{"id":70112,"date":"2020-06-14T00:01:47","date_gmt":"2020-06-14T04:01:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprowrestling.com\/?p=70112"},"modified":"2020-06-14T01:51:22","modified_gmt":"2020-06-14T05:51:22","slug":"njpw-new-japan-cup-20","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2020\/06\/14\/njpw-new-japan-cup-20\/","title":{"rendered":"Preview: NJPW – New Japan Cup (6\/16\/20-7\/11\/20)"},"content":{"rendered":"

New Japan Pro Wrestling<\/strong> is set to return after a 4 month absence.\u00a0 One of the first tours announced to return is the New Japan Cup.\u00a0 Since the Best of Super Juniors Tournament<\/em><\/strong> was also cancelled, the juniors are going to be part of the NJPW<\/strong> New Japan Cup<\/strong> for the very first<\/em> time in New Japan history.\u00a0 It is, however, still a tournament that has suffered from cancellations caused by travel problems.\u00a0 Young lions will also participate in the tournament, which creates immense pressure for the young stars.\u00a0 Let’s get into this preview.<\/p>\n

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Photo: NJPW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Togi Makabe vs. Yota Tsuji<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Photo: NJPW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Togi Makabe<\/strong> is a former winner of The New Japan Cup<\/em> and is one of the veterans of this tournament.\u00a0 Yota Tsuiji<\/strong> on the other hand is a young lion of NJPW.\u00a0 He is someone who’s only been with New Japan since 2018.\u00a0 It is a match of a promising young prospect facing off against a veteran.\u00a0 Togi Makabe hasn’t won a singles championship since 2014 with his NEVER<\/strong> World Championship.\u00a0 Makabe is likely to advance<\/p>\n

Tomohiro Ishii vs. El Desperado<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Photo: NJPW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For many years, Tomohiro Ishii<\/strong> has gotten so close to the finals of the New Japan Cup<\/em>, getting eliminated by the ace himself, Kazuchika Okada<\/strong> in the most recent tournament.\u00a0 With the introduction of juniors into the tournament, it has brought in Suzuki-Gun<\/strong>‘s El Desperado<\/strong>. El Desperado, for the past few years, has been teaming with Yoshinobu Kanemaru<\/strong> and he has held the IWGP Junior Tag Championships with him.\u00a0 Ishii hasn’t held a championship since losing the NEVER Openweight Championship in 2019. Some of Ishii’s best matches come from this tournament.\u00a0 The styles between both of these two has tons of potential for a match that could go either way.<\/p>\n

Toru Yano vs. Jado<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Toru Yano<\/strong> has occasional luck in this tournament, though he’s traditionally luckier in the G1 Climax.\u00a0 Jado<\/strong>, on the other hand, is very reluctant to be in the tournament this year.\u00a0 Not only will this be the first NJC (New Japan Cup<\/em>) for Jado but it’s a battle between two former CHAOS<\/strong> members.\u00a0 One of the few matches that will definitely showcase the comedy aspect of Wrestling.\u00a0 Jado, in recent memory, has been the punching bag of Bullet Club<\/strong>.\u00a0 Known for managing the Guerillas of Destiny<\/strong>, Yano for the past few months has had trios goals, as he hasn’t held a singles championship ever in New Japan. It could be a short match.<\/p>\n

Tomoaki Honma vs. Hiromu Takahashi<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Hiromu Takahashi<\/strong> made his return to New Japan last December at King of Pro Wrestling<\/strong><\/em> after an almost-career-ending injury.\u00a0 He had ambitions for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom<\/strong><\/em>.\u00a0 In that tour, Hiromu also retired Jushin Thunder Liger<\/strong>, alongside Ryu Lee <\/strong>he then also won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.\u00a0 After defeating Ryu Lee at New Beginning<\/strong><\/em>, Hiromu Takahashi laid a challenge to Tetsuya Naito<\/strong> for the 44th Anniversary Tour. A match that never happened due to COVID-19.\u00a0 Tomoaki Honma<\/strong> on the other hand has been having on-and-off appearances for the company. Ever since returning from his possible career-ending injuries in 2018, Hiromu Takahashi has no experience in this tournament, though Tomoaki Honma does.\u00a0 But Honma is known as a tag team competitor, with a sadistic side to him.\u00a0 These two personalities should lead to a very interesting match.<\/p>\n

