‘Jungle Boy’ Jack Perry has not appeared on AEW TV programming since his ugly backstage brawl with CM Punk. While Punk was immediately fired, Perry was suspended indefinitely for his role in the scuffle. Throughout the period of absence, there was no speculation about his return until today. However, his recent act of defiance has raised many more questions for wrestling fans around the globe.

NJPW star sends a strong message for Jungle Boy Jack Perry

NJPW Global took to X on January 14th to post a clip featuring NJPW star Shota Umino. The clip was uploaded with the tweet, ‘Stupid punk kid.. anytime, anywhere I’ll beat you, b*tch’ Shota Umino responds to an attack from Jack Perry at Battle in the Valley!

In the 44-second clip, Shota Umino responded to the shocking attack by ‘Jungle Boy’ Jack Perry as a part of the promo. He said, “‘Boy’. You got this all wrong. A stupid punk kid. You think tearing up our contract and slide right into Japan? Jungle Boy, anytime, anywhere. I don’t care if it’s in AEW or in a ring in Japan.”

The moment in reference is related to the event NJPW Strong on January 14th. After his trios match win against Tom Lawlor and the West Coast Wrecking Crew, Shota Umino was attacked by a man in the crowd wearing a mask. After delivering a vicious DDT on the ringapron, Jack Perry took centre stage and ripped apart his AEW contract.

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Many have interpreted this act can be considered as a formal debut in the NJPW promotion. He has also hinted at some tension with AEW management as he was sporting an armband which read ‘scapegoat’, referencing that he felt scapegoated in the midst of Punks backstage antics. The strong response from Shota Umino confirms a lot of doubts wrestling fans have including his relationship with AEW where he was seen as one of the four pillars of homegrown talent.

Shota Umino’s promo may have answered many doubts about Jack Perry

Shota Umino’s promo message sort of confirms that Jungle Boy is still with AEW, despite the ugly spat. In fact, AEW has not officially declared him out of the roster yet. It also confirms that Jack Perry’s act of tearing apart the AEW contract is a gimmick to build up the storyline. Well, we all know that NJPW is like a sister promotion for AEW. The recent appearances of multiple superstars across the promotions confirm the amalgamation where the superstars are going across the forbidden doors.

What do you think about Jack Perry’s promo at NJPW?

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