Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Report! (6/5/18)

Published

5 years ago

June 5, 2018

Two top Cruiserweight contenders battle once again!

Cedric Alexander is still WWE Cruiserweight Champion, but the contenders keep on coming. 205 Live GM Drake Maverick made the decision, and we will have Buddy Murphy VS Mustafa Ali 3! Will the winner of this match make such an impression that they get one more shot at the Age of Alexander?

All images courtesy of the WWE Network streaming service

OFFICIAL RESULTS

THE Brian Kendrick w/ Drew Gulak VS Lince Dorado w/ Lucha House Party; Lince wins.
TJP VS Brian Keith; TJP wins.
Buddy Murphy VS Mustafa Ali; no contest.

PLAY BY PLAY

And still WWE Cruiserweight Champion…

Cedric Alexander took on the challenge of the Aussie Juggernaut, Buddy Murphy, and won. In his home state of North Carolina, the Soul of 205 Live went toe to toe and move for move with the Best Kept Secret. Murphy was the bigger and stronger competitor, but Alexander showed he was the tougher and more determined. After two Neuralizer kicks and the Lumbar Check, the champion brought down the the Daredevil from Down Under. Who will be next to challenge the #AgeOfAlexander?

Drake Maverick frames tonight’s action.

After last week’s interference by Drew Gulak, the Lucha House Party will be granted some payback in singles action as the Golden Lynx goes up against The Man with a Plan. “Will Kendrick win once more? Or will Dorado even the score?” Then, in the efforts of naming Cedric Alexander’s next challenger, Buddy Murphy and Mustafa Ali have a third match against each other! Their series is tied one win apiece, who will win the rubber match?

THE Brian Kendrick w/ Drew Gulak VS Lince Dorado w/ Lucha House Party!

The Golden Lynx ended up tapping out to the Captain’s Hook last week, but only because the Philadelphia Stretcher got involved last week. Surprisingly, Gulak comes out with Kendrick instead of Jack Gallagher.

While the ungentle gentleman is conspicuous by his absence, Gulak again joins commentary. When asked who he feels should challenge Cedric Alexander next, Gulak naturally says it should be Gulak himself. The Lucha House Party is a bit confused, but Kendrick uses that opening to attack even before the bell! Kendrick puts Lince in the corner and fires off, but then backs off at the ref’s count. Lince tries to fight back but Kendrick is all over him again. Kendrick backs off again, and Lince gets him with wild haymakers! Lince fires off and he gets Kendrick in a corner now. The ref backs Lince down, and things speed up as Kendrick rushes Lince. Lince dodges and hits a dropkick flip, then the headscissors.

Kendrick bails out while the matracas rattle and fans chant “Lucha!” with Lince. Kendrick dares Kalisto to do something but Kalisto keeps his distance. Lince runs and slides out but Kendrick retaliates with forearms. Kendrick whips Lince but Lince reverses to send Kendrick into the apron. Lince gest to the apron and headscissors Kendrick down again. Fans “Lucha! Lucha!” with the Lucha House Party. Lince puts Kendrick in the ring, but then Kendrick dropkicks Lince down. Kendrick fetches Lince to put him into barriers and then mock the matracas. Kendrick puts Lince in the ring, then stomps away on Lince. He brings Lince up for a big side slam, cover, TWO. Kendrick drags Lince into an armlock and grinds his forearm into Lince’s chin.

Lince endures and fans rally, the matracas are loud as Lince powers his way up and out. Lince runs but into another side slam! Cover, TWO, and Kendrick grows frustrated. Kendrick crossface punches Lince, then toys with him. Gulak claims the Lucha House Party is only in it for the merchandise sales while Kendrick stalks Lince to a corner. Kendrick chokes Lince against the ropes, then backs off at 4. He comes back to grind his foot into Lince, then backs off at 4 again. Gulak likes what he sees as Kendrick drops knees. Kendrick brings Lince up for a butterfly suplex, cover, TWO. Kendrick grows frustrated while the fans chant “Lucha! Lucha!” again. Lince endures as Kendrick shifts to a chinlock. Gulak grows annoyed with the matracas, but Lince stands up.

Kendrick whips and Lince hits buckles hard. Kendrick whips Lince again, and Lince hits buckles hard again. The fans boo but Kendrick embraces the heat as he drags Lince up again. Kendrick goes for the hat trick but Lince bounces off to heel kick Kendrick down! Lince stands up with the chants, and boots Kendrick away as he runs in. Lince runs out, and headscissors Kendrick down. Now Lince rallies with chops and punches. He runs in at Kendrick, ends up on the apron, but he buckle bumps Kendrick away. Lince then climbs up, takes aim, and hits a big crossbody. Cover, TWO, but Lince keeps his cool as he dropkicks Kendrick again. Kendrick rolls out, Lince builds speed and DIVES!

Both Lince and Kendrick go down, but Metalik swings his matraca and chants with the fans. Gulak doesn’t think the “cat” is so great, they should be keeping this match to the ring. The trash talk distracts Lince enough for Kendrick to bounce Lince off the annonce desk. Kendrick brings Lince around, and throws him into Metalik! Kendrick puts Lince in the ring but Kalisto tells Gulak to leave Metalik alone. Gulak says what happened was “unfortunate”. Kendrick aims at Lince and runs corner to corner but misses! Lince handsprings, and hits the Golden Rewind!

Cover, Lince wins!

Winner: Lince, by pinfall

The Golden Lynx wins one for the Lucha House Party, but Gulak goes after Kalisto!

Then he goes into the ring to go after Lince! He stomps away on Lince, venting all his frustrations and annoyances over the Lucha House Party on “Dorito.” Kalisto and Metalik return, and they run off Gulak and Kendrick. This grudge based over personal styles is growing even more personal. Who will be the team standing tall when it’s all over?

205 Live takes another look at last week’s Cruiserweight Championship match.

The first championship match to be held on 205 Live in eight months did not disappoint. Alexander proved he is a well-rounded athlete while Murphy showed exactly why he’s the Juggernaut of the Cruiserweight Division. But even though Murphy was confident no one could stop him from becoming champion, Alexander gave him more than he was prepared to take. In the end, Alexander won in front of an elated home crowd. Alexander has reigned since his win at Wrestlemania, how long will his reign continue?

