Kota Ibushi is coming to The Collective.
Game Changer Wrestling announced that Kota Ibushi will make his GCW debut at The Collective 2023. He is set to compete at Josh Barnett's Bloodsport and Joey Janela's Spring Break. Opponents for Ibushi were not announced.
Ibushi's contract with NJPW reportedly expired on February 1, making him a free agent.
*BREAKING*
— GameChangerWrestling (@GCWrestling_) January 31, 2023
KOTA IBUSHI returns to the ring and makes his GCW Debut at @collective2023 in Los Angeles!
March 30 - 4PM
Josh Barnett's Bloodsporthttps://t.co/JwxCrIM4jD
March 31 - 8PM
Joey Janela's Spring Breakhttps://t.co/Bqbu1ZSr3z
Both events will stream LIVE on @FiteTV+! pic.twitter.com/SXV6MwUBD4
Ibushi has been out of action since he suffered a shoulder injury in the G1 Climax 2021 Finals against Kazuchika Okada in October 2021. He was announced for the New Japan Cup, but was pulled from the tournament. In May 2022, Ibushi took to social media to express his frustrations with NJPW management, which led to NJPW holding a press conference addressing the issues and announcing penalties to Ibushi and others involved in the incidents.
Ibushi said earlier in January that his shoulder was at 90%.
Fightful will update fans on Ibushi's status as a free agent and opponents at The Collective when more is known.
