10 Things You Didn't Know About Kota Ibushi
2. He Competed On Ninja Warrior
One of the most exciting game/competition shows to come out of Japan is Ninja Warrior (known as Sasuke in its native country). The show - and its U.S. spinoff, American Ninja Warrior - involves super-fit contestants trying to get through some of the most insanely-constructed obstacle courses ever committed to television.
Ibushi competed in the 32nd iteration of the series, which taped in the spring of 2016 and aired early in July. Unfortunately, "The Golden Star" was unable to advance past the first round, though it shouldn't be taken as any sort of comment on his athleticism - wrestling stars Hiroshi Tanahashi, Minoru Suzuki, Tiger Mask IV, and appropriately, The Great Sasuke all competed, and they couldn't get past the first round.
The competition requires a lot of upper body strength relative to total mass, so the most successful competitors are typically lighter men and women without a lot of extra muscle. Bulkier pro wrestlers - even Ibushi - aren't cut out for the obstacle course. Either way, there's no doubting Ibushi's athleticism.