Kota Ibushi ‘Refuses’ To Face Hirooki Goto at Wrestle Kingdom

New Japan’s World Tag League tour is now underway. Two shows in Korakuen Hall and Kanagawa have already taken place.

Kota Ibushi took part in today’s Korakuen Hall event in a featured six man bout. Ibushi’s team were successful when Yujiro Takahashi hit the Pimp Juice on Chuckie T. During the bout NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto appeared to once again challenge Ibushi.

Goto has been goading Ibushi for a shot at the NEVER Title this January. The CHAOS member Goto won the title from Taichi at Power Struggle. Since then Goto has been working towards a bout against the Golden Star Kota Ibushi.

Ibushi unequivocally stated that he ‘refused’ Goto’s challenge for January 4th, although with no confirmed match Ibushi may well be placed in a program with the NEVER Openweight Champion.

Will Ospreay was originally scheduled to face Taichi for the Openweight belt. Ospreay’s recent rib injury forced him to pull out of the match and Goto took the spot and won the Championship. If New Japan are looking to promote a blockbuster Ospreay vs Ibushi bout then the NEVER title could actually change hands BEFORE January, it all depends on if Ospreay is going to be ready in time for Wrestle Kingdom.