Tag: kota ibushi

Kota Ibushi makes surprise return at AEW Collision, next match set

Posted on by Josh Nason

After more than a year away from AEW, Japanese legend Kota Ibushi made his presence felt at Saturday’s AEW Collision.

It began with an in-ring promo segment featuring AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada, Lance Archer, Josh Alexander and Don Callis where Callis verbally ran down Omega and said that if he makes it to All In, he will be truly alone.

Callis also said Okada is officially the newest member of his Don Callis Family.

Mark Briscoe then came out to make it clear that Omega has friends like himself but he’s not his only friend. A shirtless Ibushi then came out and as Briscoe dealt with Archer, Ibushi got into the ring where Josh Alexander awaited him.

Ibushi took him out and Okada then stood toe-to-toe with him. Okada laid in a few shots, but Ibushi unloaded him to send him out of the ring.

Ibushi is Omega’s longtime tag team partner in the Golden Lovers. He and Okada had alliances and a rivalry in NJPW with their last clash coming in the 2021 G1 tournament final that Okada won due to a referee stoppage.

It was later announced on Collision that Ibushi will make his in-ring return this Wednesday in Kent, Washington, as part of AEW Dynamite.

The 43-year-old has been out of action since February 2025, but hasn’t been in AEW since a November 2023 Dynamite when he, Omega, Chris Jericho and Paul Wight defeated Konosuke Takeshita, Brian Cage, Powerhouse Hobbs and Kyle Fletcher.

Kota Ibushi to miss DDT events this month

Posted on by Ian Carey

Kota Ibushi will miss two shows this month.

Ibushi had been scheduled for DDT events on October 17 at Ueno Park and October 20 at Korakuen Hall. DDT announced on Saturday that he will miss both shows.

“We sincerely apologize to all the fans who were looking forward to Ibushi’s matches. In light of Ibushi’s absence, we will offer ticket refunds to customers who wish to receive them,” reads a translation of an article on DDT’s website.

A reason for Ibushi missing the shows was not disclosed. The promotion only writes that he “will be unable to participate in both events.”

Ibushi is scheduled to wrestle in an eight-man tag match for GLEAT tomorrow in Osaka.

Ibushi also teased an AEW return recently in a social media post featuring an image of him and Kenny Omega training together.

A translation of Ibushi’s post reads:

“The final practice is done!!! I had quite a few training sessions, and this time I was able to push myself hard. I’m almost ready for AEW. But I still have some promises to fulfill in Japan! I’m sure the view has changed by now! All that’s left is to go for it! We’re both fired up Thank you for the flexible contract, even though I’m officially signed. Well, there were a few restrictions, but basically, I’m free when I’m in Japan.”

Ibushi hasn’t wrestled since DDT’s show on September 8 in Nagoya. He teamed with Danshoku Dino & Shuji Ishikawa in a win over HARASHIMA, Michael Nakazawa & Yasu Urano. His last match in AEW was a street fight teaming with Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, and Paul Wight in a win over The Don Callis Family and Brian Cage on the November 15, 2023, episode of AEW Dynamite.

Daily Update: AEW Dynamite, Kota Ibushi, Joe Tessitore

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Update on AEW rights negotiations and what new things we know about both the deal that is done and the one being worked on  
  • Analysis of AEW, what ratings it would do on FOX, the value structure, why it won’t happen, FS1 coverage and value
  • The problems AEW faces even if it turns profitable with the new deals
  • A look at All In
  • The Jon Moxley angle
  • A look back at the original angle with Terry Funk, why that backfired and how cultural changes mean this one won’t face the same issues
  • Early PPV number estimates for All Out and the reaction to the show
  • Notes on the next AEW PPV show
  • The life of Kuniaki Kobayashi
  • A look at the heyday of New Japan on television and Tiger Mask vs. Kobayashi
  • The jump to All Japan
  • Kobayashi winning match of the year
  • His biggest career bouts
  • His role in making two Hall of Famers by putting them over in their gimmick debuts
  • Life after pro wrestling and battles with cancer
  • His run during a boom period in Mexico
  • The end of Smackdown on FOX and a look back
  • Analyzing why FOX didn’t bid to keep the show
  • The retirement of Demetrious Johnson
  • The business of UFC Noche
  • CMLL’s 91st anniversary show preview
  • Details on a major story in European wrestling
  • The most detailed look at the ratings this past week
  • International TV ratings
  • Advance ticket sales for WWE & AEW shows
  • Arena Mexico notes
  • JBL angle in Mexico
  • New stars in Dragon Gate
  • NOAH goes to Europe
  • New Japan’s big matches of the past week
  • David Taylor the Magic Man comes out of retirement for World Team Trials
  • One of the 80s greatest technical stars to retire next month
  • Andy Quildan talks European business
  • Wrestler to host new television show
  • UFC TV contract news
  • Why WWE is cutting back on house shows
  • How the style of work in wrestling is going to change in the U.S. because of the decline of house shows
  • Lots of notes on Raw with its move to Netflix
  • Notes on the next few PPV shows
  • Change with NXT with the move to CW

