Report: AEW "On The Table" For Top Japanese Wrestling Star
This soon-to-be-free-agent could well end up in AEW after ugly NJPW split.
AEW remains a viable option for top NJPW star Kota Ibushi, who is expected to become a free agent when his New Japan contract expires in Q1 2023.
This is per The Flagship Wrestling Podcast. Joe Lanza reports that there hasn't been any indication that AEW would hesitate to sign Ibushi for concerns that it could damage the company's relationship with NJPW. That partnership is believed to be "as strong as ever" at the moment.
Ibushi, who has not wrestled since October 2021, has spent much of 2022 in dispute with NJPW. Although still bound to the company contractually, Kota has publically criticised New Japan on a number of occasions throughout the year, alleging managerial mistreatment.
A serious shoulder injury suffered while facing Kazuchika Okada in his latest match had kept Ibushi sidelined for an extended period prior to Kota going public with his concerns. The Flagship's report states that he has been healthy enough to compete for several months now.
As far as other potential landing spots for the 'Golden Star' go, CyberFight, the parent company of DDT and Pro Wrestling NOAH, has tabled a "big money" offer, the value of which "far exceeds" Ibushi's current NJPW terms. This would be primarily to work NOAH, though CyberFight would hope Ibushi might work major DDT events as well. Kota has a lengthy history with DDT, competing there primarily between 2004 and 2009.
Ibushi has threatened to release a "tell-all" style video after his NJPW split, going in-depth on his treatment upon his contract's expiration. This is a major concern - and CyberFight are attempting to persuade him not to do this through fear of it making Ibushi "untouchable."