Kota Ibushi is arguably the most in-demand free agent in professional wrestling.
Quickly after making his debut back in 2004, Ibushi rose to become one of the most accomplished and highly-rated wrestlers in the world. He is a former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and has starred in promotions all over the globe.
This meant that when his contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling expired on February 1st every wrestling company in the world was on high alert.
AEW President Tony Khan has been open about his desire to sign Ibushi, describing him as a “great talent.” There are already links between the two parties due to his existing relationship with the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega.
Ibushi famously teamed with Omega in Japan with the pair known as the Golden Lovers. The two wrestled together from 2009 until 2014, and again in 2018.
However, it appears that a move to WWE is also not out of the question. Speaking to Dark Puroresu Flowsion, the star named his terms for a switch to the company.
“Kota Ibushi has told me. If the WWE allowed him to also train & create the next generation of wrestlers at the performance center. Among having some high profile matches. He would most certainly work with WWE.”
Kota Ibushi has told me. If the WWE allowed him to also train & create the next generation of wrestlers at the performance center. Among having some high profile matches. He would most certainly work with WWE. pic.twitter.com/TxhtQVgq3W
— Dark Puroresu Flowsion (@PuroresuFlow) February 17, 2023
Interestingly, it was recently reported that WWE is looking to sign a “major free agent.” The report came in the midst of a whirlwind of speculation about NJPW star Jay White who is seemingly set to join either WWE or AEW.
Has Kota Ibushi Been In WWE Before?
Although Kota Ibushi is best known for his matches in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, he has previously appeared in WWE. Back in 2016, the star took part in the Cruiserweight Classic making it to the semi-finals where he was defeated by TJ Perkins. The two went on to team together in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, after Ibushi had initially been scheduled to compete alongside Hideo Itami (KENTA) until he got injured.
During this period he also appeared in NXT wrestling Bobby Roode and Buddy Murphy.