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • PWInsider reports that there was “a lot of praise internally” for Joe Tessitore’s commentary on WWE Raw this week.
  • Paul Heyman explained to Jazzy’s World TV why he thinks he has been successful in his professional career:
    • I think I’m successful because I never really wanted a real job in my life – and I have successfully avoided having a real job for the entire width of my existence. It was probably from my mother saying, ‘You’re a schmuck and nobody’s going to like you, so do what you want to do with your life anyway.’
  • Je’Von Evans cut a promo addressing his upcoming match against Randy Orton on the October 8 episode of NXT.
  • On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Otis praised the WWE women’s division:
    • Oh yeah [Maxxine Dupri has improved]…I love our whole women’s division to be honest with you. I’m a big Zoey Stark guy, she’s a badass worker, we have a stud-ass women’s division for sure.
  • Denise Salcedo interviewed Lyra Valkyria.
  • The WWE Vault YouTube channel uploaded Eddie Guerrero & Art Barr vs. El Hijo del Santo & Octagon from When Worlds Collide. The video includes a brief introduction by Dominik Mysterio.
  • WWE Vault also has a Playlist video spotlighting the rivalry between Triple H and Batista. 
  • Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, and Pretty Deadly visited Pike Place fish market while in Seattle.

AEW/Other Wrestling

  • AEW has added Hangman Page and Jon Moxley appearances to tonight’s Dynamite.
  • Kota Ibushi shared photos on Instagram of him reuniting with Kenny Omega and the two of them training together: “World domination is just days away!! Had a golden practice after a long time. We are still far from done! Next AEW!!!”
  • In an interview with Inside the Ropes, Will Ospreay discussed how he’s adapted to cutting promos on U.S. television:
    • I’m always nervous about promos, and that goes back to years ago, when I found out that I had ADHD. I’ve always really struggled with eye contact, and I’ve struggled with stringing sentences together. So then when you sign up for American TV, that’s 60 percent of the job.
    • You’ve got to be able to talk people into the building and you’ve got to have that type of unique charisma. I guess it goes in my favor because I don’t sound like everybody. I don’t sound like the Yanks. I think the main thing is I’m just happy to be here and I just treat all the audience like they’re my mate. I’m your weird mate down the pub.
    • So I feel like because I have that aura, I get away with a little bit more. I slipped up on one of my lines that I said in the week before my match with Max and I kicked myself about it. But I’d rather be honest with people and say, you know what, no, I slipped up on a line but I worked twice as hard next time because, once again, I’m not used to this and I’ve always struggled with this. I’m not perfect when it comes to promos. In fact, I wouldn’t even put me in the top 10 when it comes to promos.
    • But I’m learning a whole new thing, this is still six months into me being here. I’m still getting used to this. If people want to throw shade my way because of that, they’ve never been in my shoes, they don’t understand what’s in my brain. For me, it’s all about being vulnerable, honest and open, and I think that’s what connects people with me a little bit more, the fact that I do show my mistakes.
  • Nigel McGuinness opened up to TV Insider about how much the reaction he received from the crowd at All In meant to him:
    • It was incredible. It was a surreal moment. The whole world seems like a different universe than it was before. When those things happen in your life, it just changes your entire perspective. I had no idea what reaction I would get, if I’d be remembered, and by how many people. When I came out, I felt a sense of euphoria and a wave of emotion as the crowd realized what was about to take place. I got swept up in it. If I had any nerves or anxiety beforehand, they were blown away once I get that reaction. They were with me for the journey. It changed my life forever.
  • A new promo video for AEW WrestleDream highlights Jon Moxley’s betrayal of Bryan Danielson.
  • Joe Hendry will face Joey Janela at House of Glory’s show in Queens, New York on Sunday, September 29.
  • Cesar Duran has been announced for MLW’s Lucha Apocalypto show in Cicero, Illinois on Saturday, September 9.
  • Laynie Luck and Brent Banks have been added to Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling’s debut shows in Windsor, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20.

