Kota Ibushi Set for Return to DDT Pro Wrestling After 7-Year Absence

One big thing: Kota Ibushi to wrestle first official match since injury

Kota Ibushi, the popular AEW star and former NJPW IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, is set to make his return to DDT Pro Wrestling after a seven-year hiatus.

The details:

• Ibushi will compete in a six-man tag team match at DDT’s Korakuen Hall show on August 25
• He’ll team with Danshoku Dieno and Akito against Tetsuya Endo, Yuki Iino, and Yuya Koroku
• This marks Ibushi’s first official match since suffering ankle injuries in January 2024

Why it matters:

Ibushi’s return to DDT signifies his recovery from a serious injury and his willingness to compete outside of AEW. It also highlights the ongoing relationships between major wrestling promotions, potentially opening doors for future collaborations.

Background:

• Ibushi signed with AEW in November 2023
• His last AEW appearance was on November 15, 2023, in a street fight on Dynamite
• He hasn’t wrestled for DDT Pro since March 2017

The big picture:

Ibushi’s return to DDT could signal a shift in his career trajectory, potentially leading to more appearances in Japanese promotions. It also raises questions about his future involvement with AEW and whether this marks the beginning of a more active schedule for the star.

What do you think about Kota Ibushi’s return to DDT Pro Wrestling? Will this lead to more frequent appearances in Japan, or is it a one-off event? Share your thoughts in the comments below!