Mustafa Ali speaks.

The Heart of 205 Live is glad for and proud of his friend, Cedric Alexander, retaining the Cruiserweight Championship. “His performance didn’t just make me proud, it made me hungry.” Ali wants to get back and prove he deserves an opportunity. Tonight is his third match with Murphy, a “force of nature.” Murphy thinks he’s gonna run Ali over and get another shot. Murphy may be stronger, but does he have more heart? Ali vows to prove he has the Heart of a Champion. Will Ali break the tie to then go for gold?

TJP VS Brian Keith!

The inaugural (New Era) Cruiserweight Champion claims dissatisfaction with his opportunities in the Cruiserweight Division. He claims he wants out of 205 Live if he isn’t given better. Will the “Cruiser-Great” get what he wants after he wins tonight? Or will one of Texas’ own show him up?

The bell rings, and TJP wants to shake Keith’s hand. Keith accepts, but TJP just uses it to reel him in for a clothesline! TJP exits the ring and grabs a mic. He says he’s sorry to do this to Keith in front of his family in “Corpus Crispy”, but nice boots. Keith probably thought he’d make a name for himself tonight, but no chance. TJP then hits the slingshot senton, and keeps talking! “Let me get this straight: Is this really the type of competition that the first-ever Cruiserweight Champion deserves?” TJP then puts Keith in a deathlock, and continues talking!

To TJP, Drake Maverick has forgotten that TJP carried this division on his back long before Maverick was GM. TJP then pulls Keith back for a surfboard stomp! TJP wonders if another GM on another brand will appreciate him better. Paige, Kurt Angle or even William Regal in NXT. TJP puts Keith in a new deathlock, sitting on the hold to keep it in place. Keith endures while TJP says “The best technical wrestler might just be available to those brands very soon. As for this guy, it’s tapout time.” TJP pulls back and Keith does tap out, so TJP wins.

Winner: TJP, by submission

The FilAm Flash lets Keith go so that he can soak in the spotlight. He sent a message to both his current GM and all other WWE GM’s at the same time. TJP wants championship treatment, which GM will give it to him? Will any brand treat him as a champion?

“Where oh where is the Man of the Hour?”

The newest addition to the Cruiserweight Division!

He’s been in the back, planning his attack. Lio Rush wants us all to face it: he’s the best Cruiserweight in the world. “What you are looking at is a 23 year old piece of gold.” Lio is a gift, but what we will experience is a “living legend, a phenomenon, and it’s only a matter of time before 205 Live feels the Rush.” The clock is ticking. When will Lio Rush’s time in 205 Live come?

Buddy Murphy VS Mustafa Ali!

The Heart of 205 Live and the Beacon of Light, Ali wants his second chance at the Cruiserweight Championship. However, so does the Aussie Juggernaut, who only just got his first chance at a singles championship in WWE.

In a quick backstage interview, Murphy is asked about his “set back” in losing last week. The Premier Athlete and Murphy’s friend, Tony Nese, speaks on his behalf, saying Murphy took Alexander to his limits. Only idiots would expect the same thing to happen next time. Murphy answers now, saying that he is still the Juggernaut of this division, and will prove it all over again that “you can’t stop the unstoppable.”

Tensions are high before the bell, and when the bell rings, Murphy rushes at Ail. Ali leaps up and over, but Murphy turns around and powers him to a corner. Murphy rams in his shoulder, then carries Ali corner to corner for more shoulders. Murphy goes to do it again but Ali sunset flips through, only for Murphy to break free and throw Ali to a corner. Ali dodges and chops, but Murphy barely flinches. Murphy shoves Ali to the other corner, but Ali goes up and over again. Ali chops, and chops, but still nothing. Murphy whips but Ali kicks. That does something.

Ali dodges Murphy’s counter attacks, but he can’t escape Murphy’s grasp. Ali back elbows Murphy, but Murphy grabs Ali’s hair! Murphy back suplexes but Ali slips out and speeds up. Ali cartwheels past and then flapjack dropkicks Murphy down. Murphy rolls out, but Ali builds speed to corkscrew and FLY!

Down goes Murphy and Ali fires up! The fans cheer Ali on as he puts Murphy back in the ring. Ali climbs up top, and leaps with a crossbody. Cover, TWO, but Ali keeps his cool. Murphy gets to a corner and he shoves Ali away. Ali runs in but is put on the apron. He rocks Murphy with a right, then climbs up, but Murphy turns around and climbs right up to join him. Murphy and Ali fight up there and Ali sends Murphy away. Murphy comes right back, but runs into a right hand! Ali adds a buckle bump, then stands up. It gets risky as Murphy starts hitting back. Murphy gets Ali onto his shoulders in the fireman’s carry, and even though Ali resists, Murphy drops him on the top turnbuckle!!

The double-edged move takes a lot out of them both, but Murphy manages a cover. TWO, but Ali is clutching his ribs. Murphy rams his knee into Ali’s back, then whips him. He flips Ali over with the kitchen sink knee, then stalks Ali. Fans rally for Ali, but Murphy whips him again. Ali rolls Murphy, then crucifix, TWO. Murphy kicks and tosses Ali onto the top rope, going after those ribs again. The referee checks on Ali, but Murphy trash talks him. Murphy drags Ali up, and gives him a pendulum backbreaker to then flip him over for a gutbuster. Cover, TWO, and Murphy grows a bit annoyed with Ali. Murphy puts Ali in a seated abdominal stretch to work on those ribs. Fans keep rallying for Ali, and Ali stands up.

Ali fights his way out of the hold, then uses ropes, but Murphy uses his strength to block the tilt-o-whirl. Murphy goes to long dart Ali but Ali slips out to shove Murphy into buckles. Ali then hits the reverse-rana! Both men are down but fans rally up again. A ten count begins, and reaches 8. Both men stand before 9, Murphy runs at Ali, only for Ali to boot him away. Murphy staggers away and Ali runs in. Ali blocks those boots just in time, and spins Murphy around to SUPERKICK the back of Murphy’s head. Murphy back elbows Ali though he’s still in the ropes. Ali goes to the apron, and springboards for a splash!

