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What’s the story?
Former Cruiserweight classic competitor and New Japan Pro Wrestling star Kota Ibushi apparently had no idea who Vince McMahon was when the two first met back 2016.
In case you didn't know...
Kota Ibushi’s first televised debut in WWE was at NXT Takeover: Dallas, where the brand showcased the New Japan star in the audience.
Kota briefly signed with the company and competed in the Cruiserweight Classic. The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion made his televised in-ring debut by defeating Sean Maluta in the first round. Ibushi would go on to defeat Cedric Alexander – a match that was highly praised by many fans and critics alike. He then advanced to the semi-finals by defeating WWE veteran Brian Kendrick.
Reports began to circulate about the New Japan star turning down a developmental contract, which he admitted in an interview that he did indeed turn down a long term contract. Kota was eliminated in the semi-finals by the inaugural cruiserweight champion, T.J. Perkins.
Kota would make a brief appearance on NXT, with his last televised match in the company being a loss to SANity members Alexander Wolfe and Sawyer Fulton in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Ibushi returned to New Japan Pro Wrestling on October 10, 2016.
The heart of the matter
After the company showcased the New Japan star back at NXT Takeover: Dallas, Kota went backstage during the show. The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion gave a “high-five” to Vince McMahon. Ibushi had no idea who the chairman of the board was, which not surprisingly, made officials upset.
The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion has been living and wrestling throughout his early career in Japan, as he made his debut in Japan back in 2004 and was a stable in New Japan Pro Wrestling before making his brief appearance in the WWE in 2016.
What’s next?
Since his return to New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ibushi has made a bigger splash on the independent scene. The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion is a member of The Elite – which consists of Cody, Adam Page, The Young Bucks, and IWGP Heavyweight champion Kenny Omega.
Ibushi had a strong showing in the 2018 G1 Climax, finishing with a record of 6 wins and 3 losses, tied for top of his block. He advanced to the finals due to a victory in his final block match against IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega.
This made Ibushi the first wrestler to proceed to the final of the New Japan Cup, Best of the Super Juniors and the G1 Climax. However, he lost the finals to Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Ibushi doesn’t have a match for Wrestle Kingdom 13 at the moment, but since he’s one of the main attractions of New Japan, he’ll most likely be added to the event down the road.
