Kota Ibushi

On July 1, 2004, Ibushi made his professional wrestling debut for Dramatic Dream Team (DDT), losing to Kudo. In 2005, Ibushi won his first championship, when he and Daichi Kakimoto defeated Darkside Hero! and Toru Owashi to win the KO-D Tag Team Championship. On June 25, 2006, he lost to Danshoku Dino in a match for the Championship{{cite web| url = http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=27181| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160819090732/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=27181| archive-date = 2016-08-19| title = DDT King Of DDT 2006 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}} and spent most of later 2006 competing in multiple tag team matches.{{cite web| url = http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4588&page=4&promotion=118&s=100| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140314061547/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4588&page=4&promotion=118&s=100| archive-date = 2014-03-14| title = Matches « Kota Ibushi « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}} In 2007 Ibushi's fortunes fared better and he began to win more matches, including defeating BxB Hulk at a co-promoted event held by DDT and Dragon Gate. Later in 2007, Ibushi defeated Madoka to win the vacant Independent World Junior Heavyweight Championship. In February 2008, Ibushi defeated Tanomusaku Toba to retain the Independent World Junior Heavyweight Championship and win the Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship. He would go on to lose the Ironman championship to Danshoku Dino. On July 20, 2008, Ibushi would defeat Kudo in the Next KO-D Openweight Championship One Day Tournament finals but would ultimately lose to the KO-D champion Dick Togo a month later.

{{main|Golden Lovers}}

Ibushi would start teaming up with Kenny Omega as the "Golden☆Lovers" and on January 24, 2009, they defeated Harashima and Toru Owashi to win the KO-D Tag Team Championship and lost them in May to Dick Togo and Taka Michinoku. In the summer of 2009, Ibushi won the first KO-D Openweight Championship Contendership Tournament and went on to win the KO-D Openweight Championship from Harashima.{{cite web| url = http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4588&page=4&promotion=118&s=0| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140314153457/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4588&page=4&promotion=118&s=0| archive-date = 2014-03-14| title = CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}} During his time as champion he also won the Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship and would lose the Openweight Championship to Shuji Ishikawa. After winning the Best of the Super Juniors in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) his matches in DDT were mostly tag team matches with his partner Kenny Omega or matches involving IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship. Ibushi's fortunes in 2011 were better, he teamed up with Danshoki Dino to win the KO-D Tag Team Championship, however after dislocating his shoulder he vacated the title.

Ibushi made his return at a DDT event on May 4, 2012, losing to El Generico.{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1336115829/ | title = Max Bump 2012 | access-date = 2012-05-04 | work = DDT Pro-Wrestling | language = ja | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120707183531/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1336115829/ | archive-date = 2012-07-07 }} On June 24, Ibushi defeated Yuji Hino to win DDT's KO-D Openweight Championship for the second time.{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1340520227/ |title=What are you doing!? 2012 |access-date=2012-06-24 |work=DDT Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003224205/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1340520227/ |archive-date=2013-10-03 }} On August 18, Ibushi defeated Kenny Omega in the main event of Budokan Peter Pan to retain the KO-D Openweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1345297179/ |title=武道館ピーターパン～DDTの15周年、ドーンと見せます超豪華4時間SP～ |work=DDT Pro-Wrestling |access-date=2012-08-18 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003154058/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1345297179/ |archive-date=2013-10-03 }} On September 30, Ibushi lost the title to El Generico.{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1348993317/ |title=Who's gonna TOP? 2012 ～DDT48総選挙最終投票日～ |work=DDT Pro-Wrestling |access-date=2012-09-30 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009051739/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1348993317/ |archive-date=2012-10-09 }} On October 3, Ibushi won the third annual DDT48 general election and, as a result, earned an immediate rematch with El Generico.{{cite web|url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/headlines/20121003-00000012-spnavi-fight.html|title=DDT48総選挙1位は飯伏、10.21ジェネリコとリベンジマッチ|date=2012-10-03|work=Sports Navi|publisher=Yahoo!|access-date=2012-10-03|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028235609/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/headlines/20121003-00000012-spnavi-fight.html|archive-date=2012-10-28|url-status=dead}} Ibushi received his rematch on October 21, but was again defeated by El Generico.{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1350799510/|title=DDT Special 2012|work=DDT Pro-Wrestling|access-date=2012-10-21|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023110118/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1350799510/|archive-date=2012-10-23|url-status=dead}} On May 26, Ibushi, Gota Ihashi and Kenny Omega defeated the Monster Army (Antonio Honda, Daisuke Sasaki and Yuji Hino) to win the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship.{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1369565513/ | title = Road to Ryogoku 2days in Hiroshima～ドラマティック・ドリーム・とうかさん～ | access-date = 2013-05-26 | work = DDT Pro-Wrestling | language = ja | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130615081057/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1369565513/ | archive-date = 2013-06-15 }} Their reign lasted 28 days, before they lost the title back to the Monster Army, now represented by Honda, Hino and Hoshitango.{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1371967036/ | title = What are you doing 2013 | access-date = 2013-06-23 | work = DDT Pro-Wrestling | language = ja | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130624214517/http://www.ddtpro.com/result/ddt/article/1371967036/ | archive-date = 2013-06-24 }} On August 18 at DDT's annual Ryōgoku Peter Pan event, Ibushi faced New Japan representative and reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada in a losing effort in a special non-title match.{{cite web | url = http://www.ddtpro.com/report/ddt/article/1376815192/ | title = 【両国2日目3】Harashima王座奪取／飯伏はオカダに惜敗 | date=2013-08-18 | access-date=2013-08-18 | work=DDT Pro-Wrestling | language=ja}} On January 26, 2014, Ibushi and Kenny Omega defeated Yankii Nichokenju (Isami Kodaka and Yuko Miyamoto) and Konosuke Takeshita and Tetsuya Endo in a three-way match to win the KO-D Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/6570/|title=【後楽園リポート】Harashimaが入江退けKO-D無差別防衛、高梨が次期挑戦に名乗りあげるも...／G☆Lvs二丁拳銃2・2名古屋でKO-Dタッグ再戦決定／光留、旅立ちの日／ハードヒット2・28新木場に中井光義参戦／世IV虎は赤井に完勝「ただの親の七光りにしか思えない」|date=2014-01-26|access-date=2014-01-26|work=DDT Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} On April 12, Ibushi and Omega became double champions in DDT, when they teamed with Daisuke Sasaki to defeat Team Drift (Keisuke Ishii, Shigehiro Irie and Soma Takao) for the KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/8854/|title=DDTプロレスさいたまスーパーアリーナへの道2|access-date=2014-04-12|work=DDT Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} Their reign, however, lasted only 22 days, before they lost the title to Shuten-dōji (Kudo, Masa Takanashi and Yukio Sakaguchi) on May 4.{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/9549/|title=Road to Ryogoku in Sendai〜ドラマティック・ドリーム・タン〜|access-date=2014-05-04|work=DDT Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} On September 28, Ibushi and Omega lost the KO-D Tag Team Championship to Konosuke Takeshita and Tetsuya Endo.{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/14986/|title=DDTドラマティック総選挙2014最終投票日〜最後のお願いスペシャル〜|access-date=2014-09-28|work=DDT Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} On February 15, 2015, Ibushi won the KO-D Openweight Championship for the third time, defeating Harashima.{{cite web|url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/20190/|title=さいたまスーパーDDT2015|access-date=2015-02-15|work=DDT Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} He lost the title back to Harashima on April 29.{{cite web|url = http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/23476/|title=Max Bump2015|access-date=2015-04-29|work=DDT Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} On August 23, Ibushi won the KO-D Tag Team Championship for the fifth time, when he and Daisuke Sasaki defeated Daisuke Sekimoto and Yuji Okabayashi for the title.{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/29865/|script-title=ja:両国ピーターパン2015～DDTより愛をこめて～|access-date=2015-08-23|work=DDT Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} They vacated the title on November 2, when Ibushi was sidelined indefinitely with a cervical disc herniation.{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/31987/|script-title=ja:【記者会見】飯伏幸太、頸椎椎間板ヘルニアで長期欠場へ。KO-Dタッグ王座は返上。「復帰することを待ちたいと思います」（高木）「新日本プロレスとしては今回の件で契約が終わるのではない」（菅林）|date=2015-11-02|access-date=2015-11-02|work=DDT Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}

On February 21, 2016, Ibushi announced his resignation from DDT.{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/509048/|script-title=ja:飯伏幸太がＤＤＴ＆新日プロを退団 今後どのマットに上がるのか|date=2016-02-22|access-date=2016-02-22|work=Tokyo Sports|language=ja|archive-date=February 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222020603/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/509048/|url-status=dead}}

Ibushi competed in Wrestling Marvelous Future teaming with Onryo and lost to Garuda and Masa Takanashi. He would go on to compete for NJPW and Big Japan Pro Wrestling for a few months.{{cite web| url = http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4588&page=4&s=300| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140904071842/http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4588&page=4&s=300| archive-date = 2014-09-04| title = Matches « Kota Ibushi « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database}} Ibushi teamed with Kudo to take on Kenta and Naomichi Marufuji in the first round of Differ Cup 2005 and lost. Ibushi would go on to become Hustle Kamen Orange for Hustle, teaming with Hustle Kamen Red and the rest of the Hustle Kamen stable. Ibushi went on to team up with Fuka to win his first accomplishment in professionally wrestling, Dragon Mixture Tournament, by defeating Shinjitsu Nohashi and Yoshitsune in the final.

