It’s been a long year for fans of former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kota Ibushi. Following a shoulder injury during the finals of the G1 Climax in 2021, Ibushi would quickly sour on New Japan Pro Wrestling. He felt he was being pushed to return before he was healthy, going as far as to publically call out NJPW for this – and being punished for it. It’s been clear that he’s done with NJPW – and we know his next moves as we enter 2023.
Kota Ibushi Wants To Start His Own Promotion, Confirms Interest From AEW
While speaking with the Twitter account “Dark Puroesu”, Ibushi would reveal that he wants to start his own promotion and also has major offers from the likes of AEW.
“My plan for the future is to have my own promotion and do a lot of volunteering. There are really big offers from AEW and all over the world, but I would like to make a contribution, but rather than visiting nursing homes and so on. Of course, I am also thinking of giving back to professional wrestling. I’m happy! So in 2023, I’m thinking of contributing to the world and giving back to professional wrestling. And above all, I want to liven up the world with professional wrestling.”
I had the pleasure to speak to Kota Ibushi. I asked him if he still has the desire to start his own promotion. Here is his answer. pic.twitter.com/tsWO1tuGVU
— Dark Puroresu Flowsion (@PuroresuFlow) December 14, 2022
Pro Wrestling NOAH Also Wants Ibushi, Tony Khan Would Love A Chance To Continue The History Of The Golden Lovers
The reason for interest from AEW is clear to anyone with a prior knowledge of Kota Ibushi, as he’s got a lengthy history with Kenny Omega. Known together as the “Golden Lovers”, their story spans from DDT Pro Wrestling to New Japan Pro Wrestling, with Omega & Ibushi being both excellent partners and fearsome rivals. Tony Khan would love to have a hand in writing the next chapter in that storyline, and Omega would love to have one of his closest friends with him in AEW.
Another promotion that is reported to have interest in Ibushi is Pro Wrestling NOAH, which would put him in the realm of CyberFight. That would open the door for him to work in DDT once again, with Ibushi being a potentially massive name for both NOAH & DDT at this point. If CyberFight wants a chance to matching the scale of BushiRoad’s NJPW & Stardom promotions – names like Ibushi are essential. AEW & DDT have a working relationship, with Konosuke Takeshita signing a joint contract earlier this year.
Where do you hope to see Kota Ibushi in 2023? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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