Folks, the WWE has done something truly unbelievable—like finding a rare Pokémon card in your old binder or discovering you still have leftover pizza in the fridge. They’ve reached into the vault, dusted off the cobwebs, and pulled out a vintage gem featuring none other than current AEW sensation, Kota Ibushi. That’s right, the 2016 Cruiserweight Classic bout between Ibushi and Cedric Alexander has been uploaded to the “WWE Vault” YouTube channel. And if you thought Netflix was your best friend for re-runs, think again.
Back in the day—seven years before signing with AEW—Ibusbi was dazzling WWE fans with his high-flying, hard-hitting, is-this-guy-even-human style. This match took place during WWE’s Cruiserweight Classic, where Ibushi was just a step away from the finals, eventually bowing out to the tournament’s winner, TJP. But it was his round two bout against Cedric Alexander that had fans chanting “Please sign Cedric!” and WWE bosses making furious phone calls. It’s a match for the ages, and now, it’s available in all its glory.
Now, folks, Kota Ibushi didn’t just pack his bags and leave quietly after that tournament. No sir. He stuck around for a bit, teaming up with TJP in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and having a go in “WWE NXT.” His WWE journey ended in 2016 with a match against Bobby Roode, after which he returned to Japan, showing everyone in the Land of the Rising Sun what Golden Star wrestling really looks like. From NJPW’s first-ever IWGP World Heavyweight Champion to his unforgettable 2021 run cut short by injury, Ibushi’s been around the wrestling block a few times.
Fast forward to 2023, and our guy Kota made a grand entrance into AEW during “Blood & Guts,” joining forces with The Elite. Since then, his appearances have been as rare as a unicorn sighting, but fear not, Ibushi fans! He’s clarified that he’s gearing up for a full return, and if that doesn’t make you want to start practicing your Golden Star salute, nothing will. And just as a little cherry on top, Ibushi’s August 25th return to the ring for DDT is happening the same day as AEW’s All In at Wembley Stadium. Coincidence? I think not!
Whether you’re a WWE loyalist, an AEW die-hard, or just someone who loves a good ol’ fashioned wrestling match, this trip down memory lane with Ibushi and Alexander is a must-watch. So grab your popcorn, hit that play button, and get ready to witness wrestling history!