If you believe what he says on YouTube, yes. Sort of. According to a new video on what appears to be his official YouTube channel (also directed by former DDT wrestler/employee Yumehito Imanari), which was translated into English by other sources, the inaugural IWGP World Heavyweight Champion days he has signed with AEW…with caveats.
For those waiting on the “Kota Ibushi Is #AllElite” graphic on the socials, probably not getting it. Not a full-time AEW deal. He will remain based on Japan and be free to work elsewhere while competing occasionally in AEW, probably for special once-a-year events like Blood & Guts. But he won’t wrestle much if at all in Japan, as it’s about “gym and school” for him. Has me thinking Ibushi will probably focus on PPVs and/or the special once-yearly special episodes of Dynamite like NYC. He has only made a handful of appearances in Japan (if any) since suffering an injury in the 2021 G1 CLIMAX Finals that essentially ended his time with New Japan amidst an extended recovery, personal issues and contract disputes.
Check out the video below (in Japanese, video courtesy of Kota Ibushi YouTube Channel):