It was announced on January 26, 2008, that Ibushi would be competing for Ring of Honor in the United States. On April 11, 2008, in Boston he made his debut in a match against Davey Richards, a match in which he was cheered as a winner despite losing. During his brief tour of ROH, he wrestled against Claudio Castagnoli and teamed with Austin Aries against The Briscoe Brothers only to come up on the losing end. His last appearance of his U.S. tour of ROH ended with a singles victory over El Generico. Ibushi competed for ROH during the promotion's second tour of Japan, teaming with Kenta against Naomichi Marufuji and Katsuhiko Nakajima in a tag team match. It was announced on April 6, 2008, that Ibushi would be competing for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla in Burbank, CA. However, Ibushi would end up injured before his scheduled appearance, and was forced to miss the PWG event. On March 27, 2009, Ibushi made his debut for Philadelphia-based Chikara at the promotions annual King of Trios tournament where he formed a team with Kudo and Michael Nakazawa. After his team was eliminated in the first round by Equinox, Lince Dorado and Helios,{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=3198 |title=King of Trios 2009: Night 1" – 3/27/2009 |publisher=Chikara Fans |access-date=2009-11-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104001153/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=3198 |archive-date=2010-01-04 }} he went on to wrestle in the Rey de Voladores tournament over the next two days. On March 29, Ibushi defeated Player Dos to win the tournament and become the 2009 Rey de Voladores.{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=3452 |title=King of Trios 2009: Night 3" – 3/29/2009 |publisher=Chikara Fans |access-date=2009-11-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104001644/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=3452 |archive-date=2010-01-04 }}

On January 16, 2010, Ibushi participated in Evolve's first show, losing to Davey Richards in the main event.{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/127171/EVOLVE-1---Ibushi-vs.-Richards-Results-1.16.10:-Tommy-Dreamer-Appears.htm|title=EVOLVE 1 – Ibushi vs. Richards Results 1.16.10: Tommy Dreamer Appears|last=Csonka|first=Larry|date=2010-01-17|publisher=411Mania|access-date=2010-01-27}}

Ibushi made his debut in Dragondoor on its debut show on July 19, 2005, taking part in Taiji Ishimori's babyface team along with Milanito Collection a.t. and Little Dragon. They were pitted in a handicap match against Aagan Iisou (Shuji Kondo, Takuya Sugawara and Yasshi), but they were defeated. Ibushi then teamed up with Ishimori to take part in the Aquamarine Cup tag tournament, beating at the first round a team of Aagan Iisou (Toru Owashi and Shogo Takagi) but being eliminated at the second by another (Kondo and Yasshi). After wrestling in the short-lived promotion for some months, Ibushi did a special apparition in its last show, figuring as a new member of Italian Connection (Milano Collection A.T. and Berlinetta Boxer) under the name of "Ibushino", in parody to Yossino, to defeat Aagan Iisou.

After Dragondoor folded, Ibushi was revealed as a part of its new incarnation, El Dorado Wrestling. He wrestled in El Dorado debut show on April 24, 2006, teaming with Ishimori and Jumping Kid Okimoto in a losing effort against Aagan Iisou and their new member Pineapple Hanai, later known as Ken45º. He got his revenge in El Dorado's first big show, teaming up with El Blazer and Milanito Collection a.t. to defeat Kondo, Yasshi and Ken45º after a miscommunication among those. In late 2006, Ibushi teamed with Milano Collection AT to take part in Treasure Hunters Tag Tournament and reached the finals before being knocked out by Dick Togo and Shuji Kondo. Ibushi and Kagetora won a number one condership match for the UWA World Tag Team Championship and went on to win the championships by defeating Tokyo Gurentai (Mazada and Nosawa Rongai) and would later vacate the championships due to inactivity. Ibushi gained a total of four points in Greatest Golden League 2008 which was not enough to progress out of block A and to the semi-final.

In May and June 2009 Ibushi participated in the Best of the Super Juniors Tournament held by NJPW. Ibushi fought the likes of Koji Kanemoto, Taichi Ishikari and Jushin Thunder Liger, before losing in the semi-finals to Prince Devitt.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=634|title=Results New Japan, 5/30/09|date=2009-05-30|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=2010-01-27}}{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=644|title=Results New Japan, 6/2/09|date=2009-06-02|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=2010-01-27}}{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=648|title=Results New Japan, 6/3/09|date=2009-06-03|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=2010-01-27}}{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=661|title=Results New Japan, 6/8/09|date=2009-06-08|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=2010-01-27}}{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=670|title=Results New Japan, 6/12/09|date=2009-06-12|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=2010-01-27}}{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=672|title=Results New Japan, 6/13/09|date=2009-06-13|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=2010-01-27}}{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=681|title=Results New Japan, 6/14/09|date=2009-06-14|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=2010-01-27}} Ibushi was a participant in Pro Wrestling Noah's NTV Cup with tag team partner Atsushi Aoki and advanced to the finals before losing to Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Kotaro Suzuki.{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=1&nr=41785|title=NOAH Summer Navigation 2009 – Tag 9|publisher=Cagematch|access-date=2010-01-27}}

File:Kota Ibushi 2011.JPG to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]]

On June 1, 2010, Ibushi entered his second Best of the Super Juniors tournament. After winning his block with six victories out of seven matches, Ibushi defeated Ryusuke Taguchi to advance to the semifinals of the tournament, where he was once again defeated by Prince Devitt.{{cite web | url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1606 | title= (Results) New Japan 6/1/10 | date= 2010-06-01 | access-date= 2010-06-13 | publisher= Strong Style Spirit}}{{cite web | url= http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1641 | title= (Results) New Japan 6/12/10 | date= 2010-06-12 | access-date= 2010-06-13 | publisher= Strong Style Spirit | archive-date= March 12, 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040112/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1641 | url-status= dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1646|title=(Results) New Japan, 6/13/10|date=2010-06-13|access-date=2010-06-13|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|archive-date=March 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312040134/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=1646|url-status=dead}} On October 11, 2010, Ibushi returned to New Japan at Destruction '10 and teamed with his regular DDT partner Kenny Omega to defeat Apollo 55 (Prince Devitt and Ryusuke Taguchi) for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, after Ibushi pinned Devitt.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2154|title=(Results) New Japan, 10/11/10|work=Strong Style Spirit|date=2010-10-11|access-date=2010-10-11|archive-date=October 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101014184056/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2154|url-status=dead}} As a result of the pinfall victory, Ibushi was granted a shot at Devitt's IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at New Japan's biggest event of the year, Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=4830|title=豪華絢爛な全13試合！ 1月4日「レッスルキングダムV in 東京ドーム」対戦カード決定！|date=2010-12-14|access-date=2010-12-23|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2455|title=Full 1/4 Tokyo Dome card announced, plus 12/23 lineup!|date=2010-12-14|access-date=2010-12-23|work=Strong Style Spirit}} At the event Ibushi was unsuccessful in his attempt to win the title.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=132|script-title=ja:レッスルキングダムV ｉｎ 東京ドーム|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=2011-01-04|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1294158810 |title=1/4 TNA-NJPW Results: Tokyo, Japan |last=Gerweck |first=Steve |date=2011-01-04 |access-date=2011-01-04 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107121731/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1294158810 |archive-date=2011-01-07 }} On January 23 at Fantastica Mania 2011, a New Japan and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre co–promoted event in Tokyo, Ibushi and Omega lost the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship back to Devitt and Taguchi.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=134|title=NJPW Presents CMLL Fantastica Mania 2011|date=2011-01-23|access-date=2011-01-23|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2525|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907101533/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2525|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 7, 2012|title=(Results) New Japan x CMLL, 1/23/11|date=2011-01-23|access-date=2011-01-23|work=Strong Style Spirit}} On May 26, Ibushi entered New Japan's 2011 Best of the Super Juniors tournament. After losing his first two-round robin stage matches, Ibushi came back with a six match win streak to finish first in his block and advance to the semifinals of the tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2894|title=(Results) New Japan, 6/8/11|date=2011-06-08|work=Strong Style Spirit|access-date=2011-06-08|archive-date=September 7, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907145645/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2894|url-status=dead}} On June 10, Ibushi first defeated Davey Richards in the semifinals and then Ryusuke Taguchi in the finals to win the 2011 Best of the Super Juniors tournament and earn a shot at Prince Devitt's IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web | url= http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=229 | title= Best of the Super Jr.XVIII ~ Bring it on! ~ | access-date= 2011-06-10 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja}} On June 18 at Dominion 6.18, Ibushi defeated Prince Devitt to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship for the first time.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=230|title=Dominion 6.18|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=2011-06-18|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_50865.shtml|title=NJPW News: Results from Dominion PPV Saturday – MVP's first IWGP IC Title defense, TNA wrestler appears, key title change|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2011-06-18|access-date=2011-06-19|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Ibushi made his first defense of the title on July 24, defeating Devitt in a rematch at Ryōgoku Peter Pan 2011, and his second on August 1, defeating Devitt's tag team partner Ryusuke Taguchi.{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=3023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214184858/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=3023|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 14, 2022|title=Ibushi retains IWGP Jr. over Devitt in DDT|date=2011-07-24|access-date=2011-07-24|work=Strong Style Spirit}}{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=313|title=ブシロード Presents G1 Climax XXI ～The Invincible Fighter～|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=2011-08-01|language=ja}} Ibushi then attempted to repeat Devitt's feat of holding both of New Japan's Junior Heavyweight Championships simultaneously, but on August 14, the Golden☆Lovers failed in their attempt to regain the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship from Apollo 55.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=322|title=ブシロード Presents G1 Climax XXI ～The Invincible Fighter～|date=2011-08-14|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=2011-08-14|language=ja}} On September 12, Ibushi was stripped of both the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and the KO-D Tag Team Championship, after he was sidelined with a dislocated left shoulder.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=6319|title=9.19神戸大会全カード決定! 飯伏が負傷欠場、デヴィvsKUSHIDAで"新王者"決定戦！金本vs魔界28号は星野勘太郎メモリアルマッチ!!|date=2011-09-12|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=2011-09-12|language=ja}}