Kota Ibushi announced for GLEAT show next month

Posted on by Ian Carey

Kota Ibushi is returning to GLEAT.

The promotion has announced that the 42-year-old will wrestle on its October 6 show at EDION Arena in Osaka. His opponent has yet to be revealed.

The event will also feature Ricochet’s return to the promotion as he teams with CIMA against El Hijo del Vikingo & Soma Watanabe. Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel of The Rascalz and former NXT/AEW wrestler Parker Boudreaux are scheduled for the show as well.

Ibushi last performed for GLEAT on its July 1 show at Tokyo Dome City Hall. He participated in a five-minute exhibition bout that night against Daisuke Sekimoto to celebrate his 20th anniversary in wrestling. It was Ibushi’s first bout in five months after an injury-plagued performance against Naomichi Marufuji at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s New Year 2024 event in January.

Ibushi has wrestled twice for DDT recently as well, wrestling tag team matches for the promotion on August 25 and September 8.

The announced lineup for Gleat Ver. Mega In Osaka on October 6:

  • LIDET UWF Champion Katsuhiko Nakajima defends against Masakatsu Funaki
  • G-REX Champion Hayato Tamura defends against Parker Boudreaux
  • G-INFINITY Champions Tetsuya Izuchi & Kaito Ishida defend against The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel)
  • Ricochet & CIMA vs. El Hijo Del Vikingo & Soma Watanabe
  • Kota Ibushi in action
  • Yu Iizuka vs. Caol Uno
  • Hideki Sekine vs. Kanten Man
  • Daisuke Nakamura vs. Masaki Takeura

Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi AEW return updates

Posted on by Joseph Currier

It looks like a Golden Lovers reunion will be happening in AEW when Kenny Omega is able to return.

Both Kota Ibushi and Omega have been out of action due to injury issues. Ibushi underwent ankle surgery this January, while Omega had surgery done in May following a bout with diverticulitis. Omega has not wrestled since December 2023.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of his pro wrestling debut, Ibushi took part in a five-minute exhibition for GLEAT last month. He’ll compete in a six-man tag match for DDT Pro Wrestling on August 25. Though he’s returning to DDT, Ibushi tweeted that AEW is his home and fans will see a “full comeback” with him and Omega.

Dave Meltzer discussed Ibushi’s tweet on Wrestling Observer Radio and noted that Omega’s health is improving.

“Basically when Kenny Omega returns, [Ibushi is] returning,” Meltzer said. “He basically said he’s under contract there and he’s waiting for Omega to return for him to return. I don’t know if there’s even a date of when Omega will return. Put it this way: I don’t think it’s so far away as before when I would talk about it and go like, ‘I don’t even want to think about it. It’s a long ways away.’ He’s getting better, I know that.

“I actually looked up the surgery that he had. Usually for a wrestler, it’s about [a] four-month recovery. A lot of wrestlers push it and probably come back quicker. But that would be like mid-September. But he had a lot — you know, he didn’t just have the hernia problem. I mean, he had a lot of different problems. But like I said, he is coming back. I mean, that’s pretty much the word. And I don’t think it’s like months and months away. I don’t want to say this because I feel stupid saying it — because he has not told me anything in this regard — but just the vibe I have is it’ll be before the end of the year. And before that, it was just like he’ll be back but who knows when.”