Direct hit, but Ali’s ribs keep him from covering. Ali crawls to a cover, TWO! Both men are down again, but fans rally. Ali stands up first and rocks Murphy with a forearm. Murphy hits back with a haymaker, so Ali answers in kind. Murphy gives another strong right, and so does Ali. Now Murphy throws a body shot, but Ali hits back with another forearm. Ali tries again but Murphy fires off his strike fest. Ali manages to deflect the knee and give a spinning heel kick! Murphy falls to his knees while fans rally. Ali runs, but into a forearm from Murphy. Murphy runs but into Ali’s SUPERKICK! Ali runs but Murphy flips him over to boot him to a corner. Ali evades and roundhouses Murphy, to then slingshot for the- No, Murphy denies the facebuster to give Ali a knee to the head! Cover, TWO!!

Fans cheer for Ali, dazed as he is. Ali crawls for the ropes, but Murphy glares as fans rally. Murphy stalks Ali to the ropes, and to the apron. He drags Ali up, but Ali fights back. Murphy shoves Ali back, but Ali evades and Murphy boots a post! Ali returns to the apron, to then somersault and facebuster Murphy on the edge!!

Murphy pops off the apron and hits the barrier, but Ali puts him back in the ring. Cover, TWO?! Ali can’t believe Murphy survived! Murphy is the dazed one now, and fans rally up again. Ali stands but Murphy yanks him into buckles. Murphy stands but walks into a mule kick. Ali hops up but Murphy tucks him in for a cheeky SUPERKICK! Murphy then drags Ali out in dominator position, and hits the AK DDT!

Cover, TWO!? Now Murphy is in disbelief. Fans love it though, “This is Awesome!” Ali drags himself to ropes and out of the ring, but Murphy stalks over to him again. Murphy goes outside and grabs Ali by the hair. “Who do you think you are?!” Murphy shouts that he’s next in line, and places Ali’s head on the apron. Murphy stomps, but Ali moves just in time, and trips Murphy up! Ali staggers away, then runs back at Murphy, but Murphy tosses him up! Ali lands on the ropes, to then jump for a SUPER Tornado DDT!! Fans are losing their minds while Ali puts Murphy in the ring again. Ali climbs up to the top once more, but Hideo Itami attacks?!

No Contest

Itami just ruined this amazing main event, but why? Why is he going after Ali? Itami just smirks as fans boo and jeer. But Itami isn’t just after Ali, he hits Murphy with a hesitation dropkick, too! Then he brings Ali up, and hits the GTS Mk. II!

Security and extra referees come in to stop Itami from doing any more damage. Itami always demands respect, is this his way of getting it? Or just his way of getting in on the Cruiserweight Championship picture?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of 205 Live, though there were some things that were clearly just to fill time. For one, we didn’t need two recaps of the Cruiserweight Championship match from last week. That is something Raw or SmackDown would do but that’s because they’re for several hours each. 205 Live is only one hour, we need less filler. Also interesting how Drake Maverick essentially did my job for me, with how he starts the show with summing it all up for the viewers. Maybe the WWE just want any new viewers not to feel too lost when they tune in.

The matches tonight were all good for one reason or another. TJP uses poor Brian Keith to make his statement that he wants a title shot or a transfer. But whether we’re talking kayfabe or reality, moving out of 205 Live isn’t good for him, because there’s just no room. Meanwhile, Gallagher’s absence may have hurt Kendrick’s chances of winning, as Gulak wasn’t enough to distract the Lucha House Party this time. Lince wins to keep LHS up, and I still feel this story is only going to be settled when one team is given WWE Cruiserweight Tag Team Championships. Again, we need more teams in the Cruiserweight Tag Team Division first, but maybe the duo of Nese & Murphy can work something out for truly the biggest and strongest team in the Division.

Of course, Murphy still wants to be THE Cruiserweight Champion, and his match with Ali was another instant classic, until the end. Itami attacking “ruins” the match but it sure makes for good story. Itami having a match with either Ali or Murphy would be great, and I expect Itami challenges next, since the other two had their shots. Alexander VS Itami can also be a great match, given the difference in styles, and that match might go either way as Itami is the kind of Heel who will resort to anything he has to in order to win.

My Score: 8.5/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/19/23)

The semifinals are here!

Published

12 hours ago

March 19, 2023

Steven Mitchell

The New Japan Cup 2023’s Final Four!

Four is bad luck in Japan, but these four are grateful to be in the New Japan Cup semifinals! David Finlay VS Tama Tonga, Sanada VS Mark Davis, who will win to go for it all?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Shota Umino & Oskar Leube VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita; Shota & Oskar win.
Six Man Tag: Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & Ryohei Oiwa VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
8 Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi & Team Strong Style VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
YOSHI-HASHI & Tomoaki Honma VS Jeff Cobb & Kyle Fletcher; Cobb & Fletcher win.
Shingo Takagi & BUSHI VS Aaron Henare & Great-O-Khan; Henare & Khan win.
YOH & Lio Rush VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: Tama Tonga VS David Finlay; Finlay wins and advances to the finals.
New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: SANADA VS Mark Davis; Sanada wins and advances to the finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: Tama Tonga w/ Jado VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!

The Good Bad Guy settled things with Bullet Club, but fate has intervened to have him face the NEW leader! Will Tama get past Finlay and into the finals? Or will the Rebel take over everything?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Tama and Finlay circle, Tama claps to get the fans going more, and then he ties up with Finlay. They go around, Tama puts Finlay on ropes, but he lets off slowly as the ref calls break. Fans applaud and the two reset. They circle, fans rally up for Tama, and the two tie up again. Tama powers Finlay back but Finlay turns it around to have Tama on the ropes. The ref calls the ropebreak again, Finlay lets off slowly, but then swings on Tama! Tama dodges, then hits a headlock takeover! Tama grinds Finlay down, but Finlay keeps his shoulders up. Finlay fights to his feet, powers out, then slips around to headlock!