Ibushi returned to New Japan on June 16 at Dominion 6.16, when he, Daisuke Sasaki and Kenny Omega defeated Bushi, Kushida and Prince Devitt in a six-man tag team match. Later in the event, Ibushi challenged Low Ki to a match for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=584|title=Dominion 6.16|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=2012-06-16|language=ja}} On July 29, Ibushi defeated Low Ki to also win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship for the second time.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=596|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Last Rebellion|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=2012-07-29|language=ja}} Ibushi made his first successful title defense on September 7, defeating Kushida.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=609|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Road to Destruction|access-date=2012-09-07|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} Ibushi followed up by also successfully defending the title against Ryusuke Taguchi on September 23 at Destruction.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=617|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Destruction|access-date=2012-09-23|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_65449.shtml | title = Japan results – Nash & Muta, IWGP Title defense, Low Ki, more | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=2012-09-24 | access-date=2012-09-24 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On October 8 at King of Pro-Wrestling, Ibushi lost the title back to Low Ki.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=619|title=NJPW 40ｔｈ anniversary King of Pro-Wrestling|access-date=2012-10-08|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014185115/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=619|archive-date=2012-10-14}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_65783.shtml|title=Japan News: TNA stars drop Tag Titles, former WWE stars win Tag Titles, Low-Ki recaptures title, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2012-10-08|access-date=2012-10-08|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On January 4, 2013, at Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome, Ibushi unsuccessfully challenged Prince Devitt for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship in a three-way match, which also included Low Ki.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=657|title=Wrestle Kingdom 7 ～Evolution～ in 東京ドーム|access-date=2013-01-04|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_67650.shtml|title=Show Results – 1/4 New Japan Tokyo Dome Show: Former WWE stars in undercard matches, Tanahashi vs. Okada, did any titles change hands?|date=2013-01-04|access-date=2013-01-04|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On July 5, Ibushi was announced as a surprise participant in the 2013 G1 Climax.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9857 |title=『G1 Climax 22』出場メンバー発表!! 飯伏幸太、石井智宏が初出場!! 柴田勝頼が9年ぶりエントリー!! |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |date=2013-07-05 |access-date=2013-07-28 |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706145439/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9857 |archive-date=2013-07-06 }} He increased his weight from {{convert|84|kg|lb|abbr=on}} to {{convert|88|kg|lb|abbr=on}} to prepare himself for the heavyweight-level tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/159884/|script-title=ja:Ｇ１出場選手発表 飯伏"宝刀"解禁だ|date=2013-07-06|access-date=2013-07-07|work=Tokyo Sports|language=ja|archive-date=July 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707212110/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/159884/|url-status=dead}} Ibushi finished the tournament with four wins and five losses, failing to advance from his block.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=746|title=ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23|access-date=2013-08-10|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}

File:Kota Ibushi 2015.jpg

On October 7, 2013, Ibushi, along with Naoki Sugabayashi and Sanshiro Takagi, representatives of both DDT and New Japan, held a press conference to announce that he had signed a dual contract with both promotions; three years with DDT and one year with New Japan, making him the first wrestler to have such a contract and officially have two home promotions.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=10391|title=飯伏幸太選手が、史上初のDDT＆新日本プロレス "2団体所属選手"に!! 10月14日両国大会で所属初試合!!（会見全文アップ!!）|date=2013-10-07|access-date=2013-10-07|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} Ibushi wrestled his first match under a New Japan contract on October 14 at King of Pro-Wrestling, where he, Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma were defeated in a six-man tag team match by Bullet Club (Prince Devitt, Bad Luck Fale and Karl Anderson).{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=762|title=King of Pro-Wrestling|access-date=2013-10-14|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} Returning to the junior heavyweight division, Ibushi then began chasing Devitt for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://battle-news.com/battle/2013/11/002018.php|title=大荒れだった決勝戦を制し、ヤングバックスがJr.タッグトーナメント優勝！飯伏がIWGPジュニアに挑戦表明！中邑と鈴木はさらにたぎる！|date=2013-11-07|access-date=2013-11-06|work=Battle News|language=ja}} On January 4, 2014, at Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome, Ibushi defeated Devitt to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship for the third time.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=781|title=バディファイトPresents Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 東京ドーム|access-date=2014-01-04|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} Ibushi made his first successful title defense against El Desperado on February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=811 |title=The New Beginning in Osaka |access-date=2014-02-11 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222022825/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=811 |archive-date=2014-02-22 }} On March 6, Ibushi main evented New Japan's 42nd anniversary event, losing to Kazuchika Okada in the annual non-title match between the IWGP Junior Heavyweight and IWGP Heavyweight champions.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=812|script-title=ja:旗揚げ記念日|access-date=2014-03-06|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} On April 3, Ibushi made his second successful defense of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against Nick Jackson.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=826|title=Road to Invasion Attack 2014|access-date=2014-04-03|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} Three days later at Invasion Attack 2014, Ibushi and El Desperado unsuccessfully challenged Nick and his brother Matt, The Young Bucks, for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=827|title=Invasion Attack 2014|access-date=2014-04-06|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} Ibushi's third defense of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship took place on May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2014, where he defeated Ryusuke Taguchi.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=838 |script-title=ja:レスリングどんたく 2014 |access-date=2014-05-03 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508074949/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=838 |archive-date=2014-05-08 }} On May 25 at Back to the Yokohama Arena, Ibushi unsuccessfully challenged Tomohiro Ishii for the NEVER Openweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=842|title=Back to the Yokohama Arena|access-date=2014-05-25|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_78619.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW iPPV results 5/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live show featuring Styles vs. Okada for IWGP World Title, MOTY Contender, NWA Tag Titles, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2014-05-25|access-date=2014-05-25|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On June 21 at Dominion 6.21, Ibushi successfully defended the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against the winner of the 2014 Best of the Super Juniors, Ricochet.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=853 |title=Dominion 6.21 |access-date=2014-06-21 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624013755/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=853 |archive-date=2014-06-24 }} On July 4, Ibushi lost the title to Kushida in his fifth defense.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=856|title=Kizuna Road 2014|access-date=2014-07-04|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} During the match, Ibushi suffered a concussion, which forced him to pull out of the 2014 G1 Climax.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12012|title=【G124】【お詫びとお知らせ】飯伏幸太選手が『G1 Climax 24』を全戦欠場|date=2014-07-18|access-date=2014-07-18|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}

On October 3, it was announced that Ibushi, now billed as a permanent heavyweight wrestler, had signed a one-year extension to his NJPW contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12473 |title=「新日本に100パーセント集中したい」ケニー・オメガが10月でDDTとの契約終了、"主戦場"を新日本プロレスへ！【会見全文】 |date=2014-10-03 |access-date=2014-10-03 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006072117/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=12473 |archive-date=2014-10-06 }}