Kazuchika Okada vs. Gedo<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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When New Japan first announced the New Japan Cup<\/em> in March, Kazuchika Okada was scheduled to face off against rival Jay White<\/strong> in a Wrestle Kingdom 13<\/strong><\/em>\/G1 Supercard<\/strong><\/em> rematch.\u00a0 When the tournament got rescheduled due to COVID-19, Switchblade couldn’t make the tour.\u00a0 Gedo <\/strong>is\u00a0the replacement.\u00a0 The story between these two goes all the way back to when Okada made his return to New Japan from excursion in 2012, as Gedo was the manager of Okada.\u00a0 From 2012 to 2017, Gedo managed Okada while Okada continued to break out to superstardom.\u00a0 Afterwards, at the G1 Climax<\/em> of 2018, Okada lost his mind. One of the undeniable reasons was losing Gedo, as he didn’t need him. A month later at Destruction<\/strong><\/em>, Gedo would turn on Okada and join Jay White as his new manager.\u00a0 While 2019 was always a focus for Jay White, Gedo has not done much in his feud with Okada. These two haven’t even had a singles match due to them being in separate divisions.\u00a0 After many months, these two finally face off with Okada’s ambition to avenge his betrayal by his former mentor.\u00a0 Gedo, however, wants to make his student proud.<\/p>\n

Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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When it comes to special matches that showcase New Japan’s history, the stories of these two go back to the early 2000s. With one of these competitors’ best matches happening way back at Wrestle Kingdom 5<\/strong><\/em>, these are two legit veterans of this tournament.\u00a0 Yuji Nagata<\/strong> actually won this tournament twice upon a time – in 2007 and 2011.\u00a0 On the other hand, Minoru Suzuki<\/strong> hasn’t had much luck within the tournament.\u00a0 If there is a match most worth recommending, it is this one.\u00a0 These veterans have had bloody<\/em> wars and it could be the same again here. Two stars who are this late in their career – at this level – is something very impressive.\u00a0 This match could steal the show… and the tournament.<\/p>\n

Yuya Uemura vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Photo: NJPW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yoshinobu Kanemaru<\/strong> has never appeared in an NJPW New Japan Cup<\/em>.\u00a0 Kanemaru, for almost his entire career, has been based in the Junior Division of any company that he’s been signed to.\u00a0 He was one of the top stars of NOAH’s in its early years.\u00a0 Yuya Uemura<\/strong>, on the other hand, is still very new to New Japan.\u00a0 Veteran vs. Rookie seems to be a common trend within this tournament.\u00a0 Both of these guys have also not been in this tournament due to the junior restrictions.\u00a0 Expect the veteran Kanemaru to advance<\/p>\n

Gabriel Kidd vs. Taiji Ishimori<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Photo: NJPW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the newest young lions is former WCPW Internet Champion, Gabriel Kidd<\/strong>. Gabriel Kidd made his debut for New Japan in February of 2020.\u00a0 He’s facing off against the former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Taiji Ishimori<\/strong>. Neither man has ever been in this tournament.\u00a0 In 2019, Ishimori started teaming with El Phantasmo<\/strong>.\u00a0 He even won the junior tag titles with him.\u00a0 Ever since losing the championship, Ishimori has been looking to prove himself and this year’s NJPW New Japan Cup<\/em> tournament could be the redeeming moment of his career<\/p>\n

