After leaving NJPW, Kota Ibushi, the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, declared himself a free agent on Twitter, as was previously reported. “There were numerous confrontations, but New Japan Pro-Wrestling is to be commended.” I opted for the freedom to extend my contract. I appreciate your extended and hurried time.
I’m grateful. I’m hoping you’ll keep an eye on my journey moving forward. “I’m not sure what will occur,” Ibushi wrote. In a statement following Ibushi’s previous resignation, NJPW apologized to his supporters and wished him “the very best in all his future endeavours.” It’s no secret that Ibushi and NJPW officials had disagreements.
Since dislocating his shoulder during the G1 Climax 31 championship match against Kazuchika Okada, the reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, in October 2021, Ibushi hasn’t participated in any competitions. At the end of March, the 40-year-old is slated to make his Game Changer Wrestling debut and return to the ring. He will take part in Bloodsport and Joey Janela’s Spring Break, two GCW The Collective events.
Ibushi and Speedball
The Bloodsport 9 match between Ibushi and “Speedball” Mike Bailey, a star of Impact Wrestling, was also made public on Tuesday night. On social media, a few NJPW stars responded to Ibushi’s NJPW departure. Karl Anderson last defended his IWGP NEVER Openweight Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi in September at New Japan Pro-Burning Wrestling’s Spirit event.
Amidst this, Anderson was not removed of the NEVER Title (despite the fact that this is the standard reaction to a missed title defence in NJPW), and the rivalry match has since been rescheduled. There has been an update regarding Anderson’s future status. According to a source, NJPW was aware that Anderson and his tag team partner Luke Gallows would be returning to WWE in August.