When Omega is able to return, he’s expected to resume his feud with The Elite, including a teased match against legendary in-ring rival Kazuchika Okada.

Kota Ibushi set for DDT in-ring return at Korakuen Hall show

Posted on by Ian Carey

Kota Ibushi’s in-ring return with DDT has been announced.

Ibushi appeared at Peter Pan 2024 last month and told company founder Sanshiro Takagi that he wants to return to a DDT ring.

On Wednesday, DDT officially revealed Ibushi will wrestle on its August 25 show at Korakuen Hall. He will team with Akito and Danshoku Dino in a tag match against Yuki Iino, Yuya Koroku, and Tetsuya Endo.

In a social media post responding to the match announcement, Ibushi noted that he has received permission from AEW to perform on the show.

“Ahhhh!! It’s been 8 years, I think. It feels both nostalgic and new. Akito-kun, Dino-san. I only have memories of you two. And I never thought I would cross paths with Endo, who I entrusted things to. I’ve also gotten permission from AEW, so everything is set. Oh, and to the younger members, please go easy on me… I think I’ll go at full power. Did I hold the mic at that time, or was it a coincidence? Inevitable?” A translation of Ibushi’s comments read.

Ibushi’s last match for DDT took place on March 20, 2017, in Saitama. He teamed with Daisuke Sekimoto and Jun Akiyama in a win over Kodaka, Keiji Muto, and Sanshiro Takagi on the show.

Announced lineup for DDT at Korakuen Hall on August 25, 2024 —

  • Kota Ibushi, Akito, & Danshoku Dino vs. Yuki Iino, Yuya Koroku, & Tetsuya Endo
  • KO-D Openweight Champion Yuki Ueno defends against Shinya Aoki
  • Soma Takao 15th Anniversary match: Soma Takao vs Keisuke Ishii

Kota Ibushi returns to DDT Pro Wrestling at Peter Pan 2024

Posted on by Ian Carey

Kota Ibushi has returned to DDT.

After a seven-year absence, Ibushi made a surprise appearance at DDT Peter Pan today at the Ryōgoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo. He appeared during the Weapons Rumble match between Danshoku Dino and DDT-founder Sanshiro Takagi for the Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship on the show. Ibushi was one of Dino’s “weapons” in the match.

Other wrestlers who acted as Dino’s weapons included Michael Nakazawa and Maki Itoh.

Ibushi gave Takagi a Kamigoye and Dino would retain his title.

Takagi then expressed that he wants a singles match with Ibushi.

“If all the timing is right and if my wish comes true, please fight me in a singles match!” Takagi said to Ibushi.

In an emotional exchange, Ibushi said he had a request for Takagi as well. He wants to come back to a DDT ring.

After the show, Takagi confirmed he is not actually retiring. He also said there is one more wrestler he wants to bring back to DDT: Kenny Omega.

Ibushi recently celebrated his 20th anniversary in wrestling with a five-minute exhibition match against Daisuke Sekimoto in Tokyo Dome City Hall for GLEAT last month. He hasn’t wrestled a full match since his bout against Naomichi Marufuji for Pro Wrestling NOAH in January. Ibushi was hampered by injuries coming into the match and he would later apologize for his performance.

DDT Peter Pan 2024 results —

  • Kazuki Hirata defeated Super Sasadango Machine 
  • Jun Akiyama, Tomomitsu Matsunaga & Yukio Naya defeated Hikaru Sato, Minoru Suzuki & Shuji Ishikawa 
  • DDT Ironman Heavymetalweight Champion Danshoku Dino defeated Sanshiro Takagi in a Weapons Rumble match to retain his title
  • Daisuke Sasaki, KANON & MJ Paul defeated KO-D Six Man Champions Akito, HARASHIMA & Yasu Urano and Antonio Honda, Masahiro Takanashi & Takeshi Masada and Shunma Katsumata, To-y & Aja Kong in a four-way to win the titles
  • Konosuke Takeshita defeated Masato Tanaka 
  • KO-D Tag Team Champions Tetsuya Endo & Yuki Ino defeated Atsushi Kotoge & Go Shiozaki to retain their titles
  • El Desperado defeated Chris Brookes in a no-disqualification match
  • KO-D Openweight Champion Yuki Ueno defeated MAO to retain his title

Kota Ibushi to celebrate 20th anniversary with five-minute exhibition

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Though he’s still recovering from injury, Kota Ibushi plans on celebrating the 20th anniversary of his pro wrestling debut.

