LogFAQs > #901438521

#65 - Kota Ibushi Nominated by: CybrMonkey

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On pure in-ring ability, Ibushi is one of the best ever. While his long-term selling is a bit poor at times and his real-time selling can occasionally come off as melodramatic he is otherwise an absolute perfect all-rounder. He has crazy acrobatic high-flying skills, extremely stiff strikes, can take some of the sickest bumps imaginable, and he has a great use of facial expressions to communicate his emotions. Sadly, what holds Ibushi back from being considered an all-time great is two-fold, starting with his lack of wrestling accolades. This isn't to say that he would be a 10 out of 10 icon if he simply won the G1 or the IWGP Heavyweight title a few times, but it relates to how his inability to commit to a promotion long term has meant that he hasn't been able to produce any fantastic long-term wrestling storylines (until recently) or title reigns. He's a freelancer who gets up to all sorts of weird wrestling all around the world, alongside more serious wrestling such as in NJPW. This lack of commitment to a single promotion means bookers haven't had chance to trust him with major titles and major pushes though, so he has never had a big string of great matches or any super interesting storylines either.

My other reason is pretty terrible, admittedly, but it is my reason nonetheless. He always has his mouth open, and it makes him look a little dopey. There. I said it. He has kind of a dopey mouth.
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