Tama powers out, hurdles, drops, then DROPKICKS Finlay down! Finlay bails out while fans fire up! Tama storms up to the ropes and slingshots but Finlay slides in! Tama lands on the apron, Finlay storms up but Tama ROCKS him with a forearm! Tama hurries in, and he arm-drags Finlay around! Finlay blocks the next, whips, but Tama reverses. Tama hurdles, but gets caught to a fireman’s carry! HOTSHOT, then BIG back suplex! Fans applaud, that was a good sequence, but Tama crawls to a corner. Finlay stalks Tama, drags him up, and UPPERCUTS him! Finlay whips corner to corner hard and Tama bounces off buckles! Finlay covers, TWO!

Fans rally but Finlay stomps Tama’s hand! Tama clutches that hand, but Finlay fishhooks his face! The ref reprimands, Finlay lets off, and Finlay says that was the nose, not the eyes. The ref doesn’t believe him. Finlay throws Tama out! Gedo tells the ref to leave Finlay alone, but the ref reprimands Gedo for getting on the apron. Finlay drags Tama up to RAM him into railing! No Man’s Land disappears as the railing go back! Finlay rains down fists, but fans rally up for Tama. The ref reprimands Finlay but he drags Tama up and puts him in the ring. Finlay covers, ONE!! Tama is hanging tough but Finlay is amused.

Finlay digs his knee into Tama’s face, he wants the ref to Too Sweet but the ref says no thanks. Finlay drags Tama up, whips him hard into the corner, and Tama bounces off buckles again! Fans rally while Finlay taunts them, “You think Tama’s getting to the finals?” Finlay stomps Tama, then springboard stomps! The ref reprimands, but Finlay clamps on with a cobra clutch. Finlay thrashes Tama around but Tama endures. Gedo tells Tama to give up but Jado coaches Tama to hang tough. Fans rally, Tama fights up and throws hands, but Finlay CLUBS him down! Finlay stomps and elbows Tama, but the ref counts.

Finlay lets off, he brings Tama up to whip corner to corner, but Tama comes back to CLOBBER Finlay! Fans fire up but Gedo is mad! Jado coaches Tama, Gedo coaches Finlay, but Tama is the first to stand. Tama roars, CLOBBERS Finlay, and ELBOWS him! Tama whips, Finlay reverses but Tama CLOBBERS Finlay again! OFF COMES THE VEST! Finlay goes to a corner, Tama runs in, STINGER SPLASH! And then clinch, for an EXPLODER! Finlay scrambles away and out of the ring, but Tama PLANCHAS! Direct hit this time and the fans fire up! Tama slides into the ring to let the ring count handle Finlay.

Finlay sits up at 5 of 20 so Tama goes out to fetch him. Tama puts Finlay in, stalks him to a corner, and Finlay wants mercy, but gets body shots instead! Tama whips Finlay out and then back into the corner, runs in, but Finlay elbows him away! Finlay storms up, but into a scoop! Finlay slips free to CHOP BLOCK! Tama writhes and clutches his knee but Gedo is loving this! The ref checks on Tama but Tama refuses to let this stop him. Finlay storms up on Tama to sit him up, “Look at this beautiful face!” CROSSFACE FOREARM! Gedo likes those, so Finlay sits Tama up again, to CROSSFACE FOREARM!

Finlay drags Tama up again, and he fires off MORE crossface forearms! Fans rally for Tama but Finlay looms over him. Finlay drags Tama up by his hair, sits him up, and BLINDSIDER LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Tama is still in this and Finlay is annoyed. Finlay paces around while Tama slowly rises. Finlay drags Tama up, gut wrenches and Canadian Racks, but Tama slips free! TONGAN TWIST!! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Fans rally as Tama and Finlay stir. Both men crawl over to each other, and Tama ROCKS Finlay with a forearm! Finlay ROCKS Tama right back! Finlay eggs Tama on and Tama sits up.

Tama ROCKS Finlay with another forearm, but Finlay ROCKS Tama again! Tama growls, he and Finlay sit up again. Tama ROCKS Finlay, Finlay ROCKS Tama, repeat! They throw forearms as they slowly stand, and they speed up as the fans rally! Finlay gets the edge, Tama fires off a strike fest! Finlay rebounds but into SRC!! Tama goes to a corner, fans fire up as he climbs, and Tama aims! SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Jado and Tama rally the fans by pounding the mat. Finlay drags himself up with the ropes, Tama runs in, GUN- NO! Finlay rolls Tama, with tights! TWO!! GUN- NO!! Finlay blocks again!

Finlay drags Tama up with a dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, OSAKA STREET CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up while Finlay grows frustrated. Finlay aims as Tama rises, Jado warns Tama of what’s coming, but Finlay runs in, into a KNEE! Tama SUPER- NO, Finlay dodges to DEEP SIX!! Tama staggers up, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Tama survives and Gedo is furious! Finlay argues the count but the ref says that was all fair. Fans rally back up, but Finlay brings down the kneepad. “X marks the spot!” Finlay drags Tama up but Tama is deadweight. Finlay still hauls Tama up, suplexes, but Tama slips free!

Tama rolls Finlay, ties up the legs, and he has a SHARPSHOOTER!! Finlay endures and fans fire up! Tama sits deep on the hold, Finlay flails and fights forward! Finlay claws at the mat, but Tama goes deeper! Finlay fights back up, crawls and reaches out, but Tama drags him away again!! Finlay shouts in pain but he hasn’t given up yet! Another fight forward, and Finlay gets the ROPEBREAK! Tama lets go and Finlay writhes in pain, but the fans rally up again. Tama drags Finlay up, hooks an arm, but Finlay fights and RAMS Tama into a corner! And again and again and again! The ref counts, Finlay lets off and staggers away.

Tama runs in, but Finlay fights off the DDT! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Finlay gut wrenches to a CLIFFHANGER DDT! Cover, TWO!!! Finlay is beside himself but Tama survives again! Fans are thunderous for Tama but Finlay is right on him. Suplex and- NO, Tama fights, wrenches, but Finlay ROCKS him! But Tama cradles!! TWO!!!! Finlay escapes but the SUPERMAN PUNCH hits! BLOODY SUNDAY!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Finlay barely survives but Tama just pounds the mat. Finlay rises up, GUN- NO!! Finlay blocks, spins Tama, suplexes, GUN- NO!! Finlay blocks again and ROCKS Tama!

