Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer is reporting via his “Wrestling Observer Radio” with Bryan Alvarez that Kota Ibushi has stated that he signed a contract for life with New Japan.
According to Meltzer, Ibushi made the quote that he signed with the company “until he dies.” NJPW originally told Meltzer that when the company first signed Ibushi months ago that he’s committed to them for years and years, and after he defeated Zack Sabre Jr. in an IWGP Intercontinental Title match Ibushi said that he is in New Japan for life. Ibushi reportedly wants to bring more prestige to the belt.
Meltzer clarifies that it’s not unusual for competitors to say such things in Japan even if in modern days it typically doesn’t work out to be concrete. Ibushi has stated that he doesn’t know if it will be ten more years or twenty, but this will be the last contract he is going to sign.
RELATED: Kota Ibushi Wins NJPW’s IC Title, Matt Taven Wins ROH Title In Brutal Ladder Match