Top Free Agent Set For AEW Talks?
Talks with Tony Khan could be on the horizon for this top wrestling free agent.
Kota Ibushi has indicated that he will "be in contact with Tony soon," alluding to negotiations with AEW founder and president Tony Khan.
The former NJPW standout and current top free agent stated as much to Dark Puroresu Flowsion. Ibushi revealed that recently, he and long-time friend Kenny Omega had been talking about their physical states more than anything else, adding that he'll be in touch with Khan.
Said the 'Golden Star':-
Kota Ibushi told me him & Kenny Omega have been talking recently & hopes to talk with Tony soon:
Advertisement“Recently, Kenny and I have been talking about things other than games. For example, are your knees okay? Or is your shoulder okay? Also I hope to be in contact with Tony soon” pic.twitter.com/Wp1vsbHOh4
— Dark Puroresu Flowsion (@PuroresuFlow) April 19, 2023
WrestleMania 39 weekend saw Ibushi return to the wrestling ring for the first time in almost 18 months, competing against Joey Janela and Mike Bailey for Game Changer Wrestling. Prior to this, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion hadn't worked since suffering a bad injury opposite Kazuchika Okada in October 2021.
Ibushi's recent history has been mired with injury issues and uncertainty, with his protracted NJPW departure an ugly, public affair. Amongst other things, Kota alleged misconduct by one company executive, claiming he wanted out of his contract as a consequence. On 1 February 2023, NJPW finally let him go.
That Ibushi will opt to remain a freelancer rather than sign a full-time contract with another wrestling promotion is a popular theory at the moment.