The wrestling world buzzed with excitement when Kota Ibushi stepped through the curtain on AEW Collision, marking his first appearance in over a year. Now, the Golden Star is ready to showcase why he’s considered one of the most gifted athletes in professional wrestling today.
The Long Road Back to Wednesday Nights
Ibushi’s journey back to AEW has been anything but smooth. His last televised appearance came during a memorable November 15, 2023 Dynamite encounter, where he joined forces with an unlikely quartet. Teaming alongside Paul Wight and The Golden Jets – the unlikely pairing of Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega – Ibushi helped secure victory over Don Callis Family members Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, and Powerhouse Hobbs.
What followed was a grueling stretch on the sidelines. Injury concerns kept the Japanese superstar away from the squared circle for most of 2024, leaving fans wondering when they’d witness his breathtaking aerial artistry again.
Standing Tall for the Cleaner
When Ibushi finally emerged on the June 21 Collision broadcast, his motivation was crystal clear. The Golden Star positioned himself as Kenny Omega’s ally against the relentless assault from Don Callis and his faction. This storyline continuation makes perfect sense, given the deep history between Omega and Ibushi that spans multiple promotions and countless classic encounters.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect for wrestling storytelling. With Omega needing backup against Callis’s numbers game, Ibushi’s return provides both star power and emotional weight to the ongoing narrative.
Tony Khan Announces the Golden Star’s First Test
AEW President Tony Khan took to social media to make the official announcement, setting up what promises to be a compelling singles contest. The matchup pits Ibushi against Trent Beretta, creating an intriguing clash of styles and allegiances.
“After returning to AEW to stand up for @KennyOmegamanX against @TheDonCallis Family, The Golden Star Kota Ibushi will fight vs @rainmakerXokada’s friend RPG Vice Trent Beretta”
This Wednesday’s Dynamite will showcase two wrestlers who rarely cross paths in singles competition. While both have shared rings in tag team scenarios, particularly during their New Japan Pro-Wrestling days, a one-on-one encounter represents fresh territory for both competitors.
History Between Two Ring Veterans
Wrestling historians will note that Ibushi and Beretta last faced each other in November 2018, though that encounter came in a tag team format on NJPW programming. Their individual wrestling journeys have taken vastly different paths since then, making this AEW showdown all the more fascinating.
Beretta brings his RPG Vice pedigree and connection to Kazuchika Okada into this contest. Meanwhile, Ibushi carries the weight of being one of Japan’s most celebrated wrestlers, known for his innovative offense and death-defying maneuvers that have earned him worldwide acclaim.
What This Match Means for AEW’s Landscape
Beyond the immediate storyline implications, this contest serves as Ibushi’s official re-introduction to AEW’s weekly programming. How he performs after such an extended absence could determine his positioning in upcoming feuds and potential championship pursuits.
The Golden Star’s return also adds another layer of international star power to AEW’s roster. With his unique blend of technical wrestling and high-risk offense, Ibushi brings a distinct flavor that complements the company’s diverse wrestling styles perfectly.
As Wednesday night approaches, wrestling fans are left wondering: will ring rust affect the Golden Star’s performance, or will Kota Ibushi remind everyone exactly why he’s considered one of the most gifted performers of his generation?
