Earlier this year, we got news that former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kota Ibushi became a free agent. His contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling had expired, and he was ready to finally return to the ring – after spending over a year rehabbing a shoulder injury.
This return came for Game Changer Wrestling during WrestleMania 39 weekend, where he defeated Mike Bailey & Joey Janela in two spectacular matches. Since then, Ibushi has been weighing his options – and sees All Elite Wrestling as a perfect option.
Kota Ibushi Views AEW As His Top Priority, Has Mended Relationship With NJPW
A constant source for information regarding Kota Ibushi is fan account, Dark Puroresu Flowsion. DPF has formed a solid partnership with Ibushi, often speaking directly to him and translating his thoughts for wrestling fans around the world. During a recent talk, DPF got the following information about Ibushi.
“As I stated yesterday, NJPW has an offer in for Kota Ibushi. He told me AEW is his #1 priority still. Priority #1 is Golden Lovers.”
The tweet about the mending of the relationship between Ibushi & NJPW stated the following.
“Kota Ibushi brought up to me that there is a offer from NJPW that is in place. Do not rule out a return. He has resolved his issues with a good chunk of people from the promotion.”
A Joint AEW/NJPW Contract Could Be Perfect For Ibushi
With Ibushi now on good terms with NJPW after some heated back and forth, and having interest from AEW – the most likely outcome is a joint contract. We have most notably seen this with Konosuke Takeshita, who has a contract with both DDT & AEW – appearing for both promotions. Ibushi is popular in both Japan and the United States, and a deal like this would allow him to wrestle frequently in both countries.
Many are expecting Ibushi to make a deal with AEW, with a tag team reunion of the Golden Lovers with Kenny Omega following. Having Omega & Ibushi together on the card for All In would be huge – and ensure a very high quality match for this massive card, regardless of opponents.
Where do you hope to see Ibushi sign a contract? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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