Shota Umino States It Would be Huge To Beat Jon Moxley For The World Title With The Death Rider
On May 11th, New Japan Pro-Wrestling will hold it’s Resurgence 2024 event at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. The featured match will see the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley defend the title against his protégé Shota Umino.
Ahead of the huge title opportunity, NJPW released a new interview with Umino as he discussed his upcoming match with Jon Moxley as well as the influence Moxley has had on him.
Umino was asked what he felt he had in common with Moxley:
“The fact we both love wrestling. There’s a lot I can learn from him when it comes to moves or match style, what have you. But the most important thing is how his approach to wrestling is really inspirational.”
Shota Umino
The question of what type of match he could expect against Moxley was asked of Umino:
“Honestly, I don’t know what kind of match it’ll be. It could be a violent match full of weapons, could be a student and pupil mat wrestling match. I won’t know until I do it. But what I do know, is that I want to beat my mentor Jon Moxley and take the most important belt in wrestling from him. That’s what I feel strongest right now. I have to win this match and I have to be at the top of the world.”
Shota Umino
The topic of the Death Rider finisher came up and this is how Umino responded:
“While I was still a Young Lion, Moxley taught me that move. They might look similar, but in the details, I think I’ve made my version entirely mine. But my mentor taught me it. And it got me results while I was overseas. It got me to the point where I’m challenging for the world title. Whatever move I do, I do it with pride and respect. Using it to beat Moxley would be huge.”
Shota Umino
NJPW Resurgence will be available to view live on NJPW World PPV on May 11th beginning at 10:00 pm EST.
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