Ibushi will compete in a five-minute exhibition on July 1, which is 20 years to the day since his first match. The exhibition is taking place in conjunction with Japanese promotion GLEAT’s third anniversary show at Tokyo Dome City Hall.

GLEAT tweeted that, while Ibushi is still injured, he wants to express his gratitude to the fans with this exhibition. Ibushi thanked the president of GLEAT and said he’s going to give it his all, no matter who he faces.

Injuries have plagued Ibushi’s career over the past few years. A shoulder injury kept him out of action from October 2021 to March 2023, and he never looked 100 percent after returning. He underwent surgery this January after hurting both of his ankles.

Ibushi has not wrestled since facing Naomichi Marufuji for Pro Wrestling NOAH in January. He was hurt going into the match and then injured both of his ankles further. Ibushi apologized for his performance and how his injuries ruined the match.

Ibushi signed an AEW contract last year that allows him to be based in Japan and wrestle for other promotions in the country.

In an update posted on social media this week, Ibushi indicated that he’s now feeling 85 percent healthy.

“Of course, if my current doctor in Japan tells me that I can compete, I will report to AEW and return immediately,” he wrote. “I’m now 85% alive. Please wait a little more.”

Daily Update: WWE notes, Saraya, Kota Ibushi

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

The new issue of the Observer:

  • Updating the situation with Ricochet, the WWE angle, his legacy, future, comments by Will Ospreay and a look at his pre-WWE career.
  • Preview of Clash at the Castle, the matches, thoughts on the bouts, attempt to set records and more.
  • Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler falls apart, the quietness of the last two weeks, replacement fights and other pull-outs.
  • Just how much money McGregor would have generated on this night
  • New Japan Dominion coverage, Hikuleo leaving for WWE, Super Juniors finals, Forbidden Door angles, G-1, this week’s big show and more.
  • NXT Battleground coverage, the Apex,  the bouts, the timing of the show.
  • Final WrestleMania live business numbers from the Pennsylvania commission.  What was the real attendance for both nights, Raw, Smackdown and NXT.
  • Huge story on part two of Who Killed WCW, company finances running a wrestling business then vs. now, what went wrong, Hogan vs. Goldberg and real story behind the lack of build, where the money was left on the table, Goldberg as champion, booking philosophy and more.
  • Why WCW lost top stars under Jim Herd
  • The most detailed look at the ratings for wrestling and MMA TV shows, including how close another MMA show came to UFC this past week, placings for the week, competition for the shows, segment-by-segment an more
  • More on who CMLL talent is allowed to work with
  • Lots of big matches coming to CMLL over the next week
  • El Hijo del Vikingo update
  • Notes on the movie about a current wrestling star released in Japan
  • Next Stardom PPV and Five Star Grand Prix notes
  • WWE & NOAH announcement coming
  • Big NOAH match this week
  • Despe Invitational show
  • Iyo Sky comes to Marigold and how ticket sales went
  • Mexican and Japanese group working together
  • Bloodsport notes
  • Sad Steve McMichael update
  • Passing of Larry Santo
  • One of pro wrestling’s all-time legends from way back is being honored in his home town next week
  • Celebrity Wrestling show earmarked
  • Lots of injury updates
  • Forbidden Door update
  • How the Arlington tapings for AEW are doing
  • Advance ticket sales for WWE & AEW shows
  • CMLL talent being booked for Dynamite at the last minute
  • International TV ratings and top streaming numer
  • Dana White asked to channel Andy Kaufman
  • Consideration to changing MMA rules
  • PFL tournament updates
  • Manny Pacquiao coming to Rizin
  • Drew McIntyre inducted into Scotland Hall of Fame
  • Update on Vince McMahon legal action
  • PPV updates
  • More Dwayne Johnson projects

