T-Hawk Wants Triple Crown Opportunity After Shotaro Ashino’s Injury

T-Hawk Wants Triple Crown Opportunity After Shotaro Ashino’s Injury

By: J. Curbelo

After AJPW’s emergency conference today announcing that Shotaro Ashino sustained an arm fracture, his scheduled title match against Triple Crown Champion Yuji Nagata is off the table for the time being. The challenger for AJPW’s legendary top title is up in the air.

【公式ファンクラブ #clubajpw】

芦野祥太郎選手のLIVE配信🎥
ご視聴ありがとうございました✨

左尺骨骨折によりしばらくの間欠場となりますが、引き続き芦野祥太郎選手の応援を皆様宜しくお願い致します🔥

見逃した方は、ぜひアーカイブをチェック→https://t.co/7Z75YgbaMT…#ajpw pic.twitter.com/mGSPcvUxdd

— 全日本プロレス/alljapan (@alljapan_pw) May 10, 2023

Ashino intended to continue wrestling even with the injury, but he was advised not to as there’s still a chance for him to heal up without the need for surgery. Regardless, he’s still disappointed that he cannot commit to the match and perform for the fans.

With the May 29th show still needing a title defense, Ashino suggested big rookie Yuma Anzai for the match. Meanwhile, champion Yuji Nagata suggested facing Champion Carnival runner-up T-Hawk. The G-REX Champion strongly agreed that it should be him going for the title.

芦野は
嫌がると思うけどそんなもんは知らん。

芦野の想いは俺が継ぐ。

全日本プロレスには、そして芦野にはまたひとつ成長させてもらった、永田選手の持つ三冠のベルトは"俺ら"が獲りに行く。#ajpw #GLEAT

— T-Hawk (@owethawk) May 10, 2023

With two nominated challengers, it’s up to AJPW management to confirm who’s receiving the opportunity, or when they are fighting for it otherwise.