Report: 'Major Interest' In Kota Ibushi Following NJPW Exit

Kota Ibushi must feel like the belle of the ball.

The Golden Star had previously been under contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling but his deal with the promotion expired at midnight JST on February 1, making him a free agent.

According to Fightful Select, there is "major interest" in Ibushi from a number of companies. That interest includes anything from one-off appearances to promotions who want to sign the 40-year-old to a full-time deal, although some in each major company believe Ibushi wants to be a freelancer.

Ibushi has worked as a freelancer for much of his pro wrestling career, although he had been signed exclusively to NJPW since 2019. Sources close to Ibushi told Fightful his full-time run with New Japan was a "live and learn" situation.

During his latest run in New Japan, Ibushi was presented as one of the promotion's top stars, becoming the inaugural IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. He has not wrestled since October 2021 after suffering a serious shoulder injury in the G1 Climax 31 final.

Ibushi has already been announced for Josh Barnett's Bloodsport and Joey Janela's Spring Break over WrestleMania 39 weekend. The Golden Star also provided an update on a possible AEW run, saying he will speak to the promotion after he sets up his own pro wrestling school.