The official website of NJPW announced Kota Ibushi’s departure from the promotion with the following statement:
“With the conclusion of his contract period on January 31 2023, Kota Ibushi has departed New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Ibushi had been recovering from injury since October 2021. We apologise to Ibushi’s fans for the abrupt announcement, and join them in wishing Ibushi the very best in all his future endeavours.”
Ibushi discussed joining AEW now that he is a free agent in an interview with @PuroresuFlow.
“[A] lot of my best friends are in AEW. My younger peers in Japan are also growing up [there?]. Nonetheless, I don’t think of going to AEW immediately. I want to have a ‘school’ in Japan. Once that’s been worked out, I think I’ll talk with AEW.”
I asked Kota Ibushi about a future with AEW & his thoughts on Takeshita. He also brought up opening a wrestling school. “I don't think of going to AEW immediately. I want to have a 'school' in Japan. Once that's been worked out, I think I'll talk with AEW.” pic.twitter.com/BCdWgcJ5uY
— Dark Puroresu Flowsion (@PuroresuFlow) February 1, 2023
As PWMania.com previously reported, Ibushi has already been announced for GCW shows during WrestleMania week.
*BREAKING*
KOTA IBUSHI returns to the ring and makes his GCW Debut at @collective2023 in Los Angeles!
March 30 – 4PM
Josh Barnett's Bloodsporthttps://t.co/JwxCrIM4jDMarch 31 – 8PM
Joey Janela's Spring Breakhttps://t.co/Bqbu1ZSr3zBoth events will stream LIVE on @FiteTV+! pic.twitter.com/SXV6MwUBD4
— GameChangerWrestling (@GCWrestling_) January 31, 2023
