Ricochet made a statement at today’s NJPW Power Struggle event in Osaka.
IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr. did not have long to celebrate his victory over Shingo Takagi in the show’s main event. Both Shota Umino and Ricochet interrupted his post-match comments to make their claims for future title shots.
Umino defeated SANADA earlier in the evening and was the first to confront ZSJ. Umino challenged him to a title shot, leaving the timing of the match up to the champion. Ricochet came out next and delivered a springboard clothesline to ZSJ before challenging him for Wrestle Dynasty on January 5, 2025, in The Tokyo Dome.
Ricochet then appeared ready to his his version of the Hidden Blade on ZSJ before Umino re-entered the scene and made the save. ZSJ then tossed Umino out of the ring, leading to Umino getting back in the ring and giving ZSJ a Death Rider.
“Had to remind the world that I’m still the f–king man around here,” Ricochet would later write of his surprise appearance in Osaka today.
ZSJ accepted Ricochet’s challenge during his post-event comments backstage. He also said he would leave it to NJPW to determine when Umino gets his shot at the title.