Former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kota Ibushi has revealed that he has signed a deal with AEW, revealing the nature of the agreement.
Ibushi has wrestled several matches for AEW, making his in-ring debut for the promotion as part of the Elite’s side of the July 19 Blood & Guts bout.
Since then, the ex-NJPW star has wrestled two more matches for the company, competing in a six-man tag-team bout at All In London, and another six-man bout at WrestleDream.
Speaking with HD Subs in an interview translated from Japanese, Ibushi noted that he has had a deal with AEW since the day of his Blood & Guts appearance.
Revealing that he will be working a reduced schedule with AEW, while living in Japan, he said:
“During the discussion, they asked me how we could come to a deal. I said unless it has this and this and this, unless it has these conditions, I don’t want to sign a contract.
“I said if we’re just going to sign a contract, let’s do it today. That was the hardcore match, double ring, cage (Blood & Guts), on that day. That’s the day we signed the contract.
“We had a verbal agreement. It has to be this way for me. I’m based in Japan, and I will travel for the matches. Basically, I’m in Japan, I work in Japan.
“I will be active. I’ll be free to do that do. There are other things that make the contract even more flexible. Like if I could appear for another promotion. That kind of thing is normal, like can I compete in another match.
“We talked about all those kinds of details. I still got the OK. Tell us anything you want. We’ll listen to whatever you say. Reduce the number of matches a little bit more.
“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 OK too. It’s the best deal.”
Kota Ibushi talks how and when he signed a contract with AEW:
— HD Subs (@HDSubss) October 13, 2023
"During the discussion, they asked me how we could come to a deal. I said unless it has these conditions, I don't want to sign a contract. That was the hardcore match, double ring, cage. That's the day we signed the… pic.twitter.com/ZCM2fuTEST
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