“Cheaters-gun” refers to Kikuchi, TAKA, and Taichi, all of whom Ibushi has heat with.
The first instance of Ibushi and Kikuchi having heat goes all the way back to 2018 when the former felt the latter wasn’t paying him fair merch royalties
Kikuchi’s contract was not renewed in 2019 due to above and also included “marital affairs” involving Kikuchi’s wife.
Kikuchi was eventually brought back in 2020 after Dick Togo gained more power in the booking committee. At this point in time, Kikuchi is in charge of talent relations.
In regards to booking, Kikuchi has been involved in creative ideas, but as in a similar position to Togo, all ideas need finalization through Gedo.
Kikuchi has “old school” beliefs in how New Japan wrestlers are meant to act including maintaining kayfabe outside of shows and keeping relationships secret.
It has been said Kikuchi is “selective” with these ideas, and Ibushi is just one notable example who has had to deal with them.
In fact it was Kikuchi who made the call to keep Ibushi from having his match against Shingo Takagi at Dominion in 2021 even though Ibushi protested against this decision.
Kikuchi also asked Ibushi to Ibushi to be prepared to wrestle at the Tokyo Dome in a manner in which Ibushi felt offended and didn’t feel he was ready.
Ibushi then felt he was ready to come back in the New Japan Cup, which he was booked to win, but it was once again Kikuchi who pulled him on the basis of a “minor concern” from his doctor.
Ibushi then cut all communication with New Japan until Kikuchi contacted and reprimanded the former about attending a JTO show without permission.
Ibushi has thus been given the ultimatum to return to in ring action by Dominion, or be fired.