Ibushi would make his return after the G1 and at Power Struggle on November 8, attacked Shinsuke Nakamura after his match, issuing a challenge for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=898 |title=Power Struggle |access-date=2014-12-12 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111183551/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=898 |archive-date=2014-11-11 }} Ibushi received his shot at the title on January 4, 2015, at Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome, but was defeated by Nakamura.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=902 |title=Wrestle Kingdom 9 in 東京ドーム |access-date=2015-01-04 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104154549/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=902 |archive-date=2015-01-04 }}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_82579.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome show results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Wrestle Kingdom PPV – Tanahashi vs. Okada, Bullet Club, Nakamura, Jim Ross, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2015-01-04|access-date=2015-01-04|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On March 5, Ibushi entered the 2015 New Japan Cup, defeating IWGP Tag Team Champion Doc Gallows in his first round match.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=947|title=New Japan Cup 2015|access-date=2015-03-15|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} After defeating Toru Yano in the second round on March 8,{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=944|title=New Japan Cup 2015|access-date=2015-03-15|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} Ibushi first defeated Tetsuya Naito in the semifinals and then Hirooki Goto in the finals on March 15 to win the tournament and earn the right to challenge for the singles heavyweight title of his choosing. Following the final match, Ibushi announced he had decided to challenge A.J. Styles for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=948|title=New Japan Cup 2015|access-date=2015-03-15|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} The match took place on April 5 at Invasion Attack 2015 and saw Styles retain his title.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=956 |title=Invasion Attack 2015 |access-date=2015-04-05 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409000342/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=956 |archive-date=2015-04-09 }}{{cite web | url = http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_84294.shtml|title=Show results – 4/5 NJPW "Invasion Attack" in Tokyo, Japan: A.J. Styles defends IWGP World Title in main event, ROH tag teams win both Tag Titles, Bullet Club in action, more|date=2015-04-05|access-date=2015-04-05|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} From July 20 to August 14, Ibushi took part in the 2015 G1 Climax.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/80-features-and-tv-reviews/43611-the-big-audio-nightmares-guide-to-the-annual-new-japan-g1-climax|title=The Big Audio Nightmare's Guide to the annual New Japan G1 Climax|last=Sempervive|first=Mike|date=2015-07-18|access-date=2015-08-14|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} He failed to advance from his block with a record of four wins and five losses, scoring big wins over former IWGP Heavyweight Champion A.J. Styles and reigning NEVER Openweight Champion Togi Makabe.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_86486.shtml|title=NJPW G1 Climax Night 5 results 7/26: Tanahashi vs. Naito main event, A.J. Styles vs. Ibushi, Bullet Club vs. Bullet Club, more|date=2015-07-26|access-date=2015-08-14|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1010|title=バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 25|access-date=2015-08-14|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} As a result, Ibushi received a shot at the NEVER Openweight Championship on September 23 at Destruction in Okayama, but was defeated by Makabe.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1036|title=Destruction in Okayama|access-date=2015-09-23|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} On November 2, NJPW announced that Ibushi was sidelined indefinitely due to cervical disc herniation.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=15172|title=飯伏幸太が頸椎椎間板ヘルニアで無期限の長期欠場へ。復帰時期は未定。11.7大阪『Power Struggle』も欠場へ|date=2015-11-02|access-date=2015-11-02|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} In February 2016, Ibushi announced his resignation from NJPW.

On February 21, 2016, Ibushi announced that while he had been cleared to return to the ring from his herniated cervical disc, he had decided to resign from both DDT and NJPW and continue his career as a freelancer due to feeling he could not handle the burden of working two schedules. As a freelancer, he is billed as a representative of Ibushi Puroresu Kenkyujo ("Ibushi Pro Wrestling Research Institute").{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/02/21/big-japan-news-ibushi-ending-njpw-ddt-run-despite-healthy-plans-start-school/|title=Big Japan News – Ibushi ending NJPW & DDT run despite being healthy again, plans to start school|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=2016-02-21|access-date=2016-02-22|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} He wrestled his return match and his first match as a freelancer at DDT's 19th anniversary event on March 21, where he and Gota Ihashi defeated Jun Kasai and Sanshiro Takagi, and Kenso and Michael Nakazawa in a three-way tag team match.{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/35793/|script-title=ja:Judgement2016～DDT旗揚げ19周年記念大会～|access-date=2016-03-21|work=DDT Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} In April, Ibushi returned to the United States to take part in events held by Evolve and Kaiju Big Battel, while also appearing in the audience at WWE's NXT TakeOver: Dallas event.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/04/01/radicans-evolve-58-ippv-review-sabre-vs-ospreay-classic-thatcher-vs-riddle-evolve-title-overall-review/|title=Radican's Evolve 58 iPPV Review – Sabre vs. Ospreay classic, Thatcher vs. Riddle for Evolve Title, Overall Review|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=2016-04-01|access-date=2016-04-02|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/dave-meltzers-wwe-wrestlemania-diary-takeover-fallout-roh-sami-zayn-210376|title=Dave Meltzer's WWE WrestleMania Diary: TakeOver fallout, ROH, Sami Zayn|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=2016-04-02|access-date=2016-04-02|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} On May 29, Ibushi made his debut for Inoki Genome Federation (IGF), defeating Tanomusaku Toba.{{cite web|url=http://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2016/05/30/0009133289.shtml|script-title=ja:飯伏デビュー星飾った 打撃戦制す！|date=2016-05-30|access-date=2016-05-30|work=Daily Sports Online|publisher=Kobe Shimbun|language=ja}} On August 11, Ibushi made his debut for Wrestle-1, defeating Jiro Kuroshio.{{cite web | url = http://www.w-1.co.jp/schedule/tour.php?id=1601 | script-title=ja:「プロレスLove in Yokohama」 | date=2016-08-11 | access-date=2016-08-11 | work=Wrestle-1 | language=ja}}

On June 13, 2016, Ibushi was announced as a participant in WWE's Cruiserweight Classic tournament.{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/06/13/32-wrestlers-announced-wwes-cruiserweight-tournament/ | title = All 32 wrestlers announced for WWE's cruiserweight tournament | last=Caldwell | first=James | date=2016-06-13 | access-date=2016-06-13 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} The tournament kicked off on June 23 with Ibushi defeating Sean Maluta in his first round match.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-cruiserweight-classic-round-one-spoilers-sabre-jr-swann-gargano-ibushi-more-215211|title=WWE Cruiserweight Classic round one spoilers: Sabre Jr, Swann, Gargano, Ibushi, more!|last=Williams|first=JJ|date=2016-06-23|access-date=2016-06-24|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} On July 13, Ibushi made his NXT in-ring debut, defeating Buddy Murphy at the NXT tapings.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/former-njpw-star-makes-nxt-debut-tv-tapings-216401|title=Former NJPW star makes NXT debut at TV tapings|last=Currier|first=Joseph|date=2016-07-13|access-date=2016-07-14|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} The following day, Ibushi defeated Cedric Alexander in his second round match in the Cruiserweight Classic in a critically acclaimed match.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-cruiserweight-classic-round-two-spoilers-216501|title=WWE Cruiserweight Classic round two spoilers |last=Williams|first=JJ|date=2016-07-14|access-date=2016-07-14|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} On July 15, Pro Wrestling Torch reported that Ibushi had signed a developmental contract with WWE.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/15/pwtorch-report-ibushi-metalik-sign-deals-wwe-several-cruiserweight-tourney-stars-wwes-radar/|title=PWTorch Report – Ibushi & Metalik agree to deals with WWE, several other Cruiserweight tourney stars on WWE's radar|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|last2=Radican|first2=Sean|date=2016-07-15|access-date=2016-07-16|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} In an interview published July 25, Ibushi admitted he had been offered a contract, but denied having signed it.{{cite web|url=http://ddnavi.com/news/312866/a/|script-title=ja:プロレスの原点は3歳で犯した万引き？WWE入団の噂は本当？女性ファンがショックを受けた、飯伏幸太の"トンデモ"半生【インタビュー】|date=2016-07-25|access-date=2016-08-01|work=DDNavi|language=ja}} On August 26, Ibushi defeated Brian Kendrick to advance to the semifinals of the Cruiserweight Classic.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/26/826-wwe-cruiserweight-spoilers-full-taping-results-elite-8-round-d-bryan-involvement/|title=8/26 WWE Cruiserweight spoilers – Full taping results from the Elite 8 Round and D-Bryan involvement|date=2016-08-26|access-date=2016-08-27|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On September 14, Ibushi was eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals by eventual winner T. J. Perkins.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-cwc-finals-results-winner-crowned-220856|title=WWE CWC finals results: A winner is crowned|last=Rose|first=Bryan|date=2016-09-14|access-date=2016-09-14|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} Afterwards, Pro Wrestling Torch went back on their earlier report and stated that Ibushi had not agreed to a WWE contract beyond the tournament, which was a factor in him losing the semifinal match.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/15/inside-wwe-cruiserweight-finals-match-results-occurred-final-four-championship-match/|title=Inside the WWE Cruiserweight Finals – why the match results occurred in the Final Four & Championship match|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|last2=Radican|first2=Sean|date=2016-09-15|access-date=2016-09-15|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On September 29, WWE announced that Ibushi would be teaming up with NXT's Hideo Itami in the upcoming Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/hideo-itami-teaming-kota-ibushi-2016-dusty-classic-221781|title=Hideo Itami teaming with Kota Ibushi in the 2016 Dusty Classic|last1=Currier|first1=Joseph|last2=Meltzer|first2=Dave|author-link2=Dave Meltzer|date=2016-09-29|access-date=2016-09-29|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} When Itami was injured, Ibushi was paired up with T. J. Perkins. The two entered the tournament on October 13, defeating Lince Dorado and Mustafa Ali in their first round match. Later that same day, they were eliminated from the tournament in the second round by Sanity (Alexander Wolfe and Sawyer Fulton).{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/nxt-tv-taping-spoilers-dusty-classic-continues-joe-nakamura-222701|title=NXT TV taping spoilers: The Dusty Classic continues, Joe & Nakamura|last=Williams|first=JJ|date=2016-10-13|access-date=2016-10-14|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}

