Yuya Uemura describes how teaming with Joe Hendry broadened his horizons.
Yuya Uemura went on excursion and competed for IMPACT Wrestling throughout 2022 and the majority of 2023. He joined forces with Joe Hendry to form JOYA, but his time with the company came to an end when he got a “fired” briefcase in the Feast or Fire match during IMPACT 1000.
In an interview with NJPW’s website, Uemura recalled how Rocky Romero introduced him to IMPACT. When asked about teaming up with Hendry and dancing with him, Uemura explained that it broadened his horizons. He admitted that some NJPW fans may have done a double take, but it helped break down his idea that pro wrestling had to be a certain way.
“Haha! Yeah, maybe some NJPW fans might have done a double take, but it broadened my horizons when it came to wrestling,” he said. “I think I had this fixed idea of NJPW is the only pro-wrestling, and pro-wrestling has to be a certain way, but getting to do that helped break that idea down.”
Uemura also recalled how he felt like he had to get as far as he could in IMPACT, which is why he said he “didn’t feel anything special” from NJPW, and he was focused on IMPACT.
Following his departure from IMPACT, Uemura returned to NJPW at NJPW Destruction in Ryogoku, and he joined Just 5 Guys.
