NJPW Announces Penalties To Kota Ibushi And 'The Official'

New Japan Pro-Wrestling has confirmed the penalties that both Kota Ibushi and “The Official,” a member of the company’s staff, must pay.

NJPW previously announced that there would be consequences for the duo’s actions during a press conference on May 17. Ibushi had expressed his frustration with the company on social media, and text messages NJPW talent relations member Kikuchi sent Ibushi showed that he threatened to end the former champion’s contract when he made an unapproved appearance at a Just Tap Out Show in March. Ibushi subsequently abused the company’s management of “power harassment.”

At the press conference on May 27, NJPW announced that Ibushi will continue to be a “key member” of the roster:

“Kota Ibushi is, and will remain a key member of the New Japan Pro-Wrestling roster. This kind of severe disagreement between company and talent should not happen again; in order to prevent any such instances in the future, and ensure the best possible working environment for talent, we will be actively engaged in discussion with Mr. Ibushi about improving company policy and implementing proper procedure.

We again would like to apologise to fans, wrestlers and personnel for the concern and the disruption caused in the middle of the Best of the Super Jr. tour.”

The official announcement, courtesy of NJPW’s official website, is as follows:

During a press conference on May 27 2022 regarding events concerning Kota Ibushi and a member of NJPW staff (henceforth “The Official”), it was announced that both Mr. Ibushi and The Official would be subject to penalties as a result of their actions. Upon consideration, these penalties have been determined, and in the interest of transparency, are outlined below.

KOTA IBUSHI: A ten percent (10%) reduction in pay for the three month period between July and September 2022 as a result of a breach of contract.

Representative Director TAKAMI OHBARI: A ten percent (10%) reduction in pay for the three month period between July and September 2022 as a result of executive responsibility.

THE OFFICIAL: A ten percent (10%) reduction in pay for the three month period between July and September 2022, as well as a transfer to a different position as a result of inappropriate comments toward a wrestler representing a breach of duty.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling would like to once again apologise for the concern and inconvenience caused by these events, and humbly ask for your continued support.

Ibushi has sidelined since he went down with a shoulder injury during the finals of the G1 Climax. After he was initially announced for the New Japan Cup, he was pulled from the competition. It’s currently unclear when he will return to action.