Image:Kota Ibushi as Tiger Mask W in January 2017 (cropped).jpg

On October 10, 2016, Ibushi returned to NJPW, taking part in a dark match prior to the King of Pro-Wrestling event. Ibushi wrestled the match as the masked character "Tiger Mask W", based on the anime series of the same name, defeating Red Death Mask.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/10/kota-ibushis-self-declared-free-agency-takes-strange-twist-debuts-tiger-mask-w-new-japan-entering-dusty-classic-wradicans-analysis/|title=Kota Ibushi's self-declared free agency takes a strange twist as he debuts as Tiger Mask W in New Japan after entering Dusty Classic (w/Radican's Analysis)|last=Radican|first=Sean|date=2016-10-10|access-date=2016-10-10|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} The following day, NJPW announced that Tiger Mask W would return to the promotion in January 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=17541|title=1月4日（水）東京ドームにもタイガーマスクWが参戦決定! 1月3日（火）はディファ有明で『新春プロレス祭り』! 1月5日（木）は後楽園大会！【WK11】|date=2016-10-11|access-date=2016-10-11|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} Tiger Mask W returned on January 4, 2017, defeating Tiger the Dark at Wrestle Kingdom 11 in Tokyo Dome.{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-11-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-kenny-omega-227626 | title = NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega | last1=Rose | first1=Bryan | last2=Currier | first2=Joseph | date=2017-01-03 | access-date=2017-01-04 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} On February 5, after successfully defending the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Minoru Suzuki, Kazuchika Okada brought up Tiger Mask W as his next possible opponent,{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/648448/|title=【新日本】オカダ激闘４０分超 アモーレに捧げるＩＷＧＰ王座Ｖ３|date=2017-02-06|access-date=2017-03-02|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|archive-date=February 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207040927/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/648448/|url-status=dead}} leading to a program between the two heading into NJPW's 45th anniversary show. On March 1, Tiger Mask W teamed with Tiger Mask to defeat Okada and Gedo in a tag team match.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/new-japan-road-results-tiger-mask-tiger-mask-w-vs-okada-gedo-230946|title=New Japan Road results: Tiger Mask & Tiger Mask W vs. Okada & Gedo|last=Rose|first=Bryan|date=2017-03-01|access-date=2017-03-02|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} On March 6 at the 45th anniversary show, Tiger Mask W was defeated by Okada in a non-title main event.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-45th-anniversary-show-live-results-okada-vs-tiger-mask-w-231266|title=NJPW 45th Anniversary show live results: Okada vs. Tiger Mask W|last=Rose|first=Bryan|date=2017-03-06|access-date=2017-03-06|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}

On June 20, NJPW announced Ibushi, under his real name, as a participant in the 2017 G1 Climax. NJPW billed this as Ibushi's return to the company after two and a half years, not acknowledging his stint as Tiger Mask W.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/102239|script-title=ja:【『G1 Climax 27』出場メンバーが決定！】あの"飯伏幸太"が電撃参戦！ ザック・セイバーJr.が初出場！ 鈴木みのるが3年ぶりにエントリー!!|date=2017-06-20|access-date=2017-06-20|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} Ibushi finished the tournament on August 11 with a record of five wins and four losses, failing to advance from his block.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/92083?showResult=1|script-title=ja:ローソンチケット Presents G1 Climax 27|access-date=2017-08-11|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} On November 5 at Power Struggle, Ibushi unsuccessfully challenged Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-power-struggle-live-results-hiroshi-tanahashi-vs-kota-ibushi-245736 | title = NJPW Power Struggle live results: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date=2017-11-05 | access-date=2017-11-05 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} On January 4, 2018, Ibushi defeated Cody at Wrestle Kingdom 12. It had been previously billed as a title match for Cody's ROH World Championship, but Cody lost it to Dalton Castle, before he had the chance to defend it at Wrestle Kingdom 12.{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-12-live-results-okada-naito-omega-jericho-249171 | title = NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 live results: Okada-Naito, Omega-Jericho | last1=Renner | first1=Ethan | last2=Currier | first2=Joseph | date=January 3, 2018 | access-date=January 4, 2018 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} At New Year Dash!! 2018, Ibushi was attacked by Cody after losing a match to Bullet Club, but leader Kenny Omega stopped him from doing so.{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-new-years-dash-results-jericho-appears-bullet-club-friction-249351 | title = NJPW NEW YEAR'S DASH RESULTS: JERICHO APPEARS, BULLET CLUB FRICTION | last1=St'Denis | first1=Brian | date=January 6, 2018 | access-date=July 24, 2018 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} At The New Beginning in Sapporo, Ibushi returned the favor, saving Omega, who was involved in an altercation with other Bullet Club members Cody and Hangman Page. In doing so, they reunited the Golden☆Lovers tag-team for the first time since 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-new-beginning-sapporo-night-two-live-results-omega-white-250651|title=NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo Live Results: Omega-White|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|date=2018-01-27|access-date=2018-03-26|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}

On night two of Honor Rising, the Golden☆Lovers won their return match as a team against Cody and Marty Scurll. After the match, Ibushi and Omega were confronted by the Young Bucks and challenged to a match at Strong Style Evolved on March 25.{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-roh-honor-rising-night-two-results-omega-ibushi-vs-cody-scurll-252296|title=NJPW-ROH Honor Rising Night Two Results: Omega-Ibushi vs Cody-Scurll|last=Rose|first=Brian|date=2018-02-24|access-date=2018-03-26|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} At the event, the Golden☆Lovers defeated the Young Bucks. Although Ibushi would later become a regular in Bullet Club tag matches during the Road to Wrestling Dontaku tour in April and May 2018, he was not considered a member of the faction. On June 9 at Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall, Ibushi was in Omega's corner, as he defeated Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. After the match, Ibushi, Omega and the Young Bucks all embraced in the ring, and formed a new sub-group called The Golden☆Elite.{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-dominion-live-results-okada-vs-omega-naito-vs-jericho-259306 | title = NJPW DOMINION LIVE RESULTS: OKADA VS. OMEGA, NAITO VS. JERICHO | last1=Renner | first1=Ethan | date=June 9, 2018 | access-date=July 24, 2018 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}

Ibushi then participated in the 2018 G1 Climax, finishing with a record of 6 wins and 3 losses, tied for top of his block. He proceeded to the finals due to a victory in his final block match against IWGP Heavyweight Champion and Golden☆Lovers partner Kenny Omega. This would make Ibushi the first professional wrestler to proceed to the final of the New Japan Cup, Best of the Super Juniors and the G1 Climax. However, he lost the final to Hiroshi Tanahashi. On December 9, Ibushi defeated Hirooki Goto for the NEVER Openweight Championship, but lost it one month later against Will Ospreay at Wrestle Kingdom 13.

On February 11, 2019, Ibushi announced that he was staying in New Japan. He also said, that he will be first competitor in 2019 New Japan Cup. This came after speculation he was going to follow Omega to American promotion All Elite Wrestling.{{Cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/kota-ibushi-staying-njpw/|title = 411Mania}} Since this announcement he has wrestled exclusively in NJPW.{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/kota-ibushi-3893.html?res=250 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230303220855/http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/kota-ibushi-3893.html?res=250 |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |title=Kota Ibushi Profile & Match Listing |work=The Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=March 3, 2023}} It was later revealed to be a two-year deal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/confirmed-wrestling-contract-expirations-wwe-njpw-roh-gfw-lu|title = Wrestling Contract Expiration Dates: WWE, AEW, NJPW, ROH, IMPACT | Fightful News}} In the first round of the New Japan Cup on March 10, he defeated Tetsuya Naito to advance to the next round but lose to Zack Sabre Jr in the second round. Due to defeating Naito, he was granted an IWGP Intercontinental Championship match against Naito at April 2019's G1 Supercard. Ibushi successfully defeated Naito and became the IWGP Intercontinental Champion for the first time in his career.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=4/6 ROH and NJPW G1 Supercard results: Powell's live review of Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Hvt. Championship, Jay Lethal vs. Matt Taven vs. Marty Scurll in a three-way ladder match for the ROH Title, Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, and more|date=April 6, 2019|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/06/4-6-roh-and-njpw-g1-supercard-results-powells-live-review-of-jay-white-vs-kazuchika-okada-for-the-iwgp-hvt-championship-jay-lethal-vs-matt-taven-vs-marty-scurll-in-a-three-way-ladder-match-for/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 6, 2019}}

At Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall, Ibushi lost the IWGP Intercontinental Championship back to Naito.{{cite web |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/46521?showResult=1 |title=DOMINION 6.9 in OSAKA-JO HALL |publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |access-date=June 9, 2019}} Ibushi went on to compete in the 2019 G1 Climax winning the A block, finishing with 14 points, defeating Lance Archer, Bad Luck Fale, Will Ospreay, Zack Sabre Jr, Sanada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada. His only two losses came to KENTA at G1 Climax in Dallas and to Evil.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/kota-ibushi-defeats-kazuchika-okada-win-block-njpw-g1-climax-29|title = Kota Ibushi Defeats Kazuchika Okada to Win a Block of NJPW G1 Climax 29 | Fightful News}} He went on the defeat the winner of the B Block, Jay White, in the finals to win the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/47818?showResult=1|title=2019.08.12 G1 Climax Night 19 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=August 12, 2019}} This made Ibushi the first wrestler to win the G1 Climax, the New Japan Cup and the Best of the Super Jrs, the three main singles tournament in NJPW, in their career. He received his G1 Climax title shot on Night 1 of Wrestle Kingdom 14, where he was defeated by Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, before losing to White in a singles match on Night 2.{{cite web |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/58009 |title=Could Ibushi get all the gold? The G1 winner makes a proposal for WK14! 【G129】 |publisher=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |date=August 13, 2019 |website=NJPW1972.com |access-date=August 14, 2019 |quote=... Sugabayashi then signed the contract Kota Ibushi earned as G1 Climax winner, a guarantee of an IWGP Heavyweight Championship match on January 4, 2019 in the main event of night one of Wrestle Kingdom 14 in the Tokyo Dome. ...'}}[http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/njpw-confirms-major-title-matches-wk-14-2020 NJPW confirms major title matches at Wrestle Kingdom 14 - 411 Mania.com][http://www.fightful.com/wrestling/double-gold-dash-tanahashi-vs-jericho-ospreay-vs-hiromu-more-official-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-14 Double Gold Dash and more official for Wrestle Kingdom 14 - Fightful.com]

