The 2022 New Japan Cup begins!

In honor of the 50th Anniversary, NJPW raises the bar and makes the New Japan Cup a field of FORTY-EIGHT!! Who survives this star-studded first round?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: CIMA VS TAKA Michinoku; Cima wins and advances.
• 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tomoaki Honma VS YOSHI-HASHI; Hashi wins and advances.
• 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Yuji Nagata VS Hirooki Goto; Goto wins and advances.
• 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Togi Makabe VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins and advances.
• 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Toru Yano VS Taichi; Taichi wins and advances.
• 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS YOH; Tanahashi wins and advances.
• 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tetsuya Naito VS Yujiro Takahashi; Naito wins and advances.
• 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Kazuchika Okada VS El Desperado; Okada wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: CIMA VS TAKA Michinoku!

Strong Hearts had a #GLEAT win yesterday on the 50th Anniversary Show, and now “The Flower of Evil” looks to bloom in this tournament! But will the Blue Playmaker trample on his hopes and dreams?

The bell rings and the two circle as fans rally. They each try drop steps but the other stays clear. They tie up with knuckle locks, and Taka wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Cima gets the headlock but Taka slips out to hammerlock. Taka brings Cima to the mat but Cima gets up and wrenches back again. Taka rolls, wrenches and wrings Cima but Cima kicks Taka away! Fans cheer the technical exchange while the two reset. Taka and Cima circle and feel the grapple out again. Taka kicks Cima in the shin! And then stomps him to a corner. Taka throws a knee, wrenches again, and whips corner to corner.

Cima goes up and over and then arm-drags Taka to dropkick him out of the ring! Cima builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and Taka hits railing! Fans rally up as Cima gets up and shakes out the arm. Cima drags Taka up, puts him in the ring, and brings him up. Cima fireman’s carries, Wasteland Slam and then omoplata to a modified BUTTERFLY STRETCH! Taka endures as Cima rocks the hold back and forth. Taka reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Cima lets go quickly, and fans rally up. Cima CHOPS Taka, then CHOPS him again! And again! Taka pokes Cima in the eyes! The ref reprimands but Taka drags Cima up.

Taka uppercuts Cima to the corner! Taka then headlocks, brings Cima around, but holds on as Cima tries to power out. Cima tries again but Taka still holds tight. Taka wrenches, headlocks to the takeover, then gets the headscissors on Cima! Taka pushes up for more pressure, but Cima endures. Fans rally and Cima crawls his way over, ROPEBREAK! Taka lets off quickly to stand Cima up for knees. Taka wrenches and whips corner to corner, then runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO, and right back to the headscissor necklock! Cima endures again as Taka also gets the arm! Taka twists the wrist and bends fingers!

Cima reaches out again, ROPEBREAK! Taka lets go quickly as fans cheer. Taka stomps Cima’s bad arm but Cima still throws body shots with the good arm. Taka eggs Cima on, Cima fires more shots. Cima whips but Taka reverses for a takedown, JUST FACELOCK! But Cima gets to the ROPEBREAK fast! Taka lets off as fans rally up, and Taka runs in, only to miss! Cima runs in, but into a BOOT! Taka runs, Cima handsprings under and BACKSTABBERS! Fans fire up as Cima gets back up. Cima runs corner to corner to METEORA! And then Cima puts Taka in a drop zone, VADER BOMB KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!

Fans fire up while both men are still down. Cima is up first, he CLUBS Taka, then brings him up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Taka fakes the eye poke to kick the leg! Oklahoma Roll, TWO! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Cima survives but Taka fires up! Taka scoops but Cima slips out. Cima kicks and runs but Taka goes the other way to BOOT! Cima kicks first but Taka CALF KICKS then SUPER K! Cover, TWO, to JUST FACELOCK!! Cima scrambles around, reaches out, but Taka rolls him from ropes! Taka CLUBS away, then cranks back on JUST FACELOCK! Cima endures, fans rally up, Taka flips him over to the necklock!

Taka rolls Cima around, and has the legs tied up in a deathlock! Cima endures and crawls with his one free arm. Cima gets a leg free to get the ROPEBREAK! Taka lets go quickly, but says this is over now! Taka drags Cima back up, scoops, but Cima slips out. Cima waistlocks, Taka elbows free, but runs into a BIG dropkick! SNAP SAIDO! Cima keeps going, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Cima keeps going, he gets Taka up for PERFECT DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Taka survives again! Cima fires up, goes right to the corner and right up top! METEORA!! Cover, Cima wins!

