Kota Ibushi gives update on AEW contract status

  • Ian Carey
  • By 

Kota Ibushi has revealed details about his contract with AEW. 

During an interview posted to X by HD Subs, Ibushi revealed he signed with AEW at Blood & Guts on July 19. He also said that there were certain conditions he required be met in order to agree to a deal, such as him continuing to live in Japan and being able to work for other promotions. 

“I’m based in Japan and I will travel for the matches,” Ibushi said. “Basically, I’m in Japan, I work in Japan, I will be active.”

“There are other things that make the contract even more flexible,” he continued. “Like if I could work for another promotion. That kind of thing is normal. Like, ‘Can I compete in another match?’ We talked about all those kinds of details and I still got the okay.”

Ibushi continued to say he requested AEW reduce the amount of matches in the deal so that he would not have to travel to the United States as often. 

“Because if I go too many times, my activities in Japan will be limited so reduce the number of matches a little bit more. When I said that, that is okay too. It’s the best deal.”

Ibushi later wrote on X, “Even if it’s not full time, my life is dedicated to AEW. I don’t play matches in Japan, I’m here to attend gym and school. That’s why pro wrestling is all about AEW.”

He later added, “I would like to make a slight correction. My current contract is with AEW. I think AEW is the best in the world. That’s why I want to seize the opportunity in America or AEW and make it an even greater organization.”

Ibushi made his AEW debut in the Blood & Guts match this summer. He returned to the promotion for All In at Wembley Stadium and the following week in Chicago for WrestleDream.