surgery
Right now, Kota Ibushi is still rehabbing his injury suffered in his match with Kazuchika Okada from the finals of the G1 Climax in 2021. He missed a Phoniex Splash and came down hard on his arm. Wanting to avoid surgery, Ibushi would choose to heal naturally. This would lead to a longer time to recover, while NJPW wanted him back for Wrestle Kingdom or the New Japan Cup.
There is still no clear timetable for the in-ring return of Ibushi, with him being out for the entirety of 2022 being very possible. Hopefully his in-ring return will be for NJPW, and all issues have been resolved.
Do you think the pay cut is fair for Ibushi? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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