10 Wrestlers Who Are Surprisingly Not All Elite...Yet
1. Kota Ibushi
Given the close personal relationship between Kota Ibushi and All Elite Wrestling Executive Vice President Kenny Omega, it would have not been a surprise to see The Golden Star sign with the promotion back in 2019. That was not the case, as Ibushi decided to stay with New Japan, and has been near the top of the company in the time since.
The rumblings of one half of the Golden Lovers potentially making the switch to AEW have only intensified recently, with the reports of dissension between Kota and the higher ups at New Japan. Back in 2021, the inaugural IWGP World Heavyweight Champion took to Twitter to criticize both Yusuke Kikuchi, a high-ranking member of New Japan, and the company as a whole for their business practices and treatment of their talent.
To New Japan's credit, they have done almost everything possible to bring one of their biggest stars back into their good graces. NJPW has issued a public apology to Ibushi, disciplined Kikuchi, and stated their intentions to right their previous wrongs. That simply may not be enough to satisfy one of the best wrestlers in the world, and if he truly is done with New Japan Pro Wrestling, making his new home in All Elite Wrestling is a no-brainer.