Former WWE name confirms officially signing with AEW

AEW recently signed one of the biggest stars in wrestling, namely, former WWE star, Adam Copeland, and it seems like the promotion has managed to get another former WWE name in, as the latter recently confirmed that he has officially signed with Tony Khan's promotion.

The name in question is none other than NJPW veteran Kota Ibushi. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion was revealed as the final partner for The Elite, when they took on the Blackpool Combat Club in a Blood and Guts match. Ibushi has made several appearances for the company ever since, including at the All In and WrestleDream pay-per-views.

In an interview with HD Subs, Kota Ibushi confirmed that he officially signed with the company back at Blood and Guts under specific conditions, which include living in Japan and a lighter schedule.

"During the discussion, they asked me how we could come to a deal. I said unless it has these conditions, I don't want to sign a contract. That was the hardcore match, double ring (and) cage (match). That's the day we signed the contract. We had a verbal agreement." [H/T: BodySlam.net]

Ibushi continued:

"I'm based in Japan, and I will travel for the matches. Basically I’m in Japan, I work in Japan. I will be active. There are other things that make the contract even more flexible. Like I could appear for other promotions."

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AEW star Kota Ibushi praised Finn Balor

WWE star Finn Balor had traveled all over the world before coming to the Stamford-based promotion and has gained respect over the years from many talents, including current AEW star Kota Ibushi, who had some words of praise for the current Judgment Day member.

Balor was previously known as Prince Devitt in New Japan Pro Wrestling and took on Kota Ibushi on a few occasions. However, the two were mostly on opposite ends, as Balor was mainly involved with the Bullet Club during their feuds.

In a response to a picture of Finn Balor and Kota Ibushi shared by a fan on Twitter (X), the AEW star praised his former rival and joked about him not knowing Japanese.

"He didn't seem to be very good at [Japanese], and he always talked to me. One of the best competitors," Ibushi said.

What is your favorite encounter between Ibushi and Balor? Let us know in the comments section below.