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 provided Umino with the opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially become a major player in the promotion. The IWGP United States Championship is a prestigious title in NJPW, and a win against Ospreay would solidify Umino’s status as a top contender.
Umino has expressed his excitement and gratitude for the chance to face Moxley at Wrestle Kingdom. The Tokyo Dome event is one of the biggest shows in NJPW’s calendar, and Umino recognizes the significance of competing on such a grand stage. This match against Moxley would undoubtedly be a career-defining moment for Umino.
In a pre-show media scrum for NJPW Power Struggle 2023, Ospreay challenged Umino to step up for their upcoming championship match. Ospreay, who has a long history with NJPW, emphasized the importance of sacrifice and growth in the promotion. He urged Umino to prove himself and demonstrate his ability to carry the torch for NJPW.
Ospreay also highlighted his own journey in NJPW, stating that he has grown up in front of the fans’ eyes. He expressed his desire for Umino to fight with everything he has and beat him, as he wants to ensure that NJPW is left in safe hands. Ospreay’s passionate words reflect his dedication to the promotion and his belief in Umino’s potential.
The upcoming match between Umino and Ospreay promises to be an intense and hard-fought battle. Both wrestlers have proven themselves in the ring and possess the skills necessary to deliver a memorable encounter. Fans can expect a display of athleticism, technical prowess, and sheer determination from both competitors.
As the wrestling world eagerly awaits NJPW Power Struggle 2023, the outcome of the Umino vs. Ospreay match will have significant implications for the future of NJPW. If Umino emerges victorious, he will not only secure the IWGP United States Championship but also earn the opportunity to face Jon Moxley at Wrestle Kingdom 18. This could be the start of a new chapter in Umino’s career and a chance for him to make a name for himself on the global stage.
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