Yota Tsuji sparked controversy by criticizing the partnership between AEW and NJPW, and Shota Umino has now responded.
Umino, the reigning IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, is scheduled to defend his title against PAC at the upcoming event.
In a recent interview with Tokyo Sports, he was asked to comment on Tsuji’s remarks.
“I respect his perspective, and I hope he remains steadfast in his convictions,” Umino said. “The underlying principle of the championship is crucial, and given how the IWGP has been perceived in AEW, it has often been undervalued. It is time to address this.”
He added, “The original vision of the IWGP was that the champion would ‘accept any challenge.’ As the GLOBAL champion representing a borderless division, it is my responsibility to uphold that standard. While there is a risk that the title could be contested abroad, I am committed to demonstrating that the IWGP GLOBAL Championship is the premier title, and I am prepared to shoulder that duty.”
AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door is set for June 28 in San Jose, California at the SAP Center, with live PPV coverage.
