Drama alert! Wrestling superstar Kota Ibushi has exited DDT Pro-Wrestling amid whispers of backstage tensions that could rival any in-ring face-off. Turns out, while Ibushi was supposed to be DDT’s “Golden Star,” his glow sparked more drama than delight behind the scenes. According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the trouble started after Ibushi’s triumphant September 8 six-man tag match—his last for DDT. Post-match, he reportedly canceled all future appearances with the promotion. And it wasn’t due to a pulled muscle.
The backstage scoop is spicy. Rumor has it that some younger DDT wrestlers made comments that, to Ibushi, felt more heel than homie. When DDT’s President, Sanshiro Takagi, asked these upstart wrestlers to apologize, they reportedly gave him the cold shoulder. That was the last straw for Ibushi, who apparently decided to part ways with DDT on a “no-apologies” basis.
This situation has even inspired a new diagnosis: the “Golden Star Syndrome.” Coined by former DDT Universal Champ MAO, it refers to the Ibushi Effect—the sudden surge of hype whenever Ibushi was scheduled to appear, only for DDT’s buzz to evaporate in his absence. In contrast, stars like Yuki Ueno are more Team Ibushi, crediting him as a pivotal player in DDT’s success.
Now all eyes are on Ibushi’s AEW future, with fans buzzing about a potential reunion with Kenny Omega. The Golden Lovers are dropping hints and posting training session pics, and wrestling fans are practically foaming at the mouth for this duo to hit AEW with their signature high-flying moves and endless charisma. So, whether he’s setting foot in AEW’s ring or simply basking in the glow of “Golden Star Syndrome,” Kota Ibushi is a force that can’t be ignored—and that won’t be apologizing any time soon.