Kota Ibushi Doesn’t Plan On Going To AEW Immediately After NJPW Exit

Kota Ibushi is certainly one of the most skilled pro wrestlers to have ever competed inside the squared circle. He was involved in a lot of controversy earlier last year, making fans believe he was done with NJPW. In fact, he is a free agent now, after parting ways with NJPW. That being said, it seems he doesn’t plan on joining AEW immediately.

Kota Ibushi had not wrestled a single match since his loss to Kazuchika Okada in the G1 Climax 31 finals of New Japan Pro Wrestling back in October 2021. He suffered a shoulder injury which put him on the shelf. His in-ring return status has been a question since then.

As previously reported, Kota Ibushi is now officially a free agent after parting ways with NJPW. NJPW’s official website then announced that Kota Ibushi has left the promotion with the following statement.

“With the conclusion of his contract period on January 31 2023, Kota Ibushi has departed New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Ibushi had been recovering from injury since October 2021. We apologise to Ibushi’s fans for the abrupt announcement, and join them in wishing Ibushi the very best in all his future endeavours.”

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While speaking in an interview with @PuroresuFlow, Kota Ibushi revealed that he does not plan on going to AEW immediately. This is because he wants to open up a school in Japan first. After that, he will have talks with AEW.

“[A] lot of my best friends are in AEW. My younger peers in Japan are also growing up [there?]. Nonetheless, I don’t think of going to AEW immediately. I want to have a ‘school’ in Japan. Once that’s been worked out, I think I’ll talk with AEW.”

Tony Khan will also not hesitate to sign Kota Ibushi to AEW. In fact, Ibushi even hinted at making his way to AEW. Only time will tell whether The Golden Lovers will reunite in Tony Khan’s company, with Ibushi and Kenny Omega reforming their team.

Do you want to see Kota Ibushi in AEW? Sound off in the comments!