NJPW Hosts Special Press Conference

May 27, 2022: President Obhari and Bushiroad Representative Director Kidani held a press conference on YouTube to address Kota Ibushi's frustrations and accusations via Twitter.

Source with updated comments from President Ohbari: NJPW 1972 NJPW Press Conference in English

New Japan Pro Wrestling decided to hold a special press conference to address Kota Ibushi’s tweets of frustrations, accusations, and revelation of Ibushi’s mother attempting suicide.

NJPW President Takami Ohbari and Bushiroad Representative Director Takaaki Kidani spoke at this press conference. Ibushi wasn’t there. Above is the video from their YouTube channel. It is in Japanese, however there is a direct source link to NJPW 1972 website for the English summary.

Notes from Ohbari’s speech:

1. Kota Ibushi is an exclusive contracted wrestler with New Japan Pro Wrestling. This means that Ibushi cannot appear or participate in anything outside of NJPW without informing and receiving expressed permission from management. Because Ibushi attended Just Tap Out (TAKA Michinoku’s promotion) and seconded wrestlers at that event, it breached his contract.

2. On March 31st, Ohbari met with Kota Ibushi at his personal training facility. They chatted in their brief meeting.

3. Ibushi reveals to Ohbari that he was invited to Just Tap Out by TAKA Michinoku and while in the dressing rooms, he made an impulsive decision on his own to head to ringside and second the wrestlers.

4. Ohbari reminded Ibushi that this is a breach of contract and licensing agreements that NJPW holds with other companies. Ibushi sincerely apologized.

5. After Ohbari learned of the LINE messages and the following tweets from Ibushi that talked about his mother’s attempted suicide due to the overwhelming of stress of the situation, a meeting was held on May 10th with NJPW’s legal staff to understand the situation and determine the best course of action between NJPW and Ibushi.

6. They decided to meet with Ibushi to formally apologize and hear each other’s opinions before making a public announcement should one be needed.

7. There has been no formal announcement from NJPW on this matter until this time — May 27, 2022.

Official NJPW’s stance on the situation:

Mr. Ibushi’s actions in attending an outside event without proper procedure, as well as publicly disclosing internal affairs were actions in breach of his contract, and after consideration of the particulars I previously mentioned, an appropriate penalty for Mr. Ibushi will be determined. 

However, the words of the Official in his text conversation were inexcusable, especially in their direction to a wrestler who risks his life in order to fulfil his role as a professional. It is this mindset that directly led to Mr. Ibushi posting his critical tweets about the company. For the thoughtless content of these messages, we fully and unreservedly apologize to Mr. Ibushi. 

Despite the Official’s lengthy relationship with Mr. Ibushi, the lack of consideration shown to him and by extension our wrestlers at large should also be met with an appropriate penalty. 

Notes from Kidani’s Speech:

1. Expresses his personal gratitude to Kota Ibushi for his contributions in NJPW including his thrilling matches in the ring.

2. He hopes that he continues to be connected with NJPW going forward.

3. Ibushi will remain under contract for as long the process takes for Ibushi and his mother to recover.

4. Hopes that Ibushi can contribute outside of wrestling such as signings, talk shows, and Kidani’s personal choice to assist in operations at STARDOM.

Summary

Kota Ibushi will remain a key member of the NJPW roster. The severe disagreement between NJPW and talent shouldn’t happen again and for future situations, they will be actively engaged in the discussion with Ibushi about improving company policy and implementing proper procedure. Both Ohbari and Kidani apologize to fans who were worried about the situation while NJPW is currently in the middle of Best of the Super Jr. tour.

Q&A

Japanese Press: You discussed penalties for Ibushi and for the Official, can you elaborate on what form those may take?

Ohbari: Regarding Kota Ibushi, especially considering the circumstances surrounding everything that happened, there was never any consideration given to termination. But given the contract breach involved in the unsanctioned appearance as well as publishing company secrets, that is something that would likely result in a salary reduction. 

Japanese Press: Some fans were worried that Ibushi might leave NJPW, or retire altogether. Can you say categorically that is not the case?

Ohbari: Well, when we trained together, or I should say while he trained and I pretended, there was never any discussion of retirement.

Japanese Press: Can you speak to the penalties the official [Mr. Kikuchi] will face?

Ohbari: That hasn’t been determined as of now.

Kidani: But at the very least we’re considering a transfer to a different position.

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