KOTA IBUSHI:
PURE GOLD
By Jasmine Olan
In July of 2004 a tall, lanky twenty-two year old from Japan’s Kagoshima prefecture named Kota Ibushi stepped into the ring to make his debut in DDT (Dramatic Dream Team) Pro Wrestling. Originally trained by Shuji Kondo and Mikami, Ibushi would go on to become the Ace or top star of that promotion over the next several years. In 2008, he would come face to face for the first time with a very handsome curly haired blonde from Canada named Kenny Omega who would ultimately become a major part of his career as well as one of the most important people in his life. Together as the Golden Lovers they would become one of the most respected and influential junior heavyweight teams of their generation. Their partnership would lead them to championship gold in DDT as well as New Japan Pro Wrestling upon their arrival there in January of 2010. His matches are some of the most mind blowing you will probably ever see. His talent has left fans the world over completely floored. For fourteen years the Golden Star, Kota Ibushi has been dazzling audiences with awe inspiring moves like the Phoenix Splash and the Golden Triangle Moonsault. Along the way, fans have fallen in love with his passionate, free spirited nature and pure heart. As a singles competitor, the thirty-six year old mega talent has earned critical acclaim for his hard hitting and innovative style. As one half of the Golden Lovers, Kota Ibushi has played a crucial role in one of modern pro wrestling’s most important and beautifully told stories alongside long time partner and best friend, Kenny Omega. He has also managed to inspire other stars of the international wrestling scene like Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay who admire his in ring ability and apparent fearlessness. To watch the Golden Star in the ring is a joy and truly an experience unto itself.
Along the way, Ibushi would find major success as a singles competitor, winning the prestigious Best Of The Super Juniors tournament in 2011 and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship a total of three times. His rivalry with Shinsuke Nakamura set the international wrestling scene on fire, even winning match of the year honors in 2013. Ibushi’s career continued to gain huge momentum in 2015 which he won after defeating Hirooki Goto in the finals of the New Japan Cup. Afterwards at INVASION ATTACK, the Golden Star would suffer a devastating betrayal when he was robbed of the opportunity he’d earned by the person he loved the most, Kenny Omega. Just as Ibushi was so close to defeating then Bullet Club leader AJ Styles for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship Kenny distracted him, causing him to lose the match. That moment had many believing they’d seen the end of the Golden Lovers. It was then time to heal and rebuild so Ibushi chose to step away from NJPW and DDT.
After undergoing surgery to treat a herniated disk in his neck, Ibushi accepted an invitation from WWE to compete in the first ever Global Cruiserweight Classic in the summer of 2016 where he was pegged as the heavy favorite to win. His match against Cedric Alexander stole the show in round two and ultimately lead to Alexander being signed to WWE full time. He made it to the semifinals where he lost to eventual winner, TJ Perkins. At that time he also declined a full time contract from WWE, opting instead to continue his rebuilding process and traveling the world. Throughout 2017, Ibushi would appear for NJPW as the live action version of TIGER MASK W to help promote the reboot of the iconic Tiger Mask anime. That Summer, Ibushi made his return to New Japan Pro Wrestling as himself at G1 Climax 27 where he’d tie for third place in block A. The fan reaction to the announcement of his return nearly blew the roof off of Korakuen Hall.
Returning to NJPW would also put the Golden Star on the path to a reunion with Kenny Omega when they found themselves face to face after Kenny failed to defeat Tetsuya Naito in the tournament finals. January 2018 saw Ibushi defeat Bullet Club member, Cody at WRESTLE KINGDOM 12. Later that month, the Golden Lovers would reunite in one of the most emotional moments of professional wrestling’s modern era. Together they have weathered the storm that has been the rift within the Bullet Club which has also seen them go head to head with the Young Bucks as they moved up to the Heavyweight division. At DOMINION, later in the year, Ibushi was in Kenny Omega’s corner as he ended Kazuchika Okada’s nearly two year reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion. That night, the Golden Elite was formed as the Golden Lovers joined forces with the Young Bucks.
As 2018 rolls on, Ibushi looks to win G1 Climax 28. The bond between the Golden Lovers remains stronger than ever despite the fact they will soon have to face each other on the final night of block competition at Budokan where they last faced each other six years earlier. Could this be the year, the Golden Star wins the Battle Of The Summer? Could 2019 be the year, he achieves what is considered by so many to be the highest honor in all of professional wrestling? Only time will tell, but with the level of talent, passion, and dedication Ibushi is known for, anything is possible.
One of the most important messages of his story is that people can find love and success on their own terms. His relationship with Kenny Omega stands as a prime example of that. As a member of the Golden Elite, the free spirited Ibushi has also begun to embrace the idea that it’s okay to want to belong some where. As he looks toward the future, Ibushi is showing more focus and looking better than ever. He remains a huge fan favorite and other wrestlers still clamor to work with him. Even WWE Superstar, Seth Rollins has channeled Ibushi a bit by using his signature Phoenix Splash.
His influence can be seen in anyone he’s worked with, especially the one who traveled across the world to challenge him in 2008 and remains one of the most important people in his life. No matter where the future takes him, there is no doubt that huge success still lies ahead for the Golden Star and fans will be perfectly content to watch him find it his way. His undeniable talent and passion are sure to get him there. Most importantly his kindness and humble heart truly make Kota Ibushi pure gold.
