Former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kota Ibushi has indicated he would be interested in heading to WWE if certain conditions are met.
Ibushi left New Japan Pro Wrestling when his contract with the promotion expired on January 31st. At the time, he was still recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered towards the end of 2021.
He finally made his return to the ring on March 30th at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 9. The Golden Star made his mark by defeating ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey in under seven minutes. The following night, he once again emerged victorious, this time from a war with Joey Janella at Spring Break 7.
Since then, speculation has mounted on what his next move will be, with many hoping to see him reunite with Kenny Omega by joining AEW. Ibushi himself has teased the move, saying he is “more suited” to that company than Japan and already has many friends there.
However, it was later reported that even if he does become All Elite, it’s unlikely to happen on a full-time basis.
Could Kota Ibushi sign with WWE?
Ibushi is no stranger to WWE, having taken part in the Cruiserweight Classic back in 2016. He reached the semi-finals of the tournament before being defeated by eventual winner, TJ Perkins.
He then teamed with TJP to take part in that year’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic but the pair only reached the second round before being taken out by SAnitY’s Alexander Wolde and Sawyer Fulton.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer has revealed that the star is still interested in potentially returning to the company, saying it could happen if he’s able to work with Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura. He would also want to be involved in training up-and-coming wrestlers.
“Kota Ibushi said he would still be interested in WWE if he could work with Zayn and Nakamura and help train wrestlers.”
Ibushi is already taking steps to train the next generation of talent in Japan as he has been working on opening a wrestling school.
Recently, he posted a YouTube video showing him scouting out possible locations for his new dojo.