Kota Ibushi Signs 'Lifetime Contract' With NJPW

Current IWGP Intercontinental Champion Kota Ibushi has signed a 'lifetime contract' with New Japan Pro Wrestling, according to the Wrestling Observer.

Mere days after his successful title defence against UK hero Zack Sabre Jr at NJPW's Sengoku Lord event in Nagoya, Ibushi has pledged his future to the company by signing what he reportedly regards as his final wrestling contract ever. This, for the avoidance of any doubts, suggests the 36-year old will never wrestle elsewhere again.

The Observer also stated that Ibushi plans to make the IWGP Intercontinental Title more prestigious than ever by continuing in the same vein as greats like Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura, both of whom are former champs.

Ibushi has worked outside New Japan over the past few years, most notably in WWE's Cruiserweight Classic and the 2016 Dusty Rhodes Tag-Team Classic alongside T.J Perkins (it was originally supposed to be with Hideo Itami before Ibushi's countryman was stricken by injury).

Managing to tie Ibushi down to a guaranteed deal is huge news for NJPW, especially considering the competitive climate fostered by WWE, AEW and ROH in North America.