10 Wrestlers Who Could Debut (Or Return) On AEW Collision
3. Kota Ibushi
Kota Ibushi is a foundational pillar of modern Japanese wrestling. Masterfully combining the quintessentially potent puroresu art-form with sleek springboards, 'The Golden Star' hadn't proven himself as a golden star since October 2021, a serious injury and subsequent issues with NJPW management keeping him in the dark until he reached free agent status as of 1 February.
Ibushi has since wowed audiences in North America. Two matches over WrestleMania 39 weekend - vs. Joey Janela and vs. Mike Bailey - received rave reviews, though noticeably contrasting to what a conventional Kota Ibushi match looks like. There was a distinct lack of Neck Stuff, the foolhardy, almost negligent style in which Kota is typically known for; turning 41 on 21 May, Ibushi is wise to tone this style down, at most using it strictly in marquee matches.
Such as his AEW debut.
With each passing week, a new hypothesis emerges on how, exactly, the inaugural IWGP World Heavyweight Champion will arrive in All Elite Wrestling, the most popular being his joining The Elite in their saga vs. Blackpool Combat Club. It makes the most sense, given Kota's esteemed history with Kenny Omega, and it'd certainly allow for some glossy contests, given the antagonists involved.
A one-night-only venture to Collision for The Elite and BCC, coinciding with his expected debut, would certainly make the launch of Collision on par with Dynamite's audacious beginning.