Katsuyori Shibata Open To Committing To AEW

Could Katsuyori Shibata be set to sign for All Elite Wrestling? 

At the post-AEW WrestleDream media scrum, Shibata was asked if he was signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling or if he had penned an exclusive deal with AEW. Shibata did not clarify his NJPW status but he did say he was open to committing to AEW.

"If Tony wished, I am ready to make a commitment," Shibata said.

Tony Khan was positive about the idea, admitting he wants Shibata to stay forever because The Wrestler is his favourite. 

Shibata returned to the ring in 2021 with NJPW, four years on from his retirement due to a subdural hematoma. After an initial five-minute exhibition with Zack Sabre Jr, Shibata had his first full match at Wrestle Kingdom 16 in January 2022 when he took on Ren Narita. Shibata reportedly went into business for himself in the match, though, and he has not been booked in a singles match by NJPW since. 

Shibata has instead primarily wrestled for AEW and Ring of Honor, where he is the ROH Pure Champion. He has been a regular across both Tony Khan-owned promotions since March 2023, having initially made his in-ring debut in a loss to Orange Cassidy in November 2022. 

H/T to Fightful