The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) comment on Kota Ibushi.
The Jackson brothers, Kenny Omega, and Ibushi previously teamed up together as The Golden Elite. The Bucks last wrestled with Ibushi at All In in 2018, where they defeated Bandido, Rey Fenix & Rey Mysterio. They worked together in NJPW until the Bucks and Omega left to found AEW at the beginning of 2019. Ibushi continued to compete for NJPW, but he went down with a shoulder injury in the finals of the G1 Climax 2021 tournament. The former world champion has been sidelined ever since, but he recently stated that his shoulder is 90% comeback.
Ibushi's contract with NJPW expired on January 31, and he is now a free agent. As one of the most buzzworthy talents on the open market, his future is up in the air. Alongside Omega, The Jacksons remain Executive Vice Presidents of AEW, and the two brothers are interested in working with him in some capacity.
Speaking with Dark Puroresu Flowsion, Matt and Nick Jackson shared their thoughts on Ibushi. They made it clear that they love and miss him. The duo noted that Ibushi was in touch with them during Omega's return to NJPW at Wrestle Kingdom 17. They also stated that they would love to have him around or work with him.
“Love him. Miss him. He kept us in the loop the night of Tokyo Dome about Kenny. Kept sending us little updates. Goes without question we’d love to have him around, or work with him. I think he has the ability to do whatever he wants," they said.
NJPW confirmed Ibushi's departure. More information is available here.
GCW announced that Ibushi wil face Mike Bailey at Josh Barnett's Bloodsport 9.
Ibushi recently discussed potentially teaming up with Omega again. Click here to see what he had to say.
In a previous interview, Ibushi stated that he had offers from AEW and around the world. More information is available here.