This week’s Wresting Observer Newsletter back issue

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, The Undertaker said he thinks Cody Rhodes will have an even bigger run as a heel in the future than he’s having as a babyface right now:
    • I think he’s doing a phenomenal job, I think he’s going to have a tremendous run as a babyface, but I think his bigger run will be as a heel. There’s just something about Cody with me that I envision a heel. It’s down the road because right now I think he’s killing it as the babyface and his promos are on point.
  • Mick Foley told Sports Illustrated that he’s humbled by how fans have continued to appreciate his Hell in a Cell match against Undertaker from King of the Ring 1998: “People have chosen to pass this match on to their children. To me, that’s very humbling.”
  • Nick Aldis responded when Gorilla Position asked him about potentially competing in the ring for WWE:
    • It’s tough to answer this, just simply because I don’t ever want to give the impression that I’m trying to sort of angle for something, right? I’m certainly not trying to go into business for myself or anything like that. But it’s unavoidable, I’ve seen a ton of sentiment from fans like, ‘We want to see you wrestle this guy, we want to see you versus that guy.’ I appreciate all that, that’s not something that I have any control or influence over, right? It’s very much a case of like I said when Paul [Levesque] and I first started speaking, I made it very clear that I want to be part of the team, I want to contribute in whatever way you think is best. If at some point that way [wrestling] ends up being the best then great.
  • The full 25-man number one contender’s battle royal from last night’s NXT has been uploaded to WWE’s YouTube channel. The match was won by Je”von Evans and featured appearances by TNA wrestlers Joe Hendry and Frankie Kazarian.
  • Though Evans won the battle royal, the ending of NXT appeared to tease that it will be a fatal four-way match at Heatwave with Trick Williams defending his NXT Championship against Evans, Ethan Page, and Shawn Spears. Page defeated Evans in the main event of the episode, then a brawl took place with Williams & Evans aligned against Page & Spears. All four were left laying in the ring with the NXT title between them.
  • In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Hulk Hogan detailed how he came up with the idea for his new Real American Beer:
    • I was at an event when I got introduced to an executive from Pabst Blue Ribbon. When I meet people at these events, I love to ask questions and hear their stories. But when I met this gentleman, it was different. I immediately blurted out, ‘My dad used to drink that beer.’ Pabst Blue Ribbon was his favorite beer the whole time I was growing up.
    • We’re talking about Pabst Blue Ribbon, and he asked if I ever wanted to have my own drink. I started to explain how it just didn’t make sense back then, and then something happened. The idea popped in my head like a good finish. Slam the giant, drop the leg–I had an idea for a beer.
  • WWE uploaded a vlog documenting Drew McIntyre’s Clash at the Castle homecoming.

AEW/Other Wrestling

  • While speaking with Izzy On Sports, Saraya explained how Jon Moxley helped her with her AEW promos: 
    • The first few promos, Jon Moxley actually helped me a lot with them. One of my best friends is Renee [Paquette]. And so, you know, I’m friends with her hubby too. He was one of the catalysts in getting me over to AEW as well. He was on the phone with me and stuff like that. And so with the promos, since I sh*t the bed the first time, I was just like, ‘I just need help, I don’t feel confident in myself.’ So, that promo with me and Britt [Baker] where I’m being real. I’m talking about real-life stuff. Like yeah, I am sober. Yeah, I was a mess. Yes, the world saw my tapes go on the freaking internet from when I was 19. Just all the struggles that I went through for that year and a half, I was being real.
    • And he was telling me I had to be real. He was just like, ‘That’s the perfect promo. Stop trying to be a character right now and just speak your truth’ kind of thing. And so he was helping me with that kind of stuff. He really, really did help me. It made me come out of my shell and made me feel way more comfortable.
  • Kota Ibushi shared an injury update noting that he’s currently feeling 85 percent healthy: “Of course, if my current doctor in Japan tells me that I can compete, I will report to AEW and return immediately. I’m now 85% alive. Please wait a little more.”
  • Skye Blue wants to wrestle in a women’s Blood & Guts match one day:
    • I love Blood & Guts so much. That is my favorite Dynamite to watch. This past one, I was at work but I didn’t have to wrestle. So I went in and there’s like a little part behind where the cameras are that you can just sit and watch and I sat with a bunch of our friends, there were a couple of drivers and the production people who just sat and watched. I was like, ‘I want to be in that cage so badly.’ Everybody would just be like, ‘No, Skye. Stop it. No, sit down.’ I was like ‘No, guys. Come on. This could be really cool.’ To be the first woman to have a Blood & Guts match, I would cry.
  • Orange Cassidy appeared on the Under the Ring podcast.
  • A segment with The System (Moose, Brian Myers, Eddie Edwards & Alisha Edwards) will kick off TNA Impact this Thursday night.
  • Matt Hardy reacted to Joe Hendry and Frankie Kazarian appearing on NXT: “Very happy to see @joehendry & @FrankieKazarian appear on #WWENXT tonight. Both hugely deserving talents. The @ThisIsTNA & @WWENXT crossover is ‘best for business’ as The Man With 3Hs would say.”
  • Hardy was a guest on today’s episode of Busted Open Radio.
  • Bodyslam.net reports that Colby Corino has re-signed with the NWA.
  • Atlantis Jr. vs. Okumura in an Opera Cup tournament first-round match will take place at MLW Blood & Thunder on Friday, July 12.

