Claudio Castagnoli revealed as Jon Moxley’s ’emissary’ vs. Shota Umino at Wrestle Dynasty

  • Ian Carey
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AEW’s Claudio Castagnoli appeared via video at today’s NJPW World Tag League show at Korakuen Hall. 

Following Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma’s win over Bishamon, a video of Castagnoli calling Umino out for Wrestle Dynasty on January 5, 2025, aired. Previously, AEW World Champion Jon Moxley said he was sending an emissary to Japan to deal with Umino. 

Castagnoli said:

“Shota, what happened? I thought in Japan you respect your elders, not go around questioning them. See in our book, you were the first Death Rider. Jon took you under his wing. Even though you come out like a rhinestone cowboy all glittery and stuff, you still carried his Death Rider jacket. So, how dare you question him? You forgot all the lessons? Lesson 1: the basics. Lesson 2: Well, how about I teach it to you personally January 5 Wrestle Dynasty. Class will be in session.”

A video of Moxley saying he is “very disappointed” with Umino aired at Fighting Spirit Unleashed earlier this month. He noted that Umino was traveling down a dark path.

“What are you reading? What are you listening to? What has gotten inside your head?” Moxley asked in the video. “We’re going to continue your education. I will send an emissary to the Tokyo Dome to fix this problem you’re having. We will continue molding you into the champion I know you can be.”

Umino, who will challenge Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom the night before Wrestle Dynasty, has been associated with Moxley since challenging him for the IWGP United States title at NJPW Dominion 2019. Moxley was impressed with Umino’s efforts in the match and dubbed him “Shooter.” The two teamed up several times after. Then, in May, Umino unsuccessfully challenged Moxley for the IWGP World Heavyweight title at Resurgence in a match that went just under 35 minutes and was rated four and three-quarter stars by our own Dave Meltzer. 

Wrestle Dynasty (Sunday, January 5) —

  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ricochet
  • Kenny Omega vs. Gabe Kidd
  • Jack Perry vs. Yota Tsuji
  • Tomohiro Ishii challenges either Shingo Takagi or Konosuke Takeshita for the NEVER Openweight Championship (will be a double title match with the AEW International Championship also on the line if Takeshita is still champion going into Wrestle Kingdom 19)
  • International Women’s Cup four-way
  • Shota Umino vs. Claudio Castagnoli