Report: Kota Ibushi Still With NJPW Despite Public Criticism, Organised Crime Involvement
Latest on Kota Ibushi's NJPW future after a tumultuous, controversial week.
Kota Ibushi and New Japan Pro Wrestling are yet to end their working relationship despite a tumultuous week for the two parties bringing allegations of backstage mistreatment, frustration, and organised crime involvement.
Dave Meltzer provided this latest update on Ibushi's status on today's episode of Wrestling Observer Radio. Stating that NJPW's parent company, Bushiroad, is unhappy that their stock price has fallen as a result of Kota's public criticism, the decision on the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion's future will come down to president Takaaki Kidani. The problem now goes all the way beyond NJPW officials and up to his level.
It was stated that while NJPW doesn't want to lose Ibushi, the situation is tough. Both sides are believed to be frustrated.
The situation snowballed last week), when, amongst other things, Ibushi alleged that a backstage figure (identified only as Kikuchi-san) was one of the sources of his issues. The Flagship Wrestling Podcast has since reported that the duo have issues going back years. Primarily, Ibushi is upset with Kikuchi for allegedly withholding merchandise money owed to him back in 2018, blocking a planned match with Shingo Takagi after Kota fell ill with aspiration pneumonia in July 2021, and trying to convince Ibushi to return for Wrestle Kingdom this January, despite the serious shoulder injury suffered by the wrestler in October 2021.
Later, Ibushi was pulled from this year's New Japan Cup competition by Kikuchi, prompting a colossal rewrite as he was the planned winner. This led to Kota ceasing communications with the NJPW office, before an uncleared appearance at a Just Tap Out event in March led to Kikuchi demanding he return to New Japan by Dominion 6.12 (12 June) or lose his job.
Meltzer has previously reported that NJPW booker Gedo has been trying to smooth out the situation between the two parties. Currently, it remains unresolved.