Katsuyori Shibata ‘ready to make a commitment’ to AEW/ROH

Katsuyori Shibata is ready to make a commitment to AEW/ROH.

While attending the post-WrestleDream media scrum on Sunday night, Shibata addressed his contract status. Shibata was asked if he still has ties to NJPW or if he’s just signed to AEW/ROH now.

“If Tony wish, I am ready to make a commitment,” Shibata said through a translation app.

“I want you to stay forever. Never leave. Please, never leave.” Khan responded while laughing. “You’re my favorite. Shibata is ichiban.”

Shibata is the current ROH Pure Champion. He won the title from Wheeler Yuta this March.

At WrestleDream, Shibata faced Eddie Kingston in a match where Kingston’s ROH World Championship and NJPW Strong Openweight Championship were both on the line. Kingston defeated Shibata to retain the titles. There was then a show of mutual respect between Shibata and Kingston following the match.

After suffering a life-threatening subdural hematoma in 2017, Shibata returned to the ring in 2021. He’s had 14 matches in 2023 so far.

Shibata recently retained his Pure Championship against Nick Wayne on ROH TV.