Former World Champion reveals one thing preventing him from joining Tony Khan's AEW
AEW President Tony Khan has a whole host of established stars on his roster, with many of them being former world champions. But could he be adding another in the near future?
The former world champion in question is former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kota Ibushi.
Ibushi, as of January 31, is now a free agent, having allowed his contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling to expire.
The New Japan wrestler has already been announced to take part in a number of events across WrestleMania weekend with GCW, with former Impact Wrestling X-Division Champion "Speedball" Mike Bailey being announced as his opponent at former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett's annual "Bloodsport" event.
It didn't take long for someone to step up to the challenge of @ibushi_kota.
Like lightning, "Speedball", has thrown his glove down and declared WAR.
Kota Ibushi vs "Speedball" Mike Bailey.
Only at Josh Barnett's: Bloodsport
Tickets available now! https://t.co/hL1lEObrkP
But the question on everyone's lips is, will Kota Ibushi join AEW? In an interview with Dark Puroresu Flowsion, Ibushi answered a number of questions surrounding his next move, with the Japanese star being happy to be a free agent for now as money isn't a major factor for him.
"About money, I think it’s very much unnecessary, but for me the things I care about and what’s necessary [for me] are more important. So I don’t want to be in a match without meaning. There aren’t a lot of matches without meaning, but I think I’ll show up in places in the future that truly and fully understand me," said Ibushi. [H/T WrestleTalk]
However, a stint in All Elite Wrestling isn't completely off the table, as Ibushi explained that he wants to set up a 'school' in Japan before he can commit to something long-term:
"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." [H/T WrestleTalk]
Kota Ibushi has already played a small part in AEW's history
While the 2019 Double Or Nothing event may be All Elite Wrestling's first official event, it wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for the overwhelming success of the All In event in 2018, in which Kota Ibushi featured on.
Ibushi found himself in the middle of a complicated Bullet Club civil war in 2018 but eventually sided with The Elite, just in time for the "Golden Star" to team up with The Young Bucks in the main event of All In.
4 years ago today:
Kota Ibushi and The Young Bucks defeated Bandido, Rey Fénix and Rey Mysterio in the main event of All In!
@youngbucks @ibushi_kota @bandidowrestler @ReyFenixMx @reymysterio https://t.co/vum0snEulO
As "The Golden Elite," Ibushi and The Young Bucks teamed up to take on the all-star team of Rey Fenix, Bandido, and Rey Mysterio in a fast-paced trios match to close the show.
The match was famously cut short due to time constraints, but that didn't stop The Golden Elite from picking up the victory. Ibushi still has close connections with some AEW stars, especially Kenny Omega, so don't be surprised if he shows up in All Elite Wrestling in the near future.
Do you think Kota Ibushi will join All Elite Wrestling? Let us know in the comments section down below!