Kota Ibushi has confirmed he signed a contract with AEW over the summer, although was able to work in several conditions.
While speaking to HD Subs, Ibushi revealed he signed with AEW back on July 19 on the day of the Blood & Guts match in Boston.
Kota Ibushi talks how and when he signed a contract with AEW:
"During the discussion, they asked me how we could come to a deal. I said unless it has these conditions, I don't want to sign a contract. That was the hardcore match, double ring, cage. That's the day we signed the… pic.twitter.com/ZCM2fuTEST
— HD Subs (@HDSubss) October 13, 2023
Ibushi explained that conditions for signing included his ability to remain in Japan and work matches outside of AEW.
He also requested a reduced schedule, so he isn’t constantly flying to the U.S. and won’t be wrestling full-time while adding, “It’s the best deal.”
The 41-year-old left New Japan Pro Wrestling when his contract expired at the end of January this year. He has wrestled six matches this year including three with AEW.
Besides the Blood & Guts Match in July, Ibushi teamed with Kenny Omega & Hangman Page against Bullet Club Gold at All In at Wembley Stadium and teamed with Omega & Chris Jericho against Will Ospreay & Konosuke Takeshita & Sammy Guevara at WrestleDream earlier this month.
