Kota Ibushi challenges Naomichi Marufuji for NOAH The New Year 2024

For the first time in more than a decade, Kota Ibushi will be competing for Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Ibushi made a surprise appearance for NOAH on Saturday, setting up a match against Naomichi Marufuji for NOAH The New Year 2024. Ibushi issued a challenge that Marufuji accepted.

NOAH The New Year 2024 is taking place at Ariake Arena on Tuesday, January 2 and will air live on Wrestle Universe with English commentary.

“Today I was able to step into Noah’s ring for the first time in 12 years. And thank you, Marufuji-san, for accepting the match,” Ibushi posted on social media.

“Welcome, Ibushi-kun, to Ariake Arena on 2 January,” Marufuji said in a post-show press conference. “It’s finally time to do it. Let’s do it first thing next year, on the best stage, one on one.”

NOAH has officially confirmed the match and announced that it will be the main event of NOAH The New Year.

Last month, it was officially announced that Ibushi is under contract with AEW. It’s a “flexible” deal that allows Ibushi to wrestle for other promotions.

“I’m based in Japan and I will travel for the matches,” Ibushi said. “Basically, I’m in Japan, I work in Japan, I will be active.”

NOAH The New Year 2024 will feature a GHC Heavyweight Championship match with Kenoh defending against Manabu Soya. Among the other matches scheduled for the show is a tag bout with Zack Sabre Jr. & Yoshinari Ogawa facing Hiroshi Tanahashi & HAYATA.

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Joseph Currier
Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.

In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.