Tama roars, but Finlay fires off a flurry of forearms! Finlay spins, into a HEADBUTT! GUN- NO, Backslide! Deadlift TRASH PANDA!!! Cover, Finlay wins!!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

Even El Phantasmo has to give old rival Finlay credit on that one. Gedo gets the mic to make the announcement official: The Rebel wins, and he just beat the NEVER Openweight Champion! Finlay will take the EFF over everything! Gedo needs the Rebel, Bullet Club needs the Rebel, and the world needs the Rebel! But will the Rebel get what he wants in the tournament finals?

New Japan Cup 2023, Semifinals: SANADA w/ Just5Guys VS Mark Davis w/ The United Empire!

New team, new look! The Cold Skull is looking sharp, but will he still bring about a Skull End? Or can Dunkzilla conquer the Cup on behalf of the United Empire?

The bell rings and the fans rally up as Davis and Sanada circle. Davis eggs Sanada on but Sanada feels things out. They keep circling, tie up, and Sanada headlocks. Davis powers out, Sanada RAMS shoulders, but neither man falls! Sanada ducks Davis’ chop, gets an arm and wrenches, but Davis whips Sanada away! Davis CHOPS this time, and Sanada is stinging. Davis whips, Sanada dropkicks the legs out! Sanada whips, Davis cartwheels, then scoops and SLAMS! And SENTONS! Fans fire up while Sanada bails out, but Davis goes out after Sanada. Davis brings Sanada up to whip him into railing!

Sanada drops to his knees, but Davis drags Sanada up to ROCK with a forearm! Great-O-Khan is on commentary and he waves the glowstick in praise. Davis puts Sanada on the apron to CLUB and KNEE and CLUB again! Davis gets space, fans rally up, and Davis runs in to KNEE LIFT Sanada into the ring! Crowns up and the Empire high-fives. Davis gets in the ring while Sanada sputters. Davis knees for the cover, TWO! Davis clamps onto Sanada’s arm but Sanada endures. Fans rally, Sanada fights up to his feet, and he throws forearms! Sanada wrenches but Davis DECKS him! Davis drags Sanada up but Sanada waistlocks!

Davis fights free of the hold, CHOPS Sanada to the corner, then whips him corner to corner. Davis runs in but Sanada dodges the splash! Sanada reels Davis in to back suplex, but Davis turns it into a CROSSBODY! Davis drags Sanada back up and back suplexes, but Sanada lands on his feet! Sanada hits the BIG back suplex! Both men are down but their teams coach them while the fans rally up. Sanada kips up, and then he fires up! Sanada DROPKICKS Davis, Davis stays up, so Sanada DROPKICKS! And dropkicks, but misses this time! Davis runs, but Sanada dropkicks the legs out! Then he DROPKICKS Davis out of the ring!

Sanada takes aim and PLANCHAS! Direct hit and down goes Davis! Sanada stares down the Empire, but then he encourages the fans to get louder. The fans oblige and Sanada likes that. Sanada may have a new haircut but he is still Sanada. Sanada puts Davis in the ring, drags him up to fireman’s carry, but Davis fights it! Davis fireman’s carries now, but Sanada fights it! Only for Davis to rise up again! Sanada fights more, gets to the apron, and he counter punches! Sanada slingshots, but Davis HOTSHOTS him! And then TRIANGLE JUMP FOREARMS! Sanada falls, and Davis DIVES?!? Direct hit into the railing!

Fans fire up as No Man’s Land disappears again! Red Shoes checks both men, they’re both okay to continue, but their teams argue about territory. The ring count starts, Davis drags Sanada up at 7 of 20. Davis puts Sanada in at 10 of 20, aims from the corner and climbs up! Sanada rises, Davis FLYING SHOULDERS him down! Cover, TWO! Sanada is still in this but Davis keeps his cool. Davis drags Sanada up, but Sanada blocks the lift! Sanada throws down elbows, but Davis CHOPS him! Davis whips, Sanada goes up and out and springboards in to MISSILE DRPOKICK! Davis stays up!?

Davis swings, misses, and Sanada CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! But Davis KNEES low! Davis back suplexes but Sanada KNEES free! Sanada runs, into a LARIAT! Davis hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up and rally as Sanada survives. Davis drags Sanada by a leg, says it’s time to end this! But Sanada kicks Davis away, so Sanada JABS him down! Davis gets the legs, YANKS Sanada up, but Sanada rolls through! Sanada fireman’s carries to T K O!! Cover, TWO!! Davis is still in this, but Sanada goes up top! ROUNDING BODY- NO, Sanada has to roll through as Davis moves! Davis scoops to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!!

Davis drags Sanada up, wrenches and torture racks, but Sanada slips free! Sanada ELBOWS Davis, QUEBRADAS and has the dragon sleeper! Davis snapmares free to clothesline in the corner! Sanada falls over and fans fire up! Davis climbs the corner, goes to the very top, and DIVING SPLASH, but he FLOPS as Sanada moves! Sanada goes up, ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto the knees!! Davis cradles Sanada, TWO!!! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Davis rises first, drags Sanada up, and fans rally up. Davis swings, but Sanada blocks the forearm to fire UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT!

Sanada spins, into JAB! But he still ROLLING ELBOWS! Davis ENZIGURIS!! Sanada is down and Davis fires up! Fans rally, Davis throws off the elbow pad! Davis waits, Sanada rises up, Davis keeps moving, LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!?! Sanada survives and fans fire up again! Davis stalks Sanada to the corner, then runs side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! Davis shouts “DEAD!” and he drags Sanada up into the torture rack! But Sanada slips free again! O’Conner BRIDGE!! TWO!?! Davis escapes by nanoseconds! Sanada storms up, but Davis trips him! Davis has the legs, Close Your Eyes and Count to F@#$!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW?!?!?

