Yuya Uemura wants to face Kazuchika Okada.
Yuya Uemura is quickly becoming a breakout star in NJPW. He has gotten off to a strong start in the NJPW G1 Climax 34, as he has picked up wins against David Finlay, Hirooki Goto, and Konosuke Takeshita. Uemura and other competitors are aiming to become the new ace of NJPW, as the company has been transitioning since Kazuchika Okada's departure. Okada left the company after his last match in February and joined AEW.
Speaking with Tokyo Sports, Yuya Uemura brought up the upcoming Wrestle Dynasty event, which will feature talent from NJPW, AEW, ROH, CMLL, and STARDOM. He expressed his interest in facing Okada. (Translated by DeepL)
"I want to win the IWGP [World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 19] and nominate Kazuchika Okada [for Wrestle Dynasty]. I'm not interested in AEW, but I'm interested in Okada," Uemura said.
Uemura also commented on Okada's departure from NJPW and wondered why he went to AEW at this point in his career. He then reiterated that he aimed to win the NJPW G1 Climax 34 tournament.
“I think about the wrestling world and I think he is a great wrestler, but I also wonder why he went to AEW at this point in his career. The young wrestlers are finally coming together, and it is time for them to surpass Okada. But now, for better or for worse, the organizations are more open....Anyway, I have no choice but to win the G1 tournament," Uemura said.
Okada previously said that he was leaving NJPW with the intention of never returning. Check out his comments here.
Fightful will have coverage of the NJPW G1 Climax 34 as it continues.