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Taichi<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Photo: NJPW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The story between Taichi<\/strong> and Hiroshi Tanahashi<\/strong> goes back to around the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.\u00a0 On the second night of New Japan Road<\/strong><\/em>, the dream team of Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kota Ibushi<\/strong> defeated The Guerillas of Destiny for the IWGP Tag Heavyweight Championships.\u00a0 At the end of the match, the team known as Dangerous Tekkers<\/strong> (Zack Sabre Jr<\/strong> and Taichi) would attack the newly crowned champions. They were scheduled for an advertised match in April, but it never happened (because of the pandemic).\u00a0 These two will be facing off against each other, but in singles competition.\u00a0 Taichi and Tanahashi have a history.\u00a0 Right around the time Taichi became a heavyweight for the promotion, in 2018, Tanahashi eliminated Taichi.\u00a0 Tanahashi has also won this tournament in previous years, winning it two times.\u00a0 This should be a great match.<\/p>\n

Kota Ibushi vs. Zack Sabre Jr.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The matches between Ibushi and Sabre have always given us the “What If” scenario for if these two were the main event of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic in 2016.\u00a0 It would happen in the G1 Climax<\/em> in 2017, when ZSJ made his first G1<\/em> Appearance, with Ibushi making his official NJPW return to a full-time spot on the roster.\u00a0 From 2017 until 2019, both of these men faced off in the G1.\u00a0 Absurd to think about.\u00a0 The chemistry between these has always led to a great match between them.\u00a0 But the story is similar to the story of Tanahashi and Taichi.\u00a0 Both men have also won the NJPW New Japan Cup<\/em> tournament in recent memory.\u00a0 ZSJ in 2018, Ibushi in 2015.\u00a0 So both men have ambitions to win this tournament once again.<\/p>\n

Ryusuke Taguchi vs. SANADA<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Photo: NJPW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sanada<\/strong> has always felt like the one star who is so close to becoming a main event star.\u00a0 A lot of people are predicting Sanada to be one of the favorites going into the tournament. He could realistically end up winning it. Taguchi<\/strong>, on the other hand, hasn’t been doing much; he’s been working with Taguchi Japan, winning trios gold, and starting a tag team with Rocky Romero<\/strong>.\u00a0 This is Taguchi’s first time in the tournament.\u00a0 Sanada was the finalist in the previous year. This might finally be the big win that Sanada has been craving for many years, since signing with New Japan in 2016.<\/p>\n

SHO vs. Shingo Takagi<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Sho<\/strong> was one of the most impressive juniors to be showcased in both the 2018 and 2019 BOSJ.\u00a0 In the 2019 BOSJ, Sho came out with an entirely different look and his first match was against Shingo Takagi<\/strong>.\u00a0 These two tore the house down – establishing them both as legitimate competitors in the Junior Division.\u00a0 Over a year passed, Shingo Takagi recently became NEVER Openweight Champion and was supposed to face Will Ospreay<\/strong> in this tournament – a rematch from the 2019 BOSJ<\/em> final.\u00a0 But because of travel restrictions, the match never happened.\u00a0 Now, Sho and Takagi face off against each other, in what should be a beefy encounter.\u00a0 This is the first New Japan Cup<\/em> for both of them as well.\u00a0 A note: Takagi is NEVER Champion, whoever defeats him might have an opportunity for that championship at the upcoming Dominion<\/strong><\/em> Show.\u00a0 Something worth keeping in mind.<\/p>\n

Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. YOSHI-HASHI<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Photo: NJPW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yoshi Hashi<\/strong> pulled off one of the biggest upsets against Kenny Omega<\/strong> in the 2016 G1 Climax<\/em>. It was a real showcase of the potential that Yoshi Hashi had within New Japan.\u00a0 Years later, Yoshi Hashi has never held a championship and has never won a tournament within New Japan – but he definitely tries.\u00a0 Hiroyoshi Tenzan<\/strong> on the other hand was one of the Musketeers<\/strong> of the old guard of New Japan.\u00a0 Known mostly for his series of matches against his partner, Satoshi Kojima<\/strong> who he still tags with.\u00a0 Additionally, Tenzan does have history of winning tournaments; going back to the early 2000s with the G1 Climax<\/em> three<\/em> separate times.\u00a0 While Tenzan has retired from the G1 Climax<\/em>, Tenzan looks to take out Yoshi Hashi of the CHAOS brand and win the NJ Cup.<\/p>\n