The fans, the Empire and Just5Guys are all going nuts! Davis roars, he wrenches, torture racks, but Sanada slips free again! SIDEWINDER DDT!!! Cover, SANADA WINS!!!!

Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

Davis drove the Cold Skull into the ground, but then Sanada did it back to him! Will Davis find his singles success another time?

Wait, David Finlay and Gedo make his way back out to the ring to see the other finalist in person. Gedo gets the mic to say they just want to give Sanada words of support. Gedo tells Sanada to do his best, because in Nagaoka, Finlay’s gonna beat his face in with the shillelagh, and throw him out of the ring like trash! “See You Next Time, Just Five Losers!” Gedo and Finlay leave, having copied and mocked Sanada’s catchphrase and his new team. Sanada gets the mic to say, “Oi, Finlay! And the people of Gunma. I promise I will beat Finlay on Tuesday, and come back here as the New Japan Cup winner.” Fans applaud that! Sanada then tells Gedo and Finlay to get outta here.

Finlay and Goto leave, flipping Sanada off over their shoulders. Sanada says this debut with J5G is a day he’ll never forget. Fans applaud that, and the mic is handed over to Taka Michinoku. Taka says, “Soon enough, it’ll be us who changes the scene here in NJPW! JUST! FIVE! GUYS!!” The Cold Skull is red hot, but will that heat bring him through to win it all?

My Thoughts:

A great semifinals for the New Japan Cup! Both matches were awesome stuff, and though Tama came close, I figured Finlay would win. He has been winning since his Heel turn and joining the Bullet Club, but he hasn’t quite won the Club over, yet they can’t really deny him, either, because he’s now in the finals of the tournament. The big things in Sanada VS Davis were Sanada’s new look, and that he buries that piledriver. But similarly to Finlay, Sanada’s getting a push because of the big change in allegiance, and now they’re both in this great match for the finals that honestly could go either way.

Gedo as booker does love to push the guys he backs as a manager, but Finlay’s story could be more about controlling Bullet Club than getting the title. And Sanada has openly stated he sees Okada as a rival and Okada reciprocated, so revisiting that now, with Sanada and Okada both having changed ever so slightly, we could get an awesome match for the world title.

My Score: 9/10

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/18/23)

It’s lights out, but for who?

Published

1 day ago

March 18, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Who rounds out the Final Four?

The New Japan Cup is getting closer to the end! Shota VS Finlay, Goto VS Tama, who will join Mark Davis and Sanada in the semifinals?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita VS Oskar Leube & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Fujita win.
YOSHI-HASHI & Tomoaki Honma VS Aaron Henare & Kyle Fletcher; Henare & Fletcher win.
Six Man Tag: Team Strong Style VS Bullet Club; Team Strong Style wins, by disqualification.
Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS The House of Torture; The United Empire wins.
8 Man Tag: Chaos VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; Chaos wins.
New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Shota Umino VS David Finlay; Finlay wins and advances.
New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Hirooki Goto VS Tama Tonga; Tama wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Shota Umino VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!

The Roughneck took The Mighty’s Front Man to the limit and then won, but now he funs into Bullet Club’s newest leader. Will #SHOOTER be the one shot down? Or will another one bite the dust as Shota brings about a paradigm shift?

The two get face to face and start shoving. Red Shoes backs them off, the bell rings and the forearms start flying! Fans fire up as they go faster and faster, and Shota gets the edge! Shota fires off in the corner, but Finlay turns things around, only to miss! Shota fires off more, and even shoves his dad aside! Shota fires off knees and he CLUBS Finlay, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Fans fire up with Shota, and he brings Finlay up. Finlay throws forearms in return, whips, but Shota reverses to ELBOW Finlay down! Shota keeps moving to BASEMENT DROPKICK! Fans fire up again while Finlay checks his chin.

Shota kicks at Finlay, stomps him, but Finlay eggs him on. Shota stomps, Finlay throws a body shot, but Shota just BOOTS Finlay into the corner! Finlay kicks back from below, and even SPITS at Shota! Shota doesn’t flinch, so Finlay steps to him. Shota DECKS Finlay, then digs his boots in! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Shota lets off at 4 and talks trash. Shota stomps Finlay, stands him up and CLUBS him! Finlay goes to ropes, Shota ROCKS him with another forearm. Fans rally, Shota ROCKS Finlay again, and then whips Finlay to ropes. Finlay reverses to TACKLE Shota to the apron! And then all the way into railing!

Gedo likes that as Finlay RAMS Shota in again! Finlay taunts Red Shoes, then throws hands on Shota. Finlay smacks Shota off the apron, follows him around the way, and claws at Shota’s face! Finlay ELBOWS Shota down, Red Shoes reprimands, but Finlay claims it was just the nose. Finlay stomps Shota around on the ramp, going after the limbs. The ring count starts and Finlay drags Shota up at 6 of 20 to put in at 8. Fans applaud and Finlay paces. Finlay stomps Shota down, gives him toying kicks, but Shota sits up with a frown. Finlay UPPERCUTS Shota in the back, but Shota doesn’t budge!

Finlay gets in Shota’s face, then DECKS him! Finlay stands Shota up to UPPERCUT! Shota goes to a corner, Finlay HEADBUTTS then stomps away! Red Shoes reprimands as Finlay digs a knee in. Red Shoes counts, Finlay lets off at 4 and talks more trash. Fans rally up as Finlay brings Shota out. Finlay taunts the fans, “This is your boy?” Shota stands to ROCK Finlay! Shota hits back! Finlay CLUBS Shota down! Shota writhes but Finlay covers, ONE! Finlay clamps onto Shota with a cobra clutch to grind him down. Fans rally and Shota endures. Finlay shakes his head and pulls harder on the hold, but Shota still endures.

Shota fights up, Finlay knees him low and then again, and again. Finlay whips, Shota reverses to scoop, TOSS and UPPERCUT! Fans fire up while Finlay sits up in a daze. Shota storms up on Finlay, whips him to a corner, then runs in to UPPERCUT! Shota FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect so Finlay escapes, but Shota keeps his cool. Shota kicks Finlay but Finlay gives a body shot. Shota kicks and kicks and CLUBS Finlay, then brings him up. Finlay fights the clinch with elbow after elbow after elbow! Finlay runs, into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Finlay bails out!

