PWTorch Report – Kota Ibushi to EVOLVE during Mania Weekend; Update – WWNLive confirms Ibushi’s addition

PWTorch editor Wade Keller presents a special Thursday Flagship edition of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast featuring a WrestleMania 36 Preview with ex-WWE Creative Team member and professional stand-up comedian Matt McCarthy.

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PWTorch has learned that Japanese wrestling star Kota Ibushi is returning to EVOLVE during WrestleMania Weekend April 1-2.

WWNLive issued a No Comment when contacted about Ibushi wrestling for the promotion again.

Update: WWNLive head booker Gabe Sapolsky followed with official confirmation that Ibushi will wrestle on April 1 and 2 as part of the EVOLVE shows and WWNLive Supershow.

Ibushi, who main-evented the very first EVOLVE show in January 2010, announced last month that he is going freelance after ending his dual contract with the New Japan and DDT promotions.

The timing of this is interesting because New Japan had big plans for Ibushi once he recovered from injury. Ibushi walked away from his dual contract, though, and is now traveling to the U.S. during WrestleMania Weekend. Ibushi was already on WWE’s radar and now he’s set to wrestle in Dallas during Mania weekend, which will heighten WWE’s awareness of Ibushi.

Zack Sabre, Jr. vs. Will Ospreay
Chris Hero & Tommy End vs. Drew Gulak & Tracy Williams
Ricochet and more to be announced

USA vs. Europe Series: Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay
Zack Sabre, Jr. vs. Matt Riddle
potential DGUSA Tag Title match: Johnny Gargano & Drew Galloway vs. Drew Gulak Tracy Williams

EVOLVE champion Timothy Thatcher vs. Sami Callihan
Zack Sabre, Jr. vs. Chris Hero
Six-man Tag Tradition continues – Will Ospreay and Marty Scurll will be part of the match.
Terry Funk recognized