Winner: Cima, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Another GLEAT win for Cima! Will this Strong Heart continue to beat deeper into the tournament?

2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tomoaki Honma VS YOSHI-HASHI!

Everyone’s Kokeshi and the reunited Great Bash Heel lost to Los Ingobernables de Japon, but the Head Hunter is coming off a big win against the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. Will Honma move on through the tournament while also earning GBH a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions? Or will Hashi be heading to the next round?

The bell rings and the two rush each other! They ram shoulders again and again, then start throwing forearms! Fans rally up as they go faster and faster! Honma gets the edge, runs, rams Hashi but Hashi rams back. Hashi eggs Honma on, then back elbows him. But Honma still runs Hashi over! Honma fires up, runs, KOKESHI flops! Fans rally and Hashi stomps Honma. Hashi then brings Honma up to ROCK with a forearm! And another! Hashi has Honma in a corner, he throws more and more and more forearms, but Honma shoves him back. Hashi CHOPS, and Honma drops against the ropes!

Fans rally up again as Hashi brings Honma up. Hashi CHOPS again, then brings Honma around to suplex and hang out to dry. Hashi runs, and he dropkicks Honma down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up, Hashi brings Honma up again, but Honma blocks the suplex. Fans rally as the two fight for control, and Honma wrenches to kick Hashi. Hashi swings but into a spin and DDT! Both men are down but fans rally up. Honma rises, drags Hashi up, and he CHOPS Hashi, then CHOPS him again! And CHOPS again! Honma whips corner to corner, runs in and back elbows Hashi, to then BULLDOG! Honma tries again, KOKESHI flops again!

Fans fire back up as Hashi brings Honma up. Honma throws a forearm, but Hashi gives it back. They go back and forth again, faster and faster, and now Hashi gets the edge. Hashi CHOPS, but Honma HEADBUTTS! And now, KOKESHI! Honma goes up top now, he wants another! Hashi stands, but he deflects the Diving Kokeshi! Fans rally up as Honma crawls to a corner. Honma runs in but Hashi CHOPS him! Honma roars, Hashi CHOPS again! Hashi runs into the corner to CHOP, whip and CHOP again! Mule kick, and Hashi goes up! BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Honma is still in this but Hashi fires right up!

Hashi stands Honma back up, full nelson, pump handle, but Honma fights free! Hashi LARIATS point blank, then BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Hashi drags Honma back up, tries again, but Honma slips out of Karma! Honma shoves Hashi but Hashi comes back, Honma boots his clothesline away. But Hashi spins to CHOP! Hashi fires up and runs, but Honma dodges to FLYING HEADBUTT Hashi down! Both men are down again but fans fire up! Honma gets to a corner, Hashi sits up, BASEMENT HEADBUTT! Honma climbs up again, FALLING HEADBUTT!! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives and Honma can’t believe it!

Fans fire up again as Honma gets back up! Honma drags Hashi up, but Hashi blocks the scoop. Fans rally as Honma CLUBS Hashi down. Honma runs, DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but Honma stays standing! Honma drags Hashi back up, but Hashi fires a forearm! They go forehead to forehead, Hashi keeps throwing forearms but Honma gives them back. Fans rally again as they go faster and faster! Honma gets the edge, but Hashi SLAPS! Honma SLAPS so Hashi SLAPS back! Hashi eggs Honma on now, then wrenches an arm. Hashi ROCKS Honma with a forearm, wrenches and CHOPS! Hashi wrenches, but Honma HEADBUTTS!

Honma roars, runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Honma stays up on determination! Hashi LARIATS, runs, and LARIATS Honma down! Cover, TWO!! But Hashi just fires up and gets Honma to his feet. Full nelson, pump handle, KARMA!! Cover, Hashi wins!

Winner: Yoshi-Hashi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

The Head Hunter was able to #GetBackUp after all those headbutts, and now he’s moving on!

2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Yuji Nagata VS Hirooki Goto!

Blue Justice may have lost to the United Empire, but don’t count him out of the Cup! And though the Fierce Warrior is an IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion doesn’t mean he doesn’t want that world title! Will Goto join tag partner Hashi in the next round? Or will Nagata take one step closer to former glory?

