Kota Ibushi to Return in Lights Out Steel Cage at Forbidden Door After Signing New AEW Deal

His surprise admission that he only learned of the cross-promotional match after signing a two-year extension has raised questions about talent communication

Overview

Ibushi will team with Kenny Omega, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Will Ospreay and Darby Allin against the Death Riders, Gabe Kidd and the Young Bucks in a 10-man Lights Out Steel Cage match at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view in London next Sunday.
He announced on Instagram that he signed a two-year contract renewal with AEW, marking the company’s commitment to the 43-year-old former IWGP World Champion.
In the same post, Ibushi said he only just realized the match had been decided, suggesting he was not informed of the booking until after finalizing his new deal.
Since June, Ibushi has signaled his recovery from an injury-plagued run with three AEW appearances, and this high-profile match marks his first major cross-promotional bout since returning to health.
The Lights Out Steel Cage contest was officially confirmed on AEW Dynamite, and details remain unclear on whether his new contract preserves his previous Japanese free-agent flexibility.