On February 21, 2020, on the New Japan Road event, Ibushi and Hiroshi Tanahashi, dubbing themselves Golden☆Ace, defeated the Guerrillas of Destiny to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship, Ibushi's first time winning the title and first tag team title win in NJPW since 2010. In June, Ibushi entered the New Japan Cup, where he defeated Zack Sabre Jr in the first round, before losing to Taichi in the second round. On July 12, at Dominion, Ibushi and Tanahashi lost their IWGP Tag Team Championships to Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr. On September 19, Ibushi entered G1 Climax 30, where he scored his first win in A Block against Kazuchika Okada. He only lost two matches during the whole tournament, against Shingo Takagi and the man he beat to win the previous year's G1, Jay White. On October 18, Ibushi won the tournament by defeating B Block winner, Sanada.

On November 7, 2020, at Power Struggle, Ibushi became the first man to unsuccessfully defend the Tokyo Dome IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships challenge rights certificate, by losing the briefcase to White.{{Cite web|last=NJPW|title=2020.11.07 POWER STRUGGLE {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/80450?showResult=1|access-date=2020-11-07|website=NJPW|language=en}} Even though he had lost the right to challenge at the Tokyo Dome, Tetsuya Naito allowed him to challenge on 4 January, as Jay White had declared he'd be taking that night off.{{Cite web|last=NJPW|title=Three matches set for January 4 & 5 at Wrestle Kingdom 【WK15】 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/84605|access-date=2021-01-05|website=NJPW|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=NJPW|title=New matches added to Wrestle Kingdom 15 night 1! 【WK15】 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/87195|access-date=2021-01-05|website=NJPW|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2020-12-22|title=Full cards revealed for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/new-japan-news/full-cards-revealed-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-15-328361|access-date=2021-01-05|website=WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results|language=en}}

On January 4, 2021, at Wrestle Kingdom 15, Ibushi pinned Tetsuya Naito in the main event to win the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships, becoming only the third man to win the IWGP Heavyweight and Junior Heavyweight Championships in history (the first two being Nobuhiko Takada and former Golden Lovers tag team partner Kenny Omega).{{Cite news|date=2021-01-04|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 (Night One) Results|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/01/new-japan-pro-wrestling-presents-wrestle-kingdom-15-night-678660/|access-date=2021-01-06|website=Wrestling Inc.|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Konuwa|first=Alfred|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 Results: Winners, News And Notes On January 4, 2021|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2021/01/04/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-15-results-winners-news-and-notes-on-january-4-2021/|access-date=2021-01-06|website=Forbes|language=en}} He went on to successfully defend both titles against Jay White the following night on Wrestle Kingdom 15 Night 2.{{Cite web|last=III (SP3)|first=Sidney Pullar|date=2021-01-05|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 Day 2 Results - Ibushi/White put on an all time classic|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-15-day-2-results-ibushi-white-put-time-classic|access-date=2021-01-06|website=www.sportskeeda.com|language=en-us}} Ibushi would later declare his intentions to unify the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships.{{Cite web|last=NJPW|title=Kota Ibushi retains in classic; promises to unify IWGP titles 【WK15】 {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/88635|access-date=2021-01-06|website=NJPW|language=en}}

After several months of Ibushi claiming that he wanted to unify his Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles into one, NJPW announced on March 1, 2021, that the championships would officially be unified into the new IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at the NJPW 49th Anniversary Show on March 4, with the winner of Ibushi's match against El Desperado for the Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles being crowned the inaugural champion; at the event, Ibushi won the match, making him the final IWGP Heavyweight Champion, the final IWGP Intercontinental Champion, and the inaugural IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.{{Cite web|last=NJPW|title=2021.03.04 Anniversary Event {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/89104?showResult=1|access-date=2021-03-02|website=NJPW|language=en}} On April 4 at Sakura Genesis, Ibushi dropped the championship to 2021 New Japan Cup winner Will Ospreay in his first defense, ending his reign at 31 days.{{Cite web|title=Ibushi dethroned as Ospreay captures IWGP World heavyweight Championship|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/94565|work=NJPW|date=April 4, 2021|access-date=April 4, 2021}}{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=Will Ospreay Wins IWGP World Heavyweight Title At NJPW Sakura Genesis|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/iwgp-world-heavyweight-title-changes-hands-njpw-sakura-genesis|work=Fightful News|date=4 April 2021|access-date=4 April 2021}} Ibushi would go on to make his fourth consecutive G1 Climax final, but would lose to Kazuchika Okada after suffering an arm injury, causing a referee stoppage.{{Cite web|title=G1 ends in Heartbreak as Okada Wins due to Ibushi Injury|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/106614|work=NJPW|date=October 21, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2023}} On February 1, 2023, Ibushi's contract with NJPW expired, rendering him a free agent.

On the July 13, 2023, episode of Dynamite, Ibushi was announced as the mystery partner of The Elite in their Blood And Guts match against the Blackpool Combat Club, thus reuniting with Omega and reforming the Golden Lovers, now under the "Golden Elite" name (since Hangman Page and the Young Bucks are also competing). The team then won the match the following week.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Dynamite results (7/19): Powell's live review of Golden Elite vs. Blackpool Combat Club in a Blood & Guts match, MJF and Adam Cole vs. Daniel Garcia and Sammy Guevara in the Blind Eliminator tourney finals|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/07/19/aew-dynamite-results-7-19-powells-live-review-of-golden-elite-vs-blackpool-combat-club-in-a-blood-guts-match-mjf-and-adam-cole-vs-daniel-garcia-and-sammy-guevara-in-the-blind-eliminator-tour/|date=July 19, 2023|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=July 19, 2023}} On November 15, he signed a contract with the promotion.{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/kota-ibushi-gives-update-on-aew-contract-status | title=Kota Ibushi gives update on AEW contract status | date=October 13, 2023 }}

Ibushi once again teamed with Omega and Page to face Konosuke Takeshita and Bullet Club Gold (Jay White and Juice Robinson) at All In in a losing effort.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW All In results: Powell's live review of MJF vs. Adam Cole for the AEW World Championship, Will Ospreay vs. Chris Jericho, CM Punk vs. Samoa Joe for the Real World Title, Stadium Stampede|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/27/aew-all-in-results-powells-live-review-of-mjf-vs-adam-cole-for-the-aew-world-championship-will-ospreay-vs-chris-jericho-cm-punk-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-real-world-title-stadium-stampede/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 27, 2023|access-date=August 27, 2023}} He again wrestled at WrestleDream, teaming once again with Omega and with Chris Jericho in a losing effort against Takeshita, Sammy Guevara and Will Ospreay.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW WrestleDream results: Powell's live review of Darby Allin vs. Christian Cage in a best of three falls match for the TNT Title, Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Swerve Strickland vs. Hangman Page|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/01/aew-wrestledream-results-powells-live-review-of-darby-allin-vs-christian-cage-in-a-best-of-three-falls-match-for-the-tnt-title-bryan-danielson-vs-zack-sabre-jr-swerve-strickland-vs-hangman-pa/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 1, 2023|access-date=October 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002104751/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/01/aew-wrestledream-results-powells-live-review-of-darby-allin-vs-christian-cage-in-a-best-of-three-falls-match-for-the-tnt-title-bryan-danielson-vs-zack-sabre-jr-swerve-strickland-vs-hangman-pa/|archive-date=October 2, 2023|url-status=live}} On the November 15, 2023 episode of Dynamite Ibushi aided Chris Jericho, Omega, and Paul Wight in defeating The Don Callis Family (Powerhouse Hobbs, Konosuke Takeshita, and Kyle Fletcher) and Brian Cage in a street fight.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/11/15/aew-dynamite-results-11-15-powells-live-review-of-kenny-omega-chris-jericho-paul-wight-and-kota-ibushi-vs-brian-cage-powerhouse-hobbs-konosuke-takeshita-and-kyle-fletcher-in-a-street-fight/ |title=AEW Dynamite results (11/15): Powell’s live review of Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, Paul Wight, and Kota Ibushi vs. Brian Cage, Powerhouse Hobbs, Konosuke Takeshita, and Kyle Fletcher in a Street Fight |date=November 15, 2023 |last=Jason |first=Powell |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |access-date=January 26, 2025 }} As of January 2025, this was Ibushi's latest appearance in AEW, despite remaining signed to the company.