YOH vs. BUSHI<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The IWGP Junior Tag Division was showcased in the bouts between these two, though in tag form.\u00a0 Both of Roppongi 3K<\/strong> are facing off against former Junior Tag Champions of LIJ<\/strong>.\u00a0 Something worth thinking about.\u00a0 Both men are completely new to this tournament, so this match is the wrestling personification of coin flip.\u00a0 Hard to predict, but should be fun.<\/p>\n

Satoshi Kojima vs. EVIL<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Photo: NJPW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Evil<\/strong> has been part of New Japan for the past few years, since making his debut in the late 2015s.\u00a0 In the NJPW New Japan Cup<\/em> in particular, he has a history of losing within this tournament – with 2017 being the one exception, as he did almost get to the finals that year.\u00a0 Satoshi Kojima<\/strong>, on the other hand, is one of the true veterans of this promotion – having been with the promotion in the early 90s, before a long break when he signed with All Japan Pro Wrestling<\/strong>.\u00a0 He did win the G1 Climax<\/em> in 2010.\u00a0 In January, the ambitions of Kojima were showcased in his match against Ultimo Guerrero<\/strong> – he showed he wants to hold one more singles championship. This could be the story that Kojima has been waiting for for so long.<\/p>\n

Hirooki Goto vs. Yujiro Takahashi<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Photo: NJPW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hirooki Goto<\/strong> is the personification of veteran in this tournament.\u00a0 As he has won this tournament on three separate occasions, Goto’s victories have unfortunately led to failed title challenges.\u00a0 On all three occasions, Goto would lose when it mattered.\u00a0 But within this tournament, the man has also been a finalist six<\/em> times.\u00a0 To say he’s a favorite would be an understatement.\u00a0 Yujiro Takahashi<\/strong>, on the other hand, has been with New Japan for the past few years – receiving a big title match against Tanahashi in 2012 and even holding the NEVER Openweight Championship when he first joined Bullet Club.\u00a0 But in recent memory, Yujiro hasn’t been doing much of note, other than being known as the Tokyo Pimp and bringing out Pieter<\/strong> for the fans.<\/p>\n

A Welcomed New Japan Cup<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The NJPW New Japan Cup<\/em> this year showcases tons of potential.\u00a0 Not only for potential show-stealers, but also showcasing how NJPW can work with not having a crowd for this entire tournament.\u00a0 Rivalries are getting revived after four months of waiting.\u00a0 With the winner facing off against IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito at Dominion, in a tournament more historic than ever before, thanks to the inclusion of juniors.\u00a0 What is guaranteed is that it’s going to be good to see NJPW back after months<\/em> of hiatus.\u00a0 Showcasing the true “King of Sports” mantra, it’s going to be an interesting tournament.<\/p>\n

Stay tuned to the\u00a0Last Word on Pro Wrestling<\/a>\u00a0for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. Make sure to watch NJPW on\u00a0NJPW World<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

New Japan Pro Wrestling is set to return after a 4 month absence.\u00a0 One of the first tours announced to return is the New Japan Cup.\u00a0 Since the Best of Super Juniors Tournament was also cancelled, the juniors are going to be part of the NJPW New Japan Cup for the very first time in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3258,"featured_media":70106,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,13,14],"tags":[617],"class_list":["post-70112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-international","category-njpw","tag-new-japan-cup"],"modified_by":"Jamie Greer","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70112","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3258"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70112"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70112\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/70106"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70112"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70112"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=70112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}