Kota Ibushi to undergo surgery on Wednesday

Posted on by Ian Carey

Kota Ibushi is set to undergo surgery. 

The 41-year-old was taken to hospital following his match with Naomichi Marufuji at NOAH’s The New Year event on January 2. He is believed to have injured both ankles early and, as a result, his performance was hindered throughout the match. 

On January 5, Ibushi announced plans to undergo surgery. He then posted early Tuesday morning that the surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. 

A translation of his post reads:

Long time no see. It feels unusually long. Things won’t go on as before. I hope tomorrow’s surgery is successful. As long as you can walk, that’s enough. I don’t need anything else.

The match against Marufuji was just Ibushi’s third singles match since suffering a serious shoulder injury in the G1 Climax 2021 finals against Kazuchika Okada. His only other two singles matches both took place in GCW over WrestleMania weekend last year. Ibushi has wrestled four matches for AEW, all of which were multi-person tags. 

Kota Ibushi announces he will undergo ankle surgery

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Update:

NOAH released the following statement on Kota Ibushi’s status following injuries sustained during his match on January 2.

Kota Ibushi, who sustained an injury at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Ariake Arena event on
January 2nd, has been diagnosed with a right tibiofibular ligament tear and a right
ankle lateral ligament complex injury as a result of a more thorough examination than
his initial diagnosis.

Ibushi is scheduled to undergo another detailed examination of his left leg and to
concentrate on treatment. We will inform you of his progress as soon as we know more.

We apologize for any inconvenience and concern this may cause our fans and other
concerned parties as we ask for their cooperation & understanding in light of the
situation.

Thank you very much.

Original story:

Kota Ibushi has announced that he will undergo surgery to repair an ankle injury. 

In two posts on X on Friday, Ibushi said that he is set for surgery after worsening a pre-existing ankle injury at NOAH’s The New Year event on January 2. 

Google Translate interprets Ibushi’s posts: 

sorry for the late contact. I’m sure Mr. NOAH will give you more details, but I would like to inform you that the inside of my left ankle was quite a mess, so I decided to have surgery on the right ligament. I think there will be a release soon. I’m really, really sorry.

I came here with the goal of being able to do it for 20 years, and I think it’s about time for me to be active. There are still a lot of things left on my contract, but I want to complete them! I try not to talk too darkly or think about the future, but I have to take care of my mother and other things, so I’ll talk about it when the time comes! Don’t miss one game at a time 

In his main event bout against Naomichi Marufuji, Ibushi injured his ankles on a moonsault attempt. There were reports going into the show that Ibushi was already suffering from a broken left ankle. Ibushi was taken to a hospital after The New Year for treatment after struggling to walk and stand.

Ibushi issued an apology for the match in an earlier social media post on Friday. 

Kota Ibushi apologizes for NOAH The New Year match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Kota Ibushi has issued an apology for his performance at NOAH The New Year 2024.

