NJPW announces ‘Reiwa Three Musketeers,’ new members respond

  • Ian Carey
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NJPW has announced its newest version of the Three Musketeers.  

The promotion revealed on Thursday that Shota Umino, Ren Narita and Yota Tsuji will now be known as the Reiwa Three Musketeers, the third iteration of the group. 

NJPW1972.com wrote:

In recognition of their quick ascension in the ranks of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and clear desire to lead a new generation within NJPW, Shota Umino, Ren Narita and Yota Tsuji will together be officially named the Reiwa Three Musketeers.

Masahiro Chono, Shinya Hashimoto and Keiji Muto were the first to be given the label. All three were part of the NJPW Dojo Class of 1984. They first adopted the name Three Muskeeters of the Fighting Spirit while on excursion together in Puerto Rico. 

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shinsuke Nakamura and Katsuyori Shibata were named The New Musketeers in 2004 as they also reflected the future of the promotion at the time. 

However, it appears as though some members of The Reiwa Three Musketeers are unhappy with being given the name. 

Shota Umino wrote on Twitter that he did not consent to being part of a new Three Musketeers group. A translation of his Tweet reads:

What exactly is this title of “Reiwa Fighting Spirit Three Musketeers”? I’m so sorry. Frankly, I don’t care and I’m not interested.

I have nothing but respect for the “Three Musketeers”… Such a sudden announcement by a company is disrespectful to the “Three Musketeers” and, to be honest, it’s irritating. It was announced, but I have not consented to it in a small way, and is it named?

I don’t want us to be grouped by such words. However, it is certain that we have to make New Japan Pro-Wrestling a big explosion in the pro-wrestling world with this young generation, and I still have the awareness that I will break through more than anyone in this and create a paradigm shift in the ring of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. I’ll be here forever, so that’s all.

Yota Tsuji also responded to the news on Twitter, seemingly upset at being paired with Umino and Narita. 

A translation of his Tweet reads:

President Obari, how long will New Japan Pro-Wrestling cling to the past? Why do you want to line me up with “John’s shin biting” and “Shibata’s imitation bastard”? Aren’t they telling a youth story with two people in the same generation? Kitani, have you been watching New Japan Pro-Wrestling World recently?