Kota Ibushi Wins In Return Match Vs Mike Bailey at Bloodsport 9

Hamish Woodward

Former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kota Ibushi won his first match in nearly two years.

The Japanese star was recently released from New Japan Pro Wrestling, ending a successful stay in the company that saw him main event Wrestle Kingdom multiple times.

Kota Ibushi vs Speedball Mike Bailey was the first match Ibushi has taken part in, since he suffered an injury against Kazuchika Okada in 2021 G1 Climax Final.

Bloodsport is a FCW-promoted show, which a more shoot-style ruleset than usual. The most obvious difference is that the ring lacks ropes, completely changing the dynamics of the bout.

Kota Ibushi won the match by knockout, hitting Mike Bailey with a kamigoye to win his first match in nearly two years.

This was the first match Ibushi has had since leaving NJPW. He is expected of join up with Kenny Omega in AEW in the near future, and is rumoured to take part in a Blood & Guts match, alongside The Elite and against the Blackpool Combat Club.

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