Shota Umino confirms NJPW G1 Climax 34 in-ring return
Shota Umino is returning to action.
NJPW posted a video on social media Monday confirming that Shota Umino will be back for the start of the G1 Climax 34 tournament that begins this weekend. He had been out of action since June from back and hip injuries suffered in a match against Rocky Romero that took place last month on AEW Rampage.
“I’m announcing that I will return to the ring for the G1 Climax,” Umino said in the video. “A lot of people have given me their support for the last month. And I put all I had into rehabbing and treatment to be in the G1.”
He said this wasn’t a decision he has taken lightly, and will use this determination to help him win the upcoming tournament.
“I will come out on top of the A Block, win the G1, and then stand on the Tokyo Dome stage,” he finished.
Umino’s first match will take place on opening day, July 20, when he faces Callum Newman. The winner crowned on August 18 will earn a contract for an IWGP World Heavyweight title match that will take place at Wrestle Kingdom 19 on January 4.