Jon Moxley’s protege confirms injury during recent AEW show
A top star who is the protege of former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley has just revealed that he had sustained a seemingly major injury and claimed that he will make his best efforts to be back just in time for a major event happening next month. The star in question would be NJPW's Shota Umino.
The Shooter has made a name for himself in the Japanese promotion, even earning the elite status of being one of the Reiwa Three Musketeers, a distinction given to stars who have the potential to be the faces of Japanese wrestling. Umino, being Jon Moxley's protege, has been appearing alongside him of late for several matches on both NJPW and AEW.
On X/Twitter, Shota Umino disclosed that an MRI revealed he had a hip fracture and a strained L4-5 disc. He then mentioned how he'd need to take some time off to recover and recuperate but claimed that he would be back just in time for the G1 Climax. He will be part of the A-Block for the tournament.
A rough translation of his tweet can be found below.
"I had a hip fracture and a strained disc. It's the L4-5 disc. I also had an MRI done. I'll somehow get back to Tokyo tomorrow. I will definitely be back by G1. I'm going to take a break for a while. Sorry," Shota tweeted.
It was suspected that Shota sustained the injury during his recent match on Rampage against Rocky Romero, as AEW's medical team was seen checking on the star follwong his match.
Shota Umino referenced major AEW star during his match on Rampage
With it being Forbidden Door season, it was no surprise that a visiting star could be around for some of AEW's shows. On Rampage a few days ago, the fans were treated to Shota Umino taking on Rocky Romero.
This would be the Japanese star's debut on the Friday show, which came just two weeks since his AEW in-ring debut during the Casino Gauntlet match, which saw Will Ospreay earn a AEW World Title shot against Swerve Strickland.
During his match against Romero, Shooter was seen doing the Mercedes Moné's CEO dance during his match. This was not the first time he had apparently done this, as he had even done the same before at his matches on NJPW.
Unfortunatley, it seems that Shota Umino might not be around for the Forbidden Door Pay-Per-View which takes place in just 12 days, but fans can stay tuned for his return during the G1 Climax if he keeps his word.
We wish the Japanese star a smooth and speedy recovery.