Top Japanese Free Agent Opens Up About Current NJPW Relationship

NJPW

A top Japanese wrestling free agent has opened up on their current relationship with NJPW and revealed details of an offer.

Kota Ibushi last wrestled for NJPW in October 2021 as part of the G1 Climax 2021 Finals, suffering a shoulder injury in his match against Kazuchika Okada.

He was scheduled for the New Japan Cup 2022, though was pulled from the tournament and would express his frustration with NJPW management on social media in May 2022.

In February 2023, it was announced that Ibushi had parted ways with NJPW following his contract expiring.

Since leaving New Japan, Ibushi has wrestled for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport and Joey Janela’s Spring Break over WrestleMania 39 weekend, though hasn’t wrestled anywhere since.

Ibushi has recently discussed working for AEW, starting a training school and building future stars, though is yet to sign with the company.

While there had been speculation that WWE were interested in signing Ibushi, he had made it clear that he felt he was a better fit for AEW.

Ibushi had previously suggested he could work for WWE as a trainer in the Performance Center and a high-profile match performer.

It now seems that his frosty relationship with NJPW management has begun to thaw, with Dark Puroresu Flowsion noting:

“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.”

Sami Zayn recently commented on a resurfaced video clip of Kota Ibushi, saying he wanted to face the “lunatic” one more time before his own career ends.

Ibushi has had two runs in NJPW between 2009 and 2016 and 2016 and 2023.

He performed for WWE as part of the 2016 Cruiserweight Classic Tournament with reports at the time stating he had been signed a developmental contract, though Ibushi would deny that the contract was signed.

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