Kota Ibushi has extended his run with AEW, signing a new two-year deal. He revealed the news on Instagram, describing the contract as a major moment in both his career and his life.
In his post, Ibushi spoke openly about the challenges of the profession and the determination it takes to keep going.
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“This was incredible‼️ A turning point in my life. You never think you’ll be born and get to ride on a private jet, right? And I just signed a new two-year contract 🖋️. I still want to live, and I have no choice but to live. But I can’t imagine myself wrestling until 45. What else do I want? I don’t know. Other than this, I’ve lived without knowing anything else — and pro wrestling really is a dream! Just like I thought when I was a little kid. But it’s not just good things — you have to go through 99% hell to get there. And that 99% hell was far beyond anything I could have imagined, from the training to daily life habits. Still, you must never look down. Keep looking up, higher and higher. This isn’t enough yet, not even close‼️ From here on out…”
With his future set, Ibushi’s attention now turns to the upcoming Forbidden Door pay-per-view. He will team with Kenny Omega, Darby Allin, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Will Ospreay in a Lights Out Steel Cage match against The Death Riders, Gabe Kidd, and The Young Bucks.
The extension comes not long after Ibushi returned to the ring in June 2025, ending an 18-month injury layoff. His commitment signals a new phase in his AEW career, aiming to balance top-level performance with long-term health.
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