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Kota Ibushi made an unforgettable British debut this weekend, with an acclaimed performance in Colchester capped off by a Sunday spectacular in London for XWA.

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Competing just a stone’s throw from the iconic York Hall, Ibushi lit up the Resistance Gallery in Bethnal Green with an incredible match which took place inside and out of the ring.

Ibushi and tag-team partner Gota Ihashi took to the London streets against Jimmy Havoc and Cara Noir, and the quartet brawled and barraged their way across cars and walls.

The popular Havoc was chokeslammed by his Japanese rivals onto a vehicle, while Ibushi later performed a pyrotechnic display followed by two moonsaults – one off a car, and the other off a balcony indoors.




Exclusive footage of the action can be seen below, and Metro Sport caught up with a burnt, but excited Ibushi after the match.

Kota Ibushi (WWE)

‘So many things happened on the way to the venue,’ laughed Ibushi. ‘It was very unusual. I had to help push our car because there was a puncture on the tyre! But I really enjoyed the journey.’

Despite some malfunctions en route, the 34-year-old quickly warmed up to his task in the squared circle, and seemed pleased with his efforts after picking up the victory for his team.

‘This was the first time I had wrestled in England, and I was wondering if my style would work over here after all my experiences in Japan. But it was very positive.’

Ibushi became known to a wider audience last year after competing in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic, and he confirmed that his participation in that tournament had inspired him to perform in Britain for the first time.

‘When I wrestled for WWE I saw some British wrestlers and they amazed me. I’m a big fan of Zack Sabre Jr in particular. Maybe one day there will be an opportunity for me to wrestle British wrestlers in WWE, but I’d also love to wrestle the likes of Zack and Will Ospreay in Japan.’

One man Ibushi also has eyes on is former tag-team partner Kenny Omega, who has become a significant player in NJPW.

‘I would like to team with him again,’ Ibushi confirmed. ‘But I would like to wrestle him again too. I know I must face him again.

‘If it happens, it would possibly be the best match in the world.’

A future Ibushi vs Omega bout would be a world class wrestling occasion, but XWA provided plenty of their own memorable moments last night.

Cara Noir’s commitment to his character was enchanting to watch, while Gota Ihashi’s charisma and Jimmy Havoc’s intensity added believability to a gloriously chaotic tag-team match.

In the main event, Will Ospreay reaffirmed his reputation as one of the best wrestlers on the planet after an engaging match with Pentagon El Zero M.

The former Pentagon Jr was given a heroes reception by the knowledgeable crowd, and he praised Ospreay after the match.



Elsewhere, it was warming to see entertaining turns from some British wrestlers who revolutionised the domestic scene a decade ago.

Wow @XWAUK #PleaseDontDie was the most insane show I've ever seen. 6 man clusterfluck match was my highlight. Well done all! #wrestling #XWA — Nina Samuels (@NinaSamuels123) March 12, 2017

Jody Fleisch rolled back the years in the opener against Tiger Ali, while Greg Burridge and Johnny Storm used their veteran timing to marshall a comedy match which was actually pretty funny, thanks in part to Lion Kid.

Despite all of the male talent on the show, perhaps the best match came from the two women in action, as Rhia O’Reilly successfully defended her Pro Wrestling Eve title against Sammii Jayne.

Long-term champion O’Reilly has developed into one of the best all-round competitors in the country, while Jayne’s frenzied yet nuanced character was tremendously fun to watch.

Ibushi as a weapon is the right way to do a no DQ match @XWAUK #evewrestling #womenswrestling — Sophia (@distortthecode) March 12, 2017

Both wrestlers gave their all in a brutal match which used chairs, tables and drawing pins and even Kota Ibushi, but the wrestling was always allowed to take centre stage.

Overall, XWA provided a thoughtful show which though it had clearly taken great planning, was still sophisticatedly DIY.

‘That atmosphere was incredible,’ said Fleisch afterwards, and he was completely right.

In an intimate venue that is clearly special to both the promotion and the performers, there was a clear attitude to celebrate the current generation of British and international talents, while paying homage to those that paved the way.