Shota Umino will challenge Will Ospreay for the IWGP United States Championship on Saturday at NJPW Power Struggle 2023, and a victory will send him on to face Jon Moxley at Wrestle Kingdom 18.
Umino has stated that defending the title against “Mox” at the Tokyo Dome would be a “dream match” for him, and NJPW has presented Umino with the opportunity to fulfill his dream.
You can check out New Japan Pro Wrestling’s tweet below:
Tomorrow!
If @shooter_us wins the IWGP US and UK Championships at Power Struggle- he will challenge mentor Jon Moxley for Wrestle Kingdom!
Watch: https://t.co/NV5YPCrQeE#njpw #njpst pic.twitter.com/qx1A8Hn79j
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) November 3, 2023
In a pre-show media scrum for NJPW Power Struggle 2023, Will Ospreay dared Shota Umino to step up for their upcoming IGWP United States Championship match.
You can check out some highlights from the media event below:
On his own history with NJPW: “I’ve grown up in front of them. This is why there is a connection issue. They want to see sacrifice. They want to see you sacrifice. For eight years I’ve been in New Japan Pro Wrestling. They’ve seen me as a 22-year-old boy. I’m a 30-year-old man now, bruv. They feel safe with New Japan in my hands. They want to feel safe in your hands because my time is running out. I want you to dethrone me. I want you to beat me because I care about New Japan. I want it safe. I want it in safe hands. If you don’t come tomorrow, wanting to rip my face off, wanting to beat me to a bloody pulp because they’ve seen me bleed and sacrifice. I’ve missed funerals, my friends, and family because I’m constantly here giving my everything to New Japan Pro Wrestling.”
On what he wants to see from Umino in their match: “Right there, that says grow up. I’ve grown up in front of you guys. I’ve given you my heart. I’ve become a man in front of your eyes. You guys have depended on me, and every single time I’ve been given the ball, I have not dropped it. I have fought for everyone here. In the darkest times, everyone has said, ‘It’s okay, give the ball to Ospreay.’ The time is running out. You need to fight! You need to beat me. No, you’re not Omega, you’re not Okada, you’re not Takagi, you’re not Jericho, you’re not Tsuji, you’re not Zack Sabre Jr, you’re not Mike Bailey, you’re f**king Shota Umino. Fight for all of them, take this from me. If you don’t, I don’t feel safe leaving New Japan in your hands.”
pic.twitter.com/Ft3Agi8Zse
— njpwworld (@njpwworId) November 3, 2023
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Shota Umino, a rising star in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), is set to challenge Will Ospreay for the IWGP United States Championship at NJPW Power Struggle 2023. If Umino emerges victorious, he will go on to face Jon Moxley at Wrestle Kingdom 18, fulfilling his dream of a “dream match” against his mentor.
NJPW has given Umino the opportunity to prove himself by granting him a shot at the prestigious title. Umino has expressed his excitement and gratitude for the chance to defend the championship against Moxley at the Tokyo Dome, considering it a dream come true.
The anticipation for this match is high, with fans eagerly waiting to see if Umino can overcome Ospreay and secure his place in the Wrestle Kingdom 18 main event. The IWGP United States Championship has become a highly coveted title in NJPW, and Umino’s potential victory would solidify his status as a top contender in the promotion.
In a pre-show media scrum for NJPW Power Struggle 2023, Ospreay challenged Umino to step up and bring his best to their upcoming match. Ospreay reflected on his own history with NJPW, emphasizing the sacrifices he has made for the promotion and expressing his desire for Umino to surpass him. He wants Umino to prove himself and show that he is ready to take on the responsibility of leading NJPW into the future.
Ospreay’s words serve as a motivation for Umino, who understands the weight of the opportunity before him. Umino acknowledges that he has grown up in front of the NJPW audience and recognizes the expectations placed upon him. He vows to fight with all his heart and give everything he has to defeat Ospreay and earn his place in the Wrestle Kingdom main event.
The match between Umino and Ospreay promises to be an intense battle, with both competitors determined to prove themselves. Umino will need to tap into his potential and show that he is capable of stepping out of Ospreay’s shadow and becoming a star in his own right.
As the wrestling world eagerly awaits NJPW Power Struggle 2023, fans can stay updated on all the latest news and developments in the industry by visiting eWrestlingNews.com. The website provides comprehensive coverage of wrestling events and offers insights into the world of professional wrestling. Additionally, fans can follow eWrestlingNews on Twitter and Facebook for regular updates and engaging content.
In conclusion, Shota Umino’s upcoming challenge for the IWGP United States Championship against Will Ospreay at NJPW Power Struggle 2023 presents a significant opportunity for him to fulfill his dream of facing Jon Moxley at Wrestle Kingdom 18. Umino’s determination and Ospreay’s challenge set the stage for an exciting match that will determine the future of NJPW’s United States Championship scene. Wrestling fans are eagerly anticipating this showdown and can stay informed about all the latest wrestling news on eWrestlingNews.com.