Shota Umino Supports Yota Tsuji’s Forbidden Door Boycott, Thinks AEW Looks Down On IWGP
Shota Umino says he understands Yota Tsuji’s decision not to take part in this year’s Forbidden Door show.
With this year’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door set to take place this Sunday on June 28, the card appears to have taken shape, with IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji notably absent. Tsuji has made headlines in the build-up to the show after making clear his intentions not to be involved, stating his aim to protect the title’s value following previous defences at earlier Forbidden Door events.
Speaking to Tokyo Sports ahead of Forbidden Door, Shota Umino said that he understands Yota Tsuji’s perspective on not competing at Forbidden Door, but added that he feels it is his own responsibility as IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion to defend the title at the show.
“I understand his feelings, so I hope he sticks to his guns. The concept behind the belt is important, and given how the IWGP has been treated in AEW so far, I think it’s been looked down upon. I believe it’s time to correct that course. I think the concept of the IWGP was that, as champion, I would ‘accept any challenge.’ However, given that there are now other belts bearing the IWGP name, I believe that ‘accepting any challenge’ overseas is my job as the GLOBAL champion who transcends borders. There’s a risk that the title could be taken overseas if I lose, but I want New Japan Pro-Wrestling to prove to the world that the IWGP GLOBAL Championship is the greatest—and I’m willing to take on that responsibility.”
-Shota Umino
Shota Umino defeated both Andrade El Idolo and Drilla Moloney to capture the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship at NJPW’s Dominion in Osaka-jō Hall on June 14, after which Gabe Kidd launched an attack on the new champion before delivering a message from the Death Riders.
However, it will not be Gabe Kidd challenging Shota Umino for the title at Forbidden Door, as PAC has instead laid down the challenge, with the bout now set for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship.
Beyond Shota Umino’s involvement, Forbidden Door will also feature a handful of other New Japan Pro-Wrestling talents in action, including Zack Sabre Jr., who will go one-on-one with Kenny Omega, and Shingo Takagi, who will team with fellow Unbound Co. member Titán to face The Young Bucks and CMLL’s El Sky Team (Mistico and Mascara Dorada).
Barring a late change to the card, Yota Tsuji is set to remain absent, with his stance on the event drawing criticism from former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay, who will face Swerve Strickland in the final of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament at Forbidden Door.
Last year’s Forbidden Door saw Zack Sabre Jr. defend the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Nigel McGuinness, while previous editions have featured the title defended against the likes of Jack Perry and in fatal four-way action, all of which appear to be instances that Yota Tsuji believes have devalued the title.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that following his victory over Konosuke Takeshita to capture the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the first time at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, Yota Tsuji stated that he would not defend the title unless he was placed in the main event. Now in his second reign with the gold, it stands to reason that this remains a mindset he continues to hold.
Another name set to be absent from this year’s Forbidden Door is the now-former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Callum Newman, although his absence appears to be out of his control as he is reportedly dealing with a shoulder injury following NJPW Dominion. You can read more about that here.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on the response to Yota Tsuji’s Forbidden Door boycott as soon as we hear more.
Translated using DeepL.
