Fuminori Abe Set to Experience a Pro-Wrestling High at NJPW Bound for Unbound

By: Ian McCord 

Another intriguing singles match has been announced for New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Bound for Unbound on November 20th. The man known for delivering the Pro-Wrestling High, Yuto-Ice, is set to battle good friend and freelance star Fuminori Abe at the Unbound Co. special event.

In a video posted to NJPW’s YouTube channel, Yuto-Ice meets with a mystery man, who is later revealed as Fuminori Abe, at a restaurant in Tokyo. The two share stories and memories before Ice invites Abe to be his opponent at Bound for Unbound, claiming that he is the only man for the job. Abe would accept the challenge, adding that he wants to experience the Pro-Wrestling High, a sensation Ice is notorious for supplying.

During the video, Ice stated that he believes there is no one who fights like Abe in NJPW’s Jr. division, adding that he sees him as a real money-maker before hinting at the possibility of the freelancer competing in next year’s Best of the Super Juniors.

From Yuto-Ice:

“There aren’t any fighters like this in New Japan’s junior division. This guy is seriously a money-maker. If the fans want to see more of him, it’s possible he could compete in next year’s ‘BEST OF THE SUPER Jr.’ In that sense, this is also a way to make a case to the company.”

(Translation via DeepL. Quote courtesy of New Japan Pro-Wrestling)

Abe took to social media after the announcement to introduce himself to any new fans who will be experiencing his work for the first time, saying that he’s bringing the heat straight from the independent scene to NJPW.

From Fuminori Abe via X:

“Whether you’re meeting me for the first time or have been supporting me all along, let me introduce myself once again: I’m Fuminori Abe. Bringing the heat straight from the indie scene to New Japan Pro-Wrestling! Thank you for your support.”

(English Translations via DeepL)

The brash, smash-mouth style of Yuto-Ice vs. the BattleARTS-inspired Bati Bati Style of Abe is bound to bring some ruckus to Korakuen Hall on November 20th. It is safe to assume this match will deliver a symphony of hard strikes and swift kicks between two friends looking to steal the show.

Image Credit: New Japan Pro-Wrestling

Here is the current list of matches for Bound for Unbound on November 20th:

• Yota Tsuji vs. Ares
• Drilla Moloney vs. Daiki Nagai
• Shingo Takagi & Natsupoi vs. Jeff Cobb & Chihiro Hashimoto
• Robbie X vs. Dragon Kid
• OSKAR vs. Lance Archer
• Yuto-Ice vs. Fuminori Abe