Shota hurries out to the apron, Finlay stands and Shota CANNONBALLS onto him! Fans fire up with Shota again as he shakes the railing! Shota drags Finlay back up, puts him in the ring, and fans rally behind Shota. Shota aims, to slingshot DDT! Finlay writhes but Shota wants him to stand. Fans rally, but Finlay blocks the kick, and he spins Shota around, only to swing into Shota’s clinch. Finlay fights free, then he clinches back, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Shota is still in this and the fans rally but Gedo argues the count. Red Shoes says that was a fair count, so Finlay drags Shota up.

Finlay makes Red Shoes watch as Finlay CROSSFACE FOREARMS Shota! And again! Gedo likes that so Finlay gives more CROSSFACE FOREARMS! Finlay then sits Shota up to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Shota is still in this and the fans fire back up! Finlay argues the count but Red Shoes defends it was fair. Finlay kicks Shota around, waits on him to rise, and the fans rally. Shota stands, ducks the lariat, and EXPLODERS! Fans fire up again while both men are down! Red Shoes checks both guys and they slowly stir. They go forehead to forehead, and Shota throws a forearm! Finlay throws it back!

Finlay eggs Shota on, Shota ROCKS Finlay! Shota eggs Finlay on, so Finlay ROCKS Shota! Shota ROCKS Finlay again, so Finlay ROCKS Shota again! They go forearm for forearm, fans rally and the two stand. The forearms keep going, back and forth, faster and faster! Finlay UPPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Shota roars and UPPERCUTS in return! And again! Finlay rebounds into another UPPERCUT! Shota UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS! Fans fire up but Finlay throat chops! And throat chops again! Finlay fires off HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT, then he rains down fists!

Red Shoes reprimands, those are closed fists! Finlay lets off and claims palms but Red Shoes can tell. Fans rally for Red Shoes as he argues with Finlay. Finlay goes back to Shota, but Red Shoes has him stay back to check. Shota is still in this, but Finlay thinks he’s won by knockout. Shota grabs at Finlay’s foot, so Finlay gut wrenches to a Canadian rack! But Shota slips free to CROSS RHODES! Shota holds on, he drags Finlay up, CROSS RHODES! Shota drags Finlay up again, SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but fans are thunderous behind Shota! Shota aims from a corner, runs in, but Finlay LARIATS!

Shota stands, but into a SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and Finlay is shocked! Finlay drags Shota up to gut wrench, CLIFFHANGER DDT! Cover, TWO!!! Shota survives again and the fans are thunderous! Finlay scowls at Red Shoes and argues the count, but the count is still fair. Fans rally behind Shota, but Finlay brings down the kneepad. Finlay slashes his throat and he drags Shota back up. Suplex to- NO, Shota cradles! TWO!! Finlay escapes, and ROLLING ELBOWS! Shota staggers to a corner and Finlay hoists him up top. Finlay climbs up after Shota, fires off forearms, then brings Shota up.

Shota throws body shots to stop the superplex! Finlay fires forearms and HEADBUTTS! Finlay brings Shota up again, but Shota SUPER GOURD BUSTERS first! Shota then hurries down and runs in, SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Shota roars and the fans are thunderous again! Shota picks Finlay up but Finlay fights free. Shota kicks low, underhooks, but Finlay powers him back. Shota sends Finlay into buckles! And then TORNADO DDTS! Roll through to the pick-up, SNAP BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Shota roars! Fans rally behind Shota and he aims from the corner again.

Gedo shouts at Finlay but the fans rally up. Finlay rises, Shota underhooks, but Finlay fights the lift! Finlay stomps the leg! And then HEADBUTTS Shota down! Gedo says Finlay’s got it! Suplex, but Shota fights free! ENZIGURI! Finlay rebounds, but swings into hooks! Finlay fights the backslide to backslide, but Shota rolls through! Finlay suplexes, Shota slips free, backslide and underhooks! Finlay spins Shota around, suplexes, TRASH PANDA!!! Cover, Finlay wins!!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)

Another hard-fought battle, and The Rebel comes out on top! Finlay stands on Shota to add insult to injury, then he throws Shota out to just add more insult! Gedo makes the official announcement that Finlay won, and then he says what Finlay did to Shota will happen to everyone else! “Okada! Okada! Are you listening? The Rebel’s coming for you! The Rebel is taking the eff over everything! I need the Rebel, the Bullet Club needs the Rebel, and the world needs the Rebel!” Will Finlay be unstoppable until he has taken everything?

New Japan Cup 2023, Quarterfinals: Hirooki Goto w/ Yoshi-Hashi VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!

The Fierce Warrior and the Good Bad Guy have both had their run-ins with the United Empire, and they both came out on top to make it this far. But there’s only one spot left in the semifinals, who is the final of the final four?

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. Goto and Tama tie up, Goto powers Tama back, but Tama breaks free. They reset, tie up again, and Tama powers Goto back. Goto turns things around to put Tama on the ropes, and Red Shoes calls the break. Goto lets off with pats on the shoulder and fans applaud. Tama and Goto circle again, tie up, and Tama headlocks. Tama grinds the hold, but Goto powers out. They RAM shoulders, but Tama keeps moving. They RAM shoulders again, both men egg each other on, so Goto runs. Goto dodges the lariat to run Tama over! Fans fire up while Tama staggers up.

Goto whips Tama corner to corner, runs in but into an elbow! Tama runs in but into a hip toss! Tama avoids the elbow drop, headlocks, but Goto powers out, only for Tama to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! But now Goto avoids an elbow drop and fans fire up for the standoff! Goto and Tama circle again and fans rally back up. They tie up, Goto headlocks, and Goto grinds the hold. Tama powers up but Goto holds on tighter. Tama fights up, powers up again, but still can’t power out as Goto just holds tighter! Goto grinds the headlock more, but Tama fights up to throw body shots. Tama powers out this time, and things speed up.

