Jon Moxley took Shota Umino under his wing five years ago in NJPW, but a lot has changed since then. Shota has learned to stand on his own, and Moxley has all but abandoned his young lion.
Moxley, flanked by Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, PAC, ad Marina Shafir, is in the middle of a takeover on AEW. Shota continues to grow in NJPW, but he is paying attention to what's happening with Moxley.
"The most important thing to me right now is the fight against SANADA in front of me. I can't see anything else, so just thinking about you all night won't give me any answers," Shota said in an interview with Tokyo Sports.
He continued, "We have the trust that we've built up until now. There's time we've spent together that no one knows about. Step into the ring with me one-on-one. When I look into your eyes, I'll know how you feel. Anytime, anywhere, let's go face-to-face in front of me, you bastard. I absolutely do not approve of the way you do things. I also know how to cure you. First of all, send me a message, anything you want. Since the IWGP in the US, I haven't had any messages, phone calls or exchanges... Maybe the time has come."
Shota unsuccessfully challenged Moxley for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title at NJPW Resurgence in May.
Shota will face SANADA at NJPW Power Struggle.
