Shota Umino has officially committed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) for the 2026 fiscal year. The 28-year-old wrestler announced his re-signing on social media, stating, “I have signed a contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co., Ltd. for the 2026 fiscal year. My beloved family is ‘New Japan Pro-Wrestling’ alone.” This announcement solidifies Umino’s ongoing relationship with the company, which he has been a part of since 2017.
Umino’s recent career has been marked by challenges. In January 2025, he faced a significant defeat against Zack Sabre Jr. in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 20, where he vied for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. His struggles continued throughout the year; in March, he was defeated by David Finlay in the finals of the New Japan Cup. The following month, Umino fell short again, losing an IWGP World title match to Hirooki Goto at the Windy City Riot in Chicago.
Despite these setbacks, Umino demonstrated resilience during the G1 Climax, where he finished second in the B Block but was eliminated in the first knockout round by Yota Tsuji. His journey reflects the competitive nature of professional wrestling and the highs and lows that come with it.
Umino, the son of renowned NJPW referee Hiroyuki Umino, began his career in the company’s dojo system, where he has cultivated his skills and established himself as a notable competitor. His steadfast commitment to NJPW is evident not only in his recent announcement but also in his dedication to improving and competing at a high level.
As Umino prepares for the upcoming year, fans and followers of NJPW will be keen to see how he builds on his experiences from 2025. His social media post announcing his re-signing can be viewed below:
“2026年度新日本プロレスリング株式会社と契約させて頂きました。俺の愛してる家族は”新日本プロレス”だけです。”
With Umino’s re-signing, NJPW continues to secure its roster as it heads into a new fiscal year, promising exciting developments in the wrestling landscape.
