New Japan Pro Wrestling’s first major event post-Wrestle Kingdom 13 took place today. ‘The New Beginning In Osaka’ took place from the Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan following their ‘Road To’ tour which took place in both Japan and America. The fallout of this event will undoubtedly shape New Japan going forward.
Approximately halfway through the show, fans were surprised by an appearance by one half of The Golden Lovers, Kota Ibushi.
Ibushi hasn’t been seen since he suffered a concussion at the hands of Will Ospreay. The two faced each other in a hard-hitting affair back in January during the Wrestle Kingdom 13 event. Their match would end abruptly after Ospreay nailed him in the back of the head with a violent elbow strike. The concussive blow would actually come before that, however, after a kick.
Kota took to the mic as the Edion Arena fell into a tense silence.
Thankfully, Ibushi was able to deliver good news as he not only announced he would be staying in New Japan Pro Wrestling, but that he would be making his return at next month’s New Japan Cup.
.@ibushi_kota "I'll stay New Japan Pro-Wrestling."
THE NEW BEGINNING in OSAKA (Feb 11th, 2019)
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/Tj7UBJ4PjP#njpw #njnbg #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/u3sYuFh6Wm— njpwworld (@njpwworld) February 11, 2019
The tension amongst the crowd was understandable. The last time an injured NJPW came out to address their health issues in such a manner, it was for Shibata to announce his unfortunate retirement from in-ring competition.
Ibushi: today, I have something to say to everyone. My neck, my head, it’s made everyone worry. I’m sorry. But I’m now able to speak in front of you all. #njnbg
— chris charlton (@reasonjp) February 11, 2019
Ibushi: I WILL STAY IN NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING! #njnbg
— chris charlton (@reasonjp) February 11, 2019
Ibushi: next month! I will be in the New Japan Cup! And I will win it! I’m not going anywhere and I will give it my all here in NJPW! Thanks for your support! #njnbg
— chris charlton (@reasonjp) February 11, 2019
New Japan Cup 2019
The New Japan Cup is a single-elimination tournament held every March. The winner of the 2019 New Japan Cup will go on to challenge a champion at NJPW’s upcoming G1 Supercard show in Madison Square Garden. That show is a co-promoted event with Ring Of Honor.
