10 Wrestlers AEW Let Slip Through Their Fingers

10. Kota Ibushi

For many years, Kota Ibushi built his reputation off being one of wrestling's greatest freelancers. He started his career in DDT, honed his craft in New Japan Pro-Wrestler later in his career, and eventually participated in WWE's first-and-only Cruiserweight Classic tournament, all while technically working for himself.

Ibushi was known for always turning down formal offers (including from WWE) because he wished to wrestle wherever he wanted. That changed at the onset of 2019 when he announced he had officially signed a two-year deal with NJPW. Oddly enough, this was around the same time All Elite Wrestling was formed and was scouting talent from across the globe.

The Golden Star felt like a natural fit in AEW because of his history with AEW EVP Kenny Omega. In fact, the two had just reunited the year prior in NJPW and were riding high as partners again, so it was only logical for him to join his longtime partner in his new venture.

It may have been as simple as Ibushi not wanting to relocate, but regardless of the reason, AEW's loss was NJPW's gain. He went on to win the G1 Climax that summer before challenging Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in an instant classic at Wrestle Kingdom 14.