Kota Ibushi talks WWE, Kenny Omega and setting fire to the streets with XWA

Martin Hines at metro.co.uk posted an interview with Kota Ibushi…

Competing just a stone’s throw from the iconic York Hall, Ibushi lit up the Resistance Gallery in Bethnal Green with an incredible match which took place inside and out of the ring.

Ibushi and tag-team partner Gota Ihashi took to the London streets against Jimmy Havoc and Cara Noir, and the quartet brawled and barraged their way across cars and walls.

The popular Havoc was chokeslammed by his Japanese rivals onto a vehicle, while Ibushi later performed a pyrotechnic display followed by two moonsaults – one off a car, and the other off a balcony indoors.

Exclusive footage of the action can be seen below, and Metro Sport caught up with a burnt, but excited Ibushi after the match.

Despite some malfunctions en route, the 34-year-old quickly warmed up to his task in the squared circle, and seemed pleased with his efforts after picking up the victory for his team.

‘This was the first time I had wrestled in England, and I was wondering if my style would work over here after all my experiences in Japan. But it was very positive.’

Ibushi became known to a wider audience last year after competing in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic, and he confirmed that his participation in that tournament had inspired him to perform in Britain for the first time.

‘When I wrestled for WWE I saw some British wrestlers and they amazed me. I’m a big fan of Zack Sabre Jr in particular. Maybe one day there will be an opportunity for me to wrestle British wrestlers in WWE, but I’d also love to wrestle the likes of Zack and Will Ospreay in Japan.’

One man Ibushi also has eyes on is former tag-team partner Kenny Omega, who has become a significant player in NJPW.

‘I would like to team with him again,’ Ibushi confirmed. ‘But I would like to wrestle him again too. I know I must face him again.

‘If it happens, it would possibly be the best match in the world.’

A future Ibushi vs Omega bout would be a world class wrestling occasion, but XWA provided plenty of their own memorable moments last night.

Cara Noir’s commitment to his character was enchanting to watch, while Gota Ihashi’s charisma and Jimmy Havoc’s intensity added believability to a gloriously chaotic tag-team match.

Click here to read more