On November 2, 2023, at Noah the Best, Ibushi made his return to Pro Wrestling Noah after eleven years, confronting Naomichi Marufuji after his match, challenging him to a match at Noah The New Year. Marufuji accepted, stating that he was "waiting for him in the ring at Ariake Arena", before both shaking hands, with the match being billed as "Destiny". Afterwards, NOAH announced that the match would be the main event of NOAH The New Year. Afterwards, the announcement for the main event mixed reactions among fans, including criticism, mainly on social media, leading NOAH's Executive Officer Narihiro Takeda to reveal that he attributed them the main event, due to the popularity of both wrestlers over the GHC Heavyweight Championship match. At the event, on January 2, 2024, Ibushi faced Marufuji. Prior to the match, Ibushi had sustained a broken ankle but decided to work the match. During his entrance, Ibushi visibly struggled walking to the ring. In the match itself, Ibushi reportedly suffered injuries to both of his ankles which included the already injured left ankle, however, he managed to win the match. Afterwards, Ibushi was taken to a hospital by an ambulance. Shortly after, NOAH's Executive Officer appeared backstage to announce that Ibushi would not be making any post-match comments.{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/kota-ibushi-taken-to-hospital-after-noah-the-new-year-2024|title=Kota Ibushi taken to hospital after NOAH The New Year 2024 The 41-year-old is believed to have suffered injuries to both ankles.|work=f4wonline.com|first=Ian|last=Carey|date=January 2, 2024|access-date=January 2, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/noah-new-year-2024-results-12-kota-ibushi-naomichi-marufuji-kenoh-action|title=NOAH The New Year 2024 Results (1/2): Kota Ibushi, Naomichi Marufuji, Kenoh In Action|work=fightful.com|first=Jeremy|last=Lambert|date=January 2, 2024|access-date=January 2, 2024}}

On August 25, 2024 at Summer Vacation Memories, Ibushi made his return to DDT for the first time since 2016, where he teamed with Akito and Danshoku Dino in a losing effort to Burning (Tetsuya Endo, Yuki Iino, and Yuya Koroku). In November 2024, it was reported that Ibushi's DDT return was cut short due to "backstage issues".{{Cite web |last=Coder |first=Brie |date=2024-11-03 |title=Backstage Report On Issues Between AEW's Kota Ibushi & DDT |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1704136/backstage-report-issues-aew-kota-ibushi-ddt/ |access-date=2025-01-26 |website=Wrestling Inc. |language=en-US}}

Prior to the start of his professional wrestling career, Ibushi practiced karate, winning a shinkarate K-2 tournament in 2003. In 2006, Ibushi was planning on making his K-1 MAX debut, but it was cancelled after his opponent was injured. On November 11, 2014, Ibushi announced he would be making his shoot boxing debut in an exhibition match on November 30.{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/332651/|script-title=ja:飯伏がシュートボクシング初参戦|date=2014-11-12|access-date=2014-11-12|work=Tokyo Sports|language=ja}} The match with Ibushi's fellow DDT wrestler Michael Nakazawa ended in a draw.{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/340046/|script-title=ja:飯伏がシュートボクシングのマットでまさかの空中殺法|date=2014-12-01|access-date=2014-12-01|work=Tokyo Sports|language=ja}}

