20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now
15. Kota Ibushi
Kota Ibushi is infuriating.
He's one of the best in-ring competitors in the world, and somebody who'd be a legitimate New Japan megastar if he chose to stay put, but he remains dedicated to the freelance game. 'The Golden Star' likes working without restrictions. This lack of commitment means he's able to do everything from piledrive opponents into toilets on the UK circuit to starring in the G1 Climax, but it ensures NJPW are never going to push him, as he could up and leave in an instant.
None of this takes away from Ibushi's abilities. Though primarily known as a high-flier, he's a three-dimensional performer with great technicality, surprising power, and the kind of intangible superstar aura that can't be taught.
For proof of Kota's greatness, just look to Wrestle Kingdom 12. His bout with Cody Rhodes told the classic tale of devious, cheating heel versus noble babyface hero, and while the former Stardust delivered the best showing of his career, Ibushi was on a different level. It was his out-of-this-world bumping, selling, and flying that made Cody look like a star, strengthening Kota's position among the elite after a 2017 that brought MOTY-calibre bouts with Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito, and more.