Shota Umino is determined to face his former mentor.
Umino previously lost to Jon Moxley at NJPW Resurgence in May. In November, Shota Umino challenged the AEW World Champion to face him, as he noted that he did not approve of the way Moxley did things. Moxley then announced that he was sending an emissary for a match with Umino at NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty on January 5. Umino's opponent was revealed to be Claudio Castagnoli.
In an interview with NJPW's website, Shota Umino commented on his upcoming match against Claudio Castagnoli.
"Claudio is with the Death Riders now, but from when I was a Young Lion, he and Moxley did a lot for me. When I went to America he helped me out and when he was here in Japan we went to dinner and had a lot of long conversations. But I don’t agree with what he and that faction are doing right now. I have the same thoughts about Moxley, but Moxley didn’t show and Claudio will. If I don’t beat Claudio, I can’t get to Moxley. After I beat Claudio, I don’t know, maybe it’ll be PAC and Wheeler Yuta in my way first, but I will absolutely do whatever it takes to fight Moxley. I have to take all the anger I have for Moxley and throw it at Claudio. They have taught me a lot, so the best way to repay them for that is use what they taught me to beat them. In the end though, what’s most important to me right now is beating Zack [Sabre Jr]," Umino said.
Umino will challenge Zack Sabre Jr. fo the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19.
Fightful will have coverage of NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty as it airs on January 5.
