NJPW Star Pulled From G1 Climax 36, Forfeits Remaining Matches

NJPW

A NJPW star has been pulled from the G1 Climax 36 tournament after suffering a concussion during his first round match on Saturday, July 11.

This year’s G1 Climax kicked off on Saturday at the NOW Arena in Hoffman, IL, with nine A Block and B Block matches taking place across the first round.

The fifth match of the night saw 2024 G1 winner Zack Sabre Jr. pick up a win over Shota Umino, courtesy of the Zack Driver. Unfortunately however, it appears as if Umino did not just walk away from the match with a pinfall loss to his name.

On July 15, NJPW issued a statement on their official website announcing that the former IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion has been pulled from the rest of the G1 tournament, after suffering a concussion during his match with Sabre Jr. on Saturday.

As a result, all of Umino’s remaining tournament matches are now deemed forfeits, with his opponents receiving two points each as a result.

NJPW confirmed that further announcements will also be made regarding any changes to forthcoming G1 match cards.

NJPW’s full statement reads as follows:

“Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling. 

“On July 11, during his match with Zack Sabre Jr. in Chicago, Shota Umino displayed symptoms of a concussion. After careful consultation, the decision has been made by medical staff to remove Umino from the remainder of G1 Climax 36.

“Each of Umino’s remaining tournament matches will be deemed forfeits, with his scheduled opponents receiving two points by default. 

“Further changes will be made to forthcoming cards as a result of Umino’s withdrawal. Announcements will be made when cards have been determined.

“We apologise to fans who were looking forward to seeing Umino wrestle, and appreciate your understanding. New Japan Pro-Wrestling joins fans in wishing Umino a speedy, full recovery.”

Umino was a part of the B Block of the G1, along with Aaron Wolf, HENARE, OSKAR, Ren Narita, Yuya Uemura and Callum Newman.

Former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Newman returned from injury during the first round of G1 action on Saturday, defeating Yuya Uemura. He has also been making a lot of headlines in regards to AEW’s Will Ospreay, with Newman unhappy with his former mentor joining up with Jon Moxley and the Death Riders.

Umino is another star who has gained a lot from the tutelage of Moxley over the years, with the pair running into each other as teammates and opponents in NJPW between 2019 and 2024.

Moxley’s Death Riders stablemate PAC unsuccessfully challenged Umino for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship at AEW Forbidden Door on June 28, however, Gabe Kidd – who is now officially a Death Rider himself – was able to get the job done, and ended Umino’s run as champion at NJPW’s Road to G1 Climax show on July 6.

We wish Shota Umino a full recovery from his concussion and hope to see him back in the ring soon.

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

• NJPW
• G1 Climax
• Shota Umino
• G1 Climax 36

Share this article with friends