Former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kota Ibushi has been absent from in-ring action since last year’s G1 Climax Final, where he lost out to Kazuchika Okada. Ibushi has reportedly been dealing with a severe shoulder injury, and whilst it’s been heavily rumoured that he’s edging closer to being able to step back into the ring, it appears unlikely that it’ll be for NJPW, due to a series of tweets Ibushi made directed at company higher-ups, as well as several members of the roster.
Puroresu Flowsion recently conducted an exclusive interview with the 40-year-old, asking him about his future in pro-wrestling. Ibushi revealed that he plans to start his own promotion, although he also noted that he’s received several offers from various promotions, one of which being from AEW.
”My plan for the future is to have my own promotion and do a lot of volunteering. There are really big offers from AEW and all over the world, but I would like to make a contribution, but rather than visiting nursing homes and so on. Of course, I am also thinking of giving back to professional wrestling. I’m happy! So in 2023, I’m thinking of contributing to the world and giving back to professional wrestling. And above all, I want to liven up the world with professional wrestling.”
-Kota Ibushi
Beneath the initial tweet, Puroresu Flowsion highlighted that Ibushi responded to all of their questions in English, with Ibushi jokingly apologising in response for any poorly worded phrases.
As of writing, no official time frame for Ibushi’s in-ring return has been given, and so as always, we’ll aim to provide any updates on when and where we may see him compete next.
