Ibushi signs two-year AEW extension ahead of Forbidden Door in London

Kota Ibushi has extended his tenure with All Elite Wrestling for another two years, the Japanese star confirmed in an emotional social media post that accompanied footage of him arriving by private jet. The contract renewal comes as Ibushi prepares to compete at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door in London on August 24, where he will team with Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, Darby Allin and Hiroshi Tanahashi against a formidable lineup led by Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, The Young Bucks and Gabe Kidd in a Lights Out Unsanctioned Steel Cage match. Ibushi described the decision as a turning point in his life and spoke about continuing to pursue new heights in AEW.

The two-year extension extends Ibushi’s relationship with AEW beyond his 2023 signing, which initially allowed him to wrestle for other promotions in Japan. He returned to AEW television in June after a period of limited in-ring appearances due to injuries, and he has since competed in multiple matches for the promotion. The new deal reinforces his status as a cornerstone in AEW’s lineup as the company simultaneously deepens its cross-promotional program with NJPW on the Forbidden Door initiative.