Kota Ibushi Open To WWE Run

Kota Ibushi is officially a free agent following the expiry of his New Japan Pro-Wrestling contract on February 1 and the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion hasn't ruled out returning to WWE.

Ibushi told Dark Puroresu Flowsion about a possible WWE run: "Of course, I'm interested in it. I'm good at producing players & I've created stars, so I don't think there's anyone who can control me even in that frame. I live so freely."

The Golden Star previously competed in WWE as a freelancer in the company's Cruiserweight Classic tournament in 2016. Ibushi defeated Sean Maluta, Cedric Alexander, and Brian Kendrick before losing to TJP in the semifinals. Ibushi then competed in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic with TJP on NXT and they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by SAnitY. 

Ibushi remained a freelancer following his WWE run until he opted to sign a full-time deal with New Japan in 2019. Following the end of his deal with the promotion, Ibushi has expressed his willingness to speak with All Elite Wrestling after he has set up his own wrestling school, something he is in the process of doing.