Tama hurdles, but Goto counter a hip toss with a hip toss! Tama goes to ropes, Goto runs in, but Tama dumps Goto out to the apron! Tama swings but Goto counter punches! But then Tama GUN STUN STUN GUNS Goto down! Goto falls to the floor and Tama waits on the ring count. Goto stirs at 5 of 20, fans rally and Hashi coaches Goto up. Goto sits up at 12 of 20, but we past 15 before he stands! Goto slides in at 18! Fans applaud, but Tama drags Goto up to COHP! Tama whips, DROPKICKS and covers, TWO! Tama keeps cool as he looms over Goto. Tama brings Goto up, then CLUBS him in the chest again and again!

Fans rally while Tama paces around. Tama drags Goto back up, snap suplexes and covers, TWO! Tama clamps onto Goto with a chinlock and grinds him back down. Fans rally as Goto endures, but Tama brings Goto down to the mat. Goto kicks and flails, fights his way back up, and he throws body shots. Tama CLUBS Goto on the back, then ROCKS him with a forearm! And then another! Goto scowls but Tama eggs him on. Tama ROCKS Goto again, but Goto snarls. Tama fires off forearm after forearm! Tama then runs, but Goto blocks the boot! Goto throws the foot down but Tama ROCKS him with another forearm!

Goto blocks another boot, waistlocks, but Tama elbows free! Tama runs, Goto follows and LARIATS Tama down! Fans fire up while both men are down! Tama crawls to a corner but Goto is right on him. Goto whips corner to corner and runs in to MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Tama survives, and Jado coaches him up. Goto brings Tama up but Tama fires body shots and low headbutts! Tama whips, Goto reverses and he runs Tama over! Fans fire up as Tama bails out, and Goto hurries to PLANCHA! Direct hit and both men go down at the railing! Fans fire up as both men stir.

The ring count starts but Goto is already up at 2 of 20. He drags Tama up at 5, but Tama is deadweight so Goto stomps him. The count passes 10, Goto drags Tama back up at 13. Goto puts Tama back in at 15 and fans applaud. Goto fires up and fans rally behind him. Goto climbs up a corner, but Tama ROCKS him first! Tama throws another forearm, but Goto hits back! Goto ELBOWS Tama in the head, but Tama throws body shots. Tama ROCKS Goto, climbs up and CLUBS Goto on the back. But Goto throws body shots and forearms! Tama and Goto fire off back and forth, and Tama gets the edge! Tama stands Goto up for the SUPERPLEX!

Fans fire up while both men are down again! Red Shoes checks, both men stir, and the fans rally up again. Goto crawls to a corner but Tama runs in, STINGER SPLASH! And then EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Goto hangs tough and the fans rally up. Tama drags himself up with the ropes, and he storms over to Goto. Tama stands Goto up but Goto throws a forearm! Tama throws a forearm right back! Goto drops to a knee, but he grits his teeth. Goto stands up to ROCK Tama with a forearm! Tama shakes that off to ROCK Goto right back! Goto ROCKS Tama! Tama ROCKS Goto! The forearms go back and forth again!

Fans fire up as Tama fires off a strike fest! Tama whips, Goto reverses, fireman’s carries and USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and Tama clutches his neck. Goto roars and fans fire up with him! Goto drags Tama up, dragon sleepers, but Tama throws hands from below! Goto blocks that, spins Tama around, but Tama fireman’s carries! SRC! Tama flounders but finds his way over to the corner! Tama goes up, for the SUPREME FLOW! Cover, TWO!! Goto is still in this, but fans fire up with Tama! OFF COMES THE VEST! Tama watches Goto stir, and Tama pounds the mat. Fans clap along and build back up.

Goto rises, Tama runs in, GUN- NO, Goto blocks! Goto shoves, runs, Tama redirects but Goto follows! Tama dodges and runs, GUN- NO! Goto blocks, then deflects the boot! But Tama jumps, VELENO! Both men are down after the satellite DDT and the fans are thunderous! Tama rises first, the fans rally back up, and Tama takes aim from the corner. Goto flounders, rises, and Tama rushes in, GUN- NO, Goto puts him in the corner! DRAPING SHOUTO!! But Goto’s too tired to make the cover! Fans rally up again and Goto rises. Goto roars and Tama rises, BUZZSAW! Goto then drags Tama back up to fireman’s carry!

USHI- NO, Tama flips through! But Goto still blocks Gun Stun! Goto drags Tama back up, spins him around, but Tama SUPER FOREARMS! BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!?! Goto survives Tama’s shoutout to The Prince, but Tama roars! Tama drags Goto up, underhooks, but Goto fights the lift! Goto wrenches and HEADBUTTS! And then LARIATS!! Fans fire up as Tama goes flipping through the air! Goto roars and gathers all his strength! BUZZSAW!! And then another dragon sleeper! G T- NO!! Tama blocks to a backslide but Goto holds that off! Tama HEADBUTTS, and GUN STUNS!!! Cover, TAMA WINS!!

Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)

The NEVER Openweight Champion bests one half of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions! The Fierce Warrior misses out on the final four, will he and Hashi simply regroup to focus on the tag titles for the Spring?

As for Tama, he shakes Goto’s hand to show respect, and the two hug it out. Goto raises Tama’s hand in victory, then lets him have the ring. Tama gets the mic to say, “HAMAMATSU~!” Fans cheer and Tama continues in Japanese,
“Really, thank you so much! Goto-san. That was amazing, thank you.” Fans cheer the respect shown, and Tama asks that everyone please keep supporting him! A short and sweet message from the Good Bad Guy, will he go all the way until he has his hands on the Cup?

My Thoughts:

Another really good night for the New Japan Cup, though not as shocking and wild as yesterday’s. Shota VS Finlay went about as expected in that Finlay goes over, but I am still impressed that Finlay is a Heel that doesn’t cheat to win. He didn’t need Gedo to do things for him here, Finlay just outdid Shota. And then we got a great main event where I was rather surprised that Tama won out. I thought Goto was going to go strong to the finals to put over the other side of the bracket. Instead, Tama gets a great win here and he’ll get to face Finlay next week, in a great rework of Tama taking on the Bullet Club.