A few short days ago, the news broke that Kota Ibushi is now a free agent. His contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling would come to an end on January 31st, and Ibushi was finally free to once again enter the ring. It was a messy split, with issues arising due to NJPW management wanting Ibushi to return from injury before he was ready – effectively burning the bridge. Despite this, there is a few names in NJPW who Ibushi still wants to wrestle – namely Will Ospreay.
Kota Ibushi Wonders How Will Ospreay Has Grown As A Professional Wrestler
While speaking with Dark Puroresu Flowsion, Kota Ibushi would express interest in having another match with Will Ospreay. Ibushi was quoted saying the following.
“I want to fight Will Ospreay again. He is like me in the past and has some similarities. I wonder how the current Osprey has grown.”
Ibushi & Ospreay last wrestled in 2021, when Ospreay would defeat Ibushi to claim the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Since then, Ospreay has arguably become an even better wrestler – with his match against Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 17 being his greatest match to date. Ospreay remains under contract to NJPW, but works regular indy dates – leaving the door open for a match in the UK, or in the US for All Elite Wrestling – who have interest in signing Ibushi.
Ibushi Will Become A Highly Valued Free Agent
The future of Ibushi is one of the more interesting free agent situations right now in professional wrestling. He’s without a doubt one of the most complete wrestlers in the world today, even with him wanting to step away from high flying offence after it cost him over a year of his career. Any company would be lucky to sign him – but a full time contract is likely to not be on the mind of the free spirited Ibushi.
We know there is interest from AEW & Cyber Fight in bringing in Ibushi, with there likely to be interest from WWE in the coming weeks. However, Ibushi seems more keen to simply carve his own path as a freelancer – which could make for some incredible matches and moments. We already know he will be in the United States for WrestleMania weekend, facing off with Mike Bailey for Game Changer Wrestling.
Do you want to see Ibushi vs. Ospreay in 2023? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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