12 Ups & 5 Downs From NJPW The New Beginning In Osaka 2019

6. 'The Golden Star' Is Staying Put

Kota Ibushi
NJPW

A spot of extremely encouraging news came after the conclusion of Chase Owens/Yujiro Takahashi vs. Tomoaki Honma/YOSHI-HASHI, as Kota Ibushi pledged his allegiance to New Japan Pro Wrestling in the midst of heavy All Elite Wrestling speculation.

The 'Golden Star' hadn't been seen since Wrestle Kingdom 13. Concussed in his brutal war with Will Ospreay, there was talk that the former NEVER Openweight Champion might be done with the company. He isn't, though, and after thanking the fans for their concern, Ibushi confirmed that he's staying in NJPW, he isn't going anywhere, and will be involved in the upcoming New Japan Cup competition.

This is big. NJPW have lost enough major pieces over the past few months, and while Ibushi has never been positioned as anything close to a top guy, he's one of the absolute best in the world, and a guy who'll almost certainly step into a bigger role with Kenny Omega and co. gone. Good for him, and good for NJPW for convincing him to stick around.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.