10 Things You Didn't Know About Kota Ibushi
9. He Doesn't Speak English
One thing WWE has firmly impressed upon its internationally-born stars is just how important it is for them to speak English. The company has a very rigid way of doing things, and those in charge believe that, if a wrestler is going to get a push, he should be able to cut promos (sometimes lengthy ones) that the majority of the WWE Universe can understand.
The English issue was potentially the first nail in the coffin of the original Sin Cara, who, as a megastar in Mexico, felt he didn't need to learn a new language to get over. By contrast, Shinsuke Nakamura is a fluent speaker of the English language, and WWE has already made repeated use of his acuity. Ibushi, like Sin Cara, reportedly does not speak English, and while his wrestling ability is out of this world, his long-term success may hinge upon how he takes to the language.
Reportedly, Ibushi is also unfamiliar with American wrestling, as well. In an interview weeks ago, "The Golden Star" mentioned visiting the backstage area at TakeOver: Dallas and rubbing some people the wrong way when he didn't recognize Vince McMahon.