Shota Umino made his debut in April 2017, and developed quickly as a Young Lion . Over the summer of 2019, he formed a partnership with American wrestler Jon Moxley, observing the Death Rider up close and learning from him.

The experience gave Umino a more aggressive edge, which he brought with him into that September’s Young Lion Cup. Umino finished second in the cup, and seeking the chance to move to the next stage in his career, embarked on an excursion to the UK. After occasional appearances on NJPW cards in the US and the UK, ‘Shooter’ returned full time to Japan in November 2023. His effortless charisma and dedication to young fans gave him instant star status, but next on the Roughneck’s agenda was big results.