Kota Ibushi is officially a free agent as his New Japan Pro-Wrestling contract expired on February 1.
Ibushi is set to return to the United States and make his GCW debut during WrestleMania weekend when he takes part of The Collective. Ibushi will face "Speedball" Mike Bailey at Josh Barnett's Bloodsport and compete at Joey Janela's Spring Break.
Speaking to Dark Puroresu Flowsion, Ibushi discussed his free agency.
"About money, I think it's very much unnecessary, but for me the things I care about and what's necessary [for me] are more important. So I don't want to be in a match without meaning. There aren't a lot of matches without meaning, but I think I'll show up in places in the future that truly and fully understand me," he said.
When asked about potentially joining AEW, Ibushi replied, "A lot of my best friends are in AEW. My younger peers in Japan are also growing up [there?]. Nonetheless, I don't think of going to AEW immediately. I want to have a 'school' in Japan. Once that's been worked out, I think I'lI talk with AEW."
Ibushi has a long history with The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) and Kenny Omega, who he teamed with as The Golden Lovers. Ibushi previously said there was a possibility he would team with Omega again in the right situation.
Ibushi has been out of action since October 2021 when he suffered a shoulder injury against Kazuchika Okada in the finals of the G1 Climax 2021 tournament.
Fans can read NJPW's statement on Ibushi's departure by clicking here.
Fightful Select has more details regarding Ibushi's free agency.