Ibushi faced Naomichi Marufuji in the main event of the January 2 show. Despite being injured going into the match, Ibushi wrestled for 33 minutes. The match fell apart and Ibushi’s performance was clearly hindered by injury. He further injured both of his ankles during the match and was taken to the hospital after the show.

On Friday, Ibushi posted a message on X apologizing for the match and stating that it was his fault. Ibushi claimed that he was scammed by a C5 Clinic that he received treatment from.

Ibushi hurt his ankles during the match when hitting a moonsault to the outside.

“Ibushi definitely needs a lot of time off and there are real questions about him going forward given how little he wrestles and how many injuries he has,” Dave Meltzer wrote in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. “He did walk backstage on his own after the match but said he was in so much pain he couldn’t do post-match interviews. They called an ambulance for him and took him to the hospital.”

Ibushi hasn’t been the same physically since injuring his shoulder against Kazuchika Okada in the 2021 G1 Climax finals. He was out of action from October 2021 to March 2023 after that injury.

Last November, it was confirmed that Ibushi is officially signed to an AEW contract. Ibushi described it as a flexible deal where he’s also able to wrestle for other promotions.

“I’m based in Japan and I will travel for the matches,” Ibushi said. “Basically, I’m in Japan, I work in Japan, I will be active.”

Ibushi defeated Marufuji in their match for Pro Wrestling NOAH. There was a staredown between Ibushi and Jake Lee & Kaito Kiyomiya after the match.

Wrestling Observer Live: AEW Dynamite preview, NXT TV report, Ibushi, Tokyo Dome, more

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including last night’s NXT TV show, AEW Dynamite tonight, Mercedes and Trinity, Smackdown and Rampage ratings, the Tokyo Dome, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Right Click Save As

Kota Ibushi taken to hospital after NOAH The New Year 2024

Posted on by Ian Carey

Kota Ibushi needed medical attention following his match at NOAH The New Year 2024.

The 41-year-old defeated Naomichi Marufuji with a Kamigoye to headline the event. However, Ibushi’s performance appeared to be hindered by injuries.

According to Hochi News, Ibushi walked to the back on his own but soon reported he had hurt both ankles early in the match and was in severe pain. He was then taken to hospital in an ambulance and did not speak with media following the show. 

“We won’t know the details until after receiving a diagnosis at the hospital,” reads a translation of NOAH director Arihiro Takeda’s comments.

In October, Ibushi spoke with Sports Illustrated about his injury status. 

“I cannot say that I am completely better,” said Ibushi, speaking through a translator. “Newer injuries have proven difficult. However, my fighting style will never be limited. I will continue to find a way to fight.” 

Kota Ibushi challenges Naomichi Marufuji for NOAH The New Year 2024

Posted on by Joseph Currier

For the first time in more than a decade, Kota Ibushi will be competing for Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Ibushi made a surprise appearance for NOAH on Saturday, setting up a match against Naomichi Marufuji for NOAH The New Year 2024. Ibushi issued a challenge that Marufuji accepted.

NOAH The New Year 2024 is taking place at Ariake Arena on Tuesday, January 2 and will air live on Wrestle Universe with English commentary.

“Today I was able to step into Noah’s ring for the first time in 12 years. And thank you, Marufuji-san, for accepting the match,” Ibushi posted on social media.

“Welcome, Ibushi-kun, to Ariake Arena on 2 January,” Marufuji said in a post-show press conference. “It’s finally time to do it. Let’s do it first thing next year, on the best stage, one on one.”

NOAH has officially confirmed the match and announced that it will be the main event of NOAH The New Year.

Last month, it was officially announced that Ibushi is under contract with AEW. It’s a “flexible” deal that allows Ibushi to wrestle for other promotions.

“I’m based in Japan and I will travel for the matches,” Ibushi said. “Basically, I’m in Japan, I work in Japan, I will be active.”

NOAH The New Year 2024 will feature a GHC Heavyweight Championship match with Kenoh defending against Manabu Soya. Among the other matches scheduled for the show is a tag bout with Zack Sabre Jr. & Yoshinari Ogawa facing Hiroshi Tanahashi & HAYATA.