SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)...

PWTorch has learned that Japanese wrestling star Kota Ibushi is booked for WWE’s Global Cruiserweight Series tournament to be filmed this spring.

Ibushi was highlighted in the crowd during the “NXT Takeover: Dallas” special on Friday night, prompting speculation that he would be included in the tournament.

Ibushi also appeared at WWNLive’s Mania Weekend shows in Dallas, including wrestling in the main event of the WWN Supershow on Saturday night.

Also added to the tournament is Lince Dorado, who announced his inclusion in the tournament over the weekend.

Last week, Triple H announced the first seven Cruiserweight tournament participants, which will now include Ibushi. WWE will be adding even more recognizable names filling out the 32-man tournament field.

The first announced list included:

Zack Sabre, Jr. (U.K.)

Johnny Gargano (NXT/indies)

Tommaso Ciampa (NXT/indies)

Rich Swann (NXT)

Akira Tozawa (Dragon Gate Japan)

Noam Dar (U.K.)

Ho Ho Lun (Asia region)