AEW star issues IWGP World Heavyweight title challenge for NJPW Wrestle Dynasty
Zack Sabre Jr. has his hands full in January.
After Shota Umino issued a challenge to Sabre following his successful IWGP World Heavyweight title defense at Power Struggle, Ricochet’s AEW music suddenly played. From behind, Ricochet springboarded off the ropes and laid out Sabre. He then cut a promo saying it’s been six years since he’s been in New Japan and wanted a shot at Sabre’s title, issuing the challenge for January 5 at Wrestle Dynasty.
Ricochet then said he was going to give Sabre a parting gift as he went to the corner. Umino, who had left the ring, came back and made the save for Sabre. He attempted to help Sabre back on his feet, but Sabre attacked Umino in response and turned his focus back on Ricochet. An unhappy Umino then attacked Sabre and posed with the IWGP World Heavyweight title as the Wrestle Kingdom theme played.
On social media, Ricochet responded to his surprise appearance, writing: “Had to remind the world that I’m still the f****** man around here.”
After leaving WWE earlier this year, Ricochet made his debut for AEW at All In back in August. In recent weeks, he has focused on Konosuke Takeshita and the AEW International Championship, making a surprise appearance at a Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling event last month. He and a mystery partner will face Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher this Wednesday on Dynamite.