• CBS Sports
• NJPW Wrestler of the Year (2018){{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/the-man-comes-around-becky-lynch-breaks-out-for-wwe-as-the-2018-wrestler-of-the-year/|title=The Man comes around: Becky Lynch breaks out for WWE as the 2018 Wrestler of the Year|last=Silverstein|first=Adam|date=December 26, 2018|work=CBS Sports}}
• Chikara
• Rey de Voladores (2009){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1205|title=Rey de Voladores (2009)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 29, 2009|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
• Dramatic Dream Team / DDT Pro-Wrestling
• IMGP World Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/misc/ddt/profiles/kotaibushi.php|title=Profile at Purolove|publisher=Purolove.com|access-date=2009-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219230855/http://www.purolove.com/misc/ddt/profiles/kotaibushi.php|archive-date=2012-02-19|url-status=dead}}
• Independent World Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=221|title=Independent World Junior Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 26, 2007|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
• Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship (3 times){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=4380|title=Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 31, 2007|access-date=January 21, 2021}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/ironman-hm.html|title=DDT Ironman Heavymetalweight Title|publisher=Wrestling Titles|access-date=2009-12-08}}
• KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship (2 times){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1903|title=KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=May 26, 2013|access-date=January 21, 2021}} – with Gota Ihashi and Kenny Omega (1), and Daisuke Sasaki and Kenny Omega (1)
• KO-D Openweight Championship (3 times){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=739|title=KO-D Openweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 23, 2009|access-date=January 21, 2021}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4588&page=11|title=Cagematch title history|work=Cagematch|access-date=2009-12-08}}
• KO-D Tag Team Championship (5 times) – with Daichi Kakimoto (1), Kenny Omega (2), Danshoku Dino (1) and Daisuke Sasaki (1){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=740|title=KO-D Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 23, 2005|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
• Go-1 Climax (2014){{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/8533/|title=【オールナイト興行第2部リポート】大熱戦のアームレスリングトーナメント「Go-1 Climax」を優勝したのは飯伏！ 最後はみんなでハルク・ホーガン体操!! いつどこ権が高梨から平田に移動|date=2014-03-30|access-date=2014-03-30|work=DDT Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}
• KO-D Openweight Championship Contendership Tournament (2009){{cite web|url=https://dramaticddt.wordpress.com/ddt-title-history/king-of-ddt-history/|title=King Of DDT History|access-date=2019-12-18|work=Dramatic DDT|date=May 22, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1294|title=King Of DDT (2009)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 10, 2009|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
• KO-D Tag League (2005) – with Daichi Kakimoto{{cite web | url=http://www.purolove.com/misc/ddt/history/kodtagleague.php| title= KO-D Tag League | access-date= March 10, 2021 | publisher=PuroLove.com |language=de}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=4550|title=KO-D Tag League (2005)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=September 23, 2005|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
• DDT48/Dramatic Sousenkyo (2012, 2014){{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/15201/|title=【DDTドラマティック総選挙2014結果発表】飯伏が1位に返り咲き、2015年2・15さいたま SAメインでKO-D無差別級王座挑戦!!／イサミは4票差の2位。10・26後楽園でKO-D無差別級王者・Harashimaに再挑戦／初参加の赤井が大健闘で涙の6位／坂口が初選抜入りで「ボス、DDT所属の選手にしてください！」／踊る平田が初選抜／ユニット1位はスマイルスカッシュ！ 11・ 12後楽園でプロデュース興行開催!!|date=2014-10-01|access-date=2014-10-01|work=DDT Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}
• Best Match Award (2012) {{small|vs. Kenny Omega on August 18}}{{cite web | url=http://www.ddtpro.com/report/ddt/article/1356015675/ | title=<ヨシヒコ編集ジチョー主義>2012年DDTを各賞で振り返る | date=2012-12-21 | access-date=2012-12-22 | work=DDT Pro-Wrestling | language=ja | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130110185602/http://www.ddtpro.com/report/ddt/article/1356015675/ | archive-date=2013-01-10 }}
• El Dorado Wrestling
• UWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kagetora{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=783|title=UWA World Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 26, 2008|access-date=January 21, 2021}}{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?p=2859|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103122757/http://chikarafans.com/?p=2859|title=Tuesday Trios Update: KOT's turning Japanese...|publisher=Chikara Fans|archive-date=2010-01-03|access-date=2009-12-08}}
• Inside The Ropes Magazine
• Ranked No. 6 of the top 50 wrestlers in the world in the ITR 50 in 2020.{{Cite web|last=McVey|first=Innes|date=2020-12-30|title=Wrestling News: Kota Ibushi Ranked #6 In ITR 50|url=https://itrwrestling.com/news/kota-ibushi-ranked-6-in-itr-50/|access-date=2021-05-12|website=Inside The Ropes|language=en-GB}}
• Japan Indie Awards
• Best Bout Award (2008) {{small|vs. Kenny Omega (DDT, August 6)}}{{cite web|url=http://kimagure-guda.jugem.jp/?eid=1205/|title=【【ﾌﾟﾛﾚｽ】輝く！日本インディー大賞２００８ を見ました。|date=2008-12-30|access-date=2017-09-27|language=ja}}
• Best Bout Award (2011) {{small|vs. Dick Togo (DDT, March 27)}}{{cite web|url=http://beye2.com/item_30885.html/|title=【日本インディー大賞2011】|date=2012-01-03|access-date=2017-09-27|language=ja}}
• Best Bout Award (2012) {{small|vs. Kenny Omega (DDT, August 18)}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/report/ddt/article/1356977228/|title=【インディー大賞】飯伏vsケニーがベストバウト受賞|date=2012-12-31|access-date=2013-01-22|work=DDT Pro-Wrestling|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130215192458/http://www.ddtpro.com/report/ddt/article/1356977228/|archive-date=2013-02-15}}
• Best Bout Award (2014) {{small|with Kenny Omega vs. Konosuke Takeshita and Tetsuya Endo (DDT, September 28)}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ddtpro.com/ddtpro/18649/|title=【後楽園リポート】トーナメント決勝戦は宮本裕向&木高イサミvs火野裕士&岡林裕二!!／インディー大賞MVPはHarashima／Takaのパートナーは小鹿|date=2014-12-31|access-date=2014-12-31|work=DDT Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}
• MVP Award (2007, 2009)
• Kaientai Dojo
• Tag Team Best Bout K-Award (2007) {{small|with Madoka vs. Dick Togo and Taka Michinoku on December 1}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.purolove.com/misc/kdojo/results/results07.php|title=Kaientai Dojo Results: 2007|access-date=2014-07-21|publisher=Purolove|language=de}}
• Kaiju Big Battel
• KBB Hashtag Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=3006|title=KBB Hashtag Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 1, 2016|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling
• IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (1 time, inaugural){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=5&nr=4099|title=IWGP World Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 4, 2021|access-date=April 5, 2021}}
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship (1 time, final){{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/04/1-4-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-15-results-powells-review-of-tetsuya-naito-vs-kota-ibushi-for-the-iwgp-heavyweight-and-iwgp-intercontinental-championships-kazuchika-okada-vs-will-ospreay-hiromu-takaha/|title=1/4 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 results: Powell's review of Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi for the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships, Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay, Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Phantasmo for a shot at the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship|first=Jason|last=Powell|publisher=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 4, 2021|access-date=January 4, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=145|title=IWGP Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2021|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
• IWGP Intercontinental Championship (2 times, final){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1531|title=IWGP Intercontinental Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2021|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship (3 times){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=146|title=IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 18, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kenny Omega{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=147|title=IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 11, 2010|access-date=February 8, 2023}}
• IWGP Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Hiroshi Tanahashi{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=148|title=IWGP Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=February 21, 2020|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
• NEVER Openweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1865|title=IWGP Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=December 9, 2018|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
• Best of the Super Juniors (2011){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=1971|title=Best Of The Super Junior XVIII|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 10, 2011|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
• G1 Climax (2019, 2020){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=5765|title=G1 Climax (2019)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=October 18, 2020|access-date=January 21, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=6598|title=G1 Climax (2020)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 12, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
• New Japan Cup (2015){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=3277|title=New Japan Cup (2015)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=March 15, 2015|access-date=January 21, 2021}}
• Concurso (2020){{Cite web|title=411MANIA|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/kota-ibushi-named-mister-njpw-for-2020/|access-date=2020-12-29|website=Kota Ibushi Named “Mister NJPW” For 2020|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=【第2回『新日本プロレスコンクルソ』結果発表！】"2代目ミスター新日本"は飯伏幸太選手！2位は棚橋弘至選手がランクイン！【WK15】|url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/276926|access-date=2020-12-29|website=www.njpw.co.jp|language=ja}}
• Nikkan Sports
• Best Tag Team Award (2010) {{small|with Kenny Omega}}{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2010|title=Nikkan Sports Awards – 2010|website=wrestlingscout|date=September 10, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=August 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826122604/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2010|url-status=dead}}
• Technique Award (2009, 2010){{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2009|title=Nikkan Sports Awards – 2009|website=wrestlingscout|date=February 28, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-date=March 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313003151/https://sites.google.com/site/wrestlingscout/home/updates/nikkansportsawards-2009|url-status=dead}}
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• Ranked No. 5 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2021{{cite web | url = http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2021.html | title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2021 | access-date=September 8, 2021 | work=The Internet Wrestling Database}}
• SoCal Uncensored
• Southern California Match of the Year (2018) {{small|with Kenny Omega vs. The Young Bucks on March 25}}{{cite web |url= http://socaluncensored.com/history/year-end-awards/southern-california-match-of-the-year |title= Southern California Match of the Year |access-date= January 30, 2019 |work= SoCal Uncensored}}
• Sports Illustrated
• Ranked No 2. of the top 10 men's wrestlers in 2018 – {{small|tied with Kenny Omega}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/01/03/wwe-njpw-aew-news-best-wrestlers-2018-cody-rhodes-kenny-omega|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104044607/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/01/03/wwe-njpw-aew-news-best-wrestlers-2018-cody-rhodes-kenny-omega|title=The Week in Wrestling: Top 10 Men's Wrestlers of 2018|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=January 3, 2019|access-date=January 12, 2019|archive-date=January 4, 2019|url-status=dead}}
• Ranked No. 8 of the top 10 wrestlers in 2020{{cite web|last=Barrasso|first=Justin|title=The Top 10 Wrestlers of 2020|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2021/01/07/best-wrestlers-in-the-world-2020-wwe-aew-njpw|work=SI.com|date=January 7, 2021|access-date=January 8, 2021}}
• Tokyo Sports
• Best Bout Award (2010) {{small|with Kenny Omega vs. Prince Devitt and Ryusuke Taguchi (NJPW, October 11)}}{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2343|title=2010 Tokyo Sports awards – New Japan involvement|date=2010-12-09|access-date=2010-12-09|work=Strong Style Spirit|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328193413/http://www.puroresufan.com/njpw/?p=2343|url-status=dead}}
• Best Bout Award (2013) {{small|vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (NJPW, August 4)}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/212526/|script-title=ja:オカダ・カズチカが２年連続「プロレス大賞」ＭＶＰ！２５年ぶりの快挙|date=2013-12-10|access-date=2013-12-09|work=Tokyo Sports|language=ja|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000539/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/212526/|url-status=dead}}
• Technique Award (2009, 2019){{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=97&nr=17#2009|title=Technique Award|access-date=2010-12-09|work=Cagematch}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/1654188/|script-title=ja:【プロレス大賞】飯伏幸太 １０年ぶり技能賞に「何が評価されたのか分かりませんが...」|date=2019-12-11|access-date=2019-12-11|work=Tokyo Sports|language=ja}}
• Toryumon Mexico
• Young Dragons Cup (2006)
• Último Dragón Fiesta
• Dragon Mixture Tournament (2006) – with Daichi Kakimoto, Fuka and Seiya Morohashi{{cite web|url=http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/other/column/200606/at00009637.html |script-title=ja:仮面貴族と究極龍が華麗に競演 |date=June 23, 2006 |access-date=December 2, 2012 |work=Sports Navi |publisher=Yahoo! |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721221541/http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/other/column/200606/at00009637.html |archive-date=July 21, 2006 }}
• Weekly Pro Wrestling
• Best Bout Award (2010) {{small|with Kenny Omega vs. Prince Devitt and Ryusuke Taguchi (NJPW, October 11)}}{{cite web|url=https://dramaticddt.wordpress.com/2011/01/26/and-the-award-goes-to/|title=And The Award Goes To...|work=dramaticddt.wordpress.com|publisher=Dramatic Dream Team|date=2011-01-26}}{{cite web|url=http://kakutolog.cocolog-nifty.com/kakuto/2011/01/post-1802.html|title=週プロ読者が選ぶ「２０１０プロレスグランプリ」が発表に～駆け抜けたニュージャパン・クオリティ！|date=2011-01-19|language=ja}}
• Best Bout Award (2018) {{small|vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi}}{{cite web|url=https://ameblo.jp/kingaron320/entry-12428521535.html|title=プロレスグランプリ2018|date=2018-12-26}}
• Best Tag Team Award (2010) {{small|with Kenny Omega}}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• Best Flying Wrestler (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013){{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/12105/137/|title=Feb. 1 2010 Observer Newsletter: 2009 Awards Issue, Possible biggest wrestling news story of 2010|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|publisher=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|date=2010-01-27|access-date=2010-01-30}}{{cite magazine|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|magazine=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}{{cite magazine| last = Meltzer | first = Dave | author-link = Dave Meltzer | date = January 23, 2013 | title = The 2012 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Annual Awards Issue | magazine = Wrestling Observer Newsletter | location = Campbell, California | issn = 1083-9593}}{{cite magazine| last = Meltzer | first = Dave | author-link = Dave Meltzer | date = January 27, 2014 | title = Jan 27 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2013 Annual awards issue, best in the world in numerous categories, plus all the news in pro-wrestling and MMA over the past week and more | magazine = Wrestling Observer Newsletter | location = Campbell, California | issn = 1083-9593 | page=16}}
• Pro Wrestling Match of the Year (2015) {{small|vs. Shinsuke Nakamura on January 4}}{{cite magazine| last = Meltzer | first = Dave | author-link = Dave Meltzer | date = January 25, 2016 | title = January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue | magazine = Wrestling Observer Newsletter | location = Campbell, California | issn = 1083-9593 | page=27}}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2022)

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Kota Ibushi}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20131014074327/http://www.ddtpro.com/superstars/ibushi/ DDT Pro-Wrestling profile]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160613213338/http://www.igf.jp/fighter/kota-ibushi/ Inoki Genome Federation profile]
• {{NJPW profile|id=1018|name=Kota Ibushi|newlink=yes}}
• {{NJPW profile|id=201|name=Tiger Mask W|newlink=yes}}
• [http://www.wwe.com/section/cruiserweight-classic-competitors/article/kota-ibushi-bio WWE Cruiserweight Classic profile]
• {{twitter|ibushi_kota|飯伏　幸太}}
• {{Professional wrestling profiles|cagematch=4588|wrestlingdata=1728|iwd=kota-ibushi-3893|name=Kota Ibushi}}
• {{IMDb name|nm5013181|Kota Ibushi}}

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Category:Tiger Mask

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