Kota Ibushi Returning To GLEAT Next Month
Kota Ibushi is set to make his return to GLEAT for their show in Osaka on October 6th. GLEAT has announced on social media that Kota Ibushi will be competing at the show against an opponent to be announced soon. A (translated) GLEAT tweet reads:
"Back at Edion Arena Osaka for the first time in about three years
Participation decision
Kota Ibushi’s heart is burning"
This marks one of the first matches he’s had since making his in-ring return. Ibushi recently competed for GLEAT in July 2024 in an exhibition match against Daisuke Sekimoto at their Tokyo Dome City Hall show.
Ibushi fought back after suffering a right tibiofibular ligament tear and a right ankle lateral ligament injury at NOAH The New Year 2024 in January. The former IWGP World Champion had been on the shelf due to the injury and missed almost a year of in-ring action.
Kota Ibushi’s last appearance in AEW took place November 15 episode of Dynamite last year. He teamed with Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, and Paul Wight to defeat Brian Cage and The Don Callis Family in an eight-person Street Fight.
Ibushi, who called AEW his home, remains under a contract with the promotion. Tony Khan’s promotion also allows him to compete in GLEAT as part of their collaboration.
GLEAT is a relatively new promotion that was established on August 20, 2020, by LIDET Entertainment. GLEAT combines elements of martial arts and traditional strong-style pro wrestling. AEW’s newest member Ricochet is also scheduled to compete at the show on October 6th.
