All Elite Wrestling has shown a massive vote of confidence in one of its most acclaimed international stars. Despite an injury-plagued first year with the company, Japanese wrestling legend Kota Ibushi has signed a new, two-year contract extension with AEW.
Ibushi announced the news himself in a post on his Instagram account on Thursday. The new deal secures the future of one of the most innovative and exciting wrestlers of his generation.
The “Golden Star” Is Staying In AEW
In his Instagram post, Ibushi shared a video of himself riding in a private jet. He expressed his excitement for the future in the post’s caption, where he announced the new two-year deal.
“This was amazing! A turning point in my life. I never thought I’d get to ride in a private jet! And I signed a two-year contract renewal,” Ibushi wrote.
The new contract is a significant investment from AEW President Tony Khan. Since making his official debut for the company in July 2023, Ibushi’s run has been severely hampered by a series of legitimate injuries that have limited his time in the ring.
Courtesy of AEW
This extension is a clear sign that the company is betting on the 43-year-old legend to overcome his injury struggles and have a healthy, productive run.
The Legend of Kota Ibushi
Before joining AEW, Kota Ibushi built a legendary career in Japan, primarily in the DDT Pro and New Japan Pro-Wrestling promotions. He is a former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and a winner of the prestigious G1 Climax tournament. He is also famous for his iconic and emotional tag team partnership with his “Golden Lover,” Kenny Omega.
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His unique, high-risk, and sometimes reckless in-ring style has made him a cult favorite among hardcore wrestling fans for years. It is this world-class talent that AEW is now investing in for the long term.
A Massive AEW Forbidden Door Showdown
Ibushi is set to make his return to a major pay-per-view in one of the biggest matches of the year. At the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event on August 24 in London, England, he will be part of a massive ten-man, Lights Out Steel Cage match.
He will team with his fellow “Golden Elite” members, Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, as well as Will Ospreay, Darby Allin, and the retiring Hiroshi Tanahashi, in an all-star dream team. They will take on their rivals from the Blackpool Combat Club.
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