Japanese superstar Kota Ibushi is one of the best wrestlers in the world not working for the WWE at the moment. However, the latest rumors imply that Ibushi is already part of the WWE roster but only as a part-time performer.
Many fans were hoping that the 34-year-old wrestler will be working for the WWE since he was announced as a participant for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic. But the outcome of the tournament wherein T.J. Perkins defeated Ibushi was a clear sign that The Golden Star has not signed with the WWE.
However, it was announced this week that Ibushi will be teaming up with fellow Japanese superstar Hideo Itami for the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament in NXT. According to Cageside Seats, Ibushi is in a part-time contract and he is not signing a full-time deal.
In a recent interview with Tokyo Sports, Ibushi insisted that there is no chance of him signing with the WWE. But he added that he is open to working with the company on a part-time basis to open up more opportunities to other Japanese wrestlers.
"Zero chance. Absolutely not. But these one shot deals are an absolute plus for all concerned. If I can be the precedent for this kind of deal, it opens the doors for a lot of Japanese talent in the WWE," Ibushi said.
The WWE has been signing several international talents from Japan for the past couple of years starting with Itami, followed by Asuka and finally Shinsuke Nakamura. Ibushi is another talent the WWE wants to sign but he is none committal at the moment.
One of the Japanese stars that could be successful in the WWE is current IWGP Heavyweight champion, Kazuchika Okada. He had a failed stint with TNA Wrestling from 2010 to 2011 but he reinvented himself as The Rainmaker.
Nevertheless, the WWE has been trying to expand their brand in Asia following the signing of the Japanese stars mentioned above. They also signed several talents from China, as well as wrestlers from India.
The Asian market is going to be huge for the WWE and signing stars from the continent will help them establish the product even more. As for Ibushi's future, there is a chance that his team-up with Itami would not win the Dusty Classic since the NXT star is in a feud with Austin Aries.
Check out the video below for some of the highlights of the match between Ibushi and Brian Kendrick in the CWC.