NJPW issues update on Kota Ibushi situation, reduced pay for three month period

Image Courtesy: New Japan Pro-Wrestling

NJPW has provided an update on the ongoing situation involving Kota Ibushi and one of its officials.

The promotion has announced that both parties will have a 10 percent deduction in their pay over the next three months covering July through September.

The official, Yuichi Kikuchi, will also be moved to a different position over what was described as “inappropriate comments toward a wrestler representing a breach of duty.”

The announcement comes after Bushiroad founder and president Takaaki Kidani and New Japan president Takami Ohbari held a press conference to address the issues with Ibushi and apologized to the public.

Below is NJPW’s full statement:

During a press conference on May 27 2022 regarding events concerning Kota Ibushi and a member of NJPW staff (henceforth “The Official”), it was announced that both Mr. Ibushi and The Official would be subject to penalties as a result of their actions. Upon consideration, these penalties have been determined, and in the interest of transparency, are outlined below.

KOTA IBUSHI: A ten percent (10%) reduction in pay for the three month period between July and September 2022 as a result of a breach of contract.

Representative Director TAKAMI OHBARI: A ten percent (10%) reduction in pay for the three month period between July and September 2022 as a result of executive responsibility.

THE OFFICIAL: A ten percent (10%) reduction in pay for the three month period between July and September 2022, as well as a transfer to a different position as a result of inappropriate comments toward a wrestler representing a breach of duty.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling would like to once again apologise for the concern and inconvenience caused by these events, and humbly ask for your continued support.

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Born on a Friday, John Pollock is a reporter, editor & podcaster at POST Wrestling. He runs and owns POST Wrestling alongside Wai Ting.