AEW Star Attacks Upcoming Crossover Opponent At Press Conference

AEW

AEW’s Claudio Castagnoli will face Shota Umino at NJPW Wrestle Dynasty on January 5 at the Tokyo Dome in Japan.

Castagnoli’s intentions were revealed at the NJPW Wrestle Dynasty press conference which took place on January 3.

With Umino being Jon Moxley’s former protege, it was the Death Riders leader who sent in Castagnoli, with the AEW World Trios Champion saying:

“I’m here, sent by Jon Moxley to teach Shota Umino a lesson and that’s what’s going to happen.”

Umino would react to the appearance of Castagnoli at the press conference, replying:

“Thank you for being here. I’m putting all I have into the January 4 main event, so I haven’t thought about this match. But if I win tomorrow, this will be a world title match.

“I wanted him to be talking about the IWGP title and why it matters so much, none of this stuff about Moxley.

“I will make you understand why NJPW is the world’s top wrestling promotion.”

At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19 on January 4, Umino faces Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

The interaction wasn’t restricted to mere words, however, with Castagnoli taking down his Wrestle Dynasty opponent on the stage.

The segment of the press conference wasn’t without issue for Castagnoli himself, however.

With a microphone in hand, Castagnoli launched into his opening speech in fluent German only to be stopped by NJPW officials.

With no translator available to interpret what he was saying for the Japanese audience, he was asked to start again but in English.

Transcript from Sportskeeda.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on BlueSky by clicking this link!

• wrestle dynasty
• Claudio Castagnoli
• Death Riders
• AEW
• NJPW
• Shota Umino

Share this article with friends