The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle quickly. They tie up, Nagata waistlocks, wrenches an arm, but Goto rolls to wrench back. Nagata kicks Goto away and the two reset. They feel out the grapple, knuckle lock, and Nagata gets around again. Goto wrenches, hammerlocks, but Nagata slips around to facelock then chinlock. Goto slips through to hammerlock Nagata on the mat, then shifts to a chinlock. Nagata slips out the back to hammerlock in return. Goto fights up to his feet, gets the ropes, and the ref calls the ropebreak. Nagata lets go, but KICKS Goto as he backs off. Goto shrugs it off and fans rally up again.

Goto and Nagata reset, feel out the grapple again and tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Nagata headlocks, Goto powers up and out but to get the headlock for his own. Nagata powers out, but Goto runs Nagata over with a shoulder! Goto keeps on Nagata with kicks and forearms but Nagata hits back. Goto ROCKS Nagata and stomps him into the corner. Goto whips corner to corner, runs in but Nagata BOOTS him down! Fans cheer while Goto bails out. Nagata pursues, KICKS Goto and fires forearms against the railing. Nagata brings Goto around to whip into the railing, but Goto boots back! Goto swings, Nagata dodges, Goto hits post!

The ref checks on Goto but he’s okay to continue. Nagata sits Goto up to KICK him in the back! And then KICK him in the chest! The ring count starts, Nagata drags Goto up and into the ring at 7 of 20. Nagata KICKS the bad arm, then stomps the shoulder. Nagata drags Goto back up, wrenches the bad arm for an ELBOW BREAKER! ARMBAR! Goto clasps hands, and his leg gets the ROPEBREAK! Nagata lets go at 4, and fans rally up again. Nagata KICKS Goto more, stomps him more, then KICKS him again. Nagata gets the bad arm, wrenches through and bends it against the shoulder. ELBOW BREAKER!

Goto drops to his knees but fans cheer. Nagata KICKS Goto again! Nagata eggs Goto on and Goto grits his teeth, Nagata KICKS him again! Goto glares so Nagata KICKS! Goto blocks the kick to CLUB the knee, then HEADBUTT Nagata down! Fans fire up as Goto gets back up. Nagata gets up and now Goto KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Goto whips corner to corner, runs in and MURAMASA! Then BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Goto drags Nagata back up, only for Nagata to go for the double wristlock! Goto CLUBS away on Nagata but Nagata holds on. Nagata then ROCKS Goto, runs, but gets run over!

Goto KICKS Nagata in the back, then catches his breath. Nagata goes outside, Goto pursues, but Nagata mule kicks back. Nagata whips Goto into railing, but Goto comes back to LARIAT! Fans continue to rally and the ring count starts. Goto drags Nagata up with one good arm, CLUBS him, then bumps him off the apron. The count is 10 of 20 but Goto still brings Nagata around to smack off the apron. Goto pushes Nagata in and fans rally as Goto fires himself up. Goto climbs, but Nagata SLAPS him down! Nagata climbs, Goto fires forearms but Nagata eggs him on! Goto keeps throwing forearms, but Nagata ROCKS Goto back!

Nagata keeps throwing forearms, and now they brawl up top! Nagata gets the edge, stands Goto up, SUPER EXPLODER!! Nagata crawls to the cover, TWO!! Goto survives and fans fire up again! Nagata grits his teeth as he gets up, but Goto crawls to the corner. Goto drags himself up, Nagata runs in and BOOTS him! But Goto fires off forearms! Nagata ROCKS Goto back, whips corner to corner, but Goto comes back! Goto fights the clinch, Nagata fires more forearms! Nagata runs, Goto follows and LARIATS again! Goto roars, drags Nagata up and fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!

Goto keeps focus as fans rally up again. Goto drags Nagata up and into the dragon sleeper! Nagata powers through to suplex, BRAINBUSTER! Both men are down again and fans keep rallying! Nagata slowly sits up but Goto follows. Nagata and Goto throw forearms from the mat, then stand to throw faster and faster! Goto ROCKS Nagata, Nagata ROCKS Goto, and they keep going! Goto gets the edge, Nagata wobbles and drops to a knee, Goto KICKS him down! Fans rally again and Goto powers up. Goto runs, but Nagata roars and catches the arm! NAGATA LOCK II!! Goto endures the crossface, crawls around, but Nagata shifts to a DISARMER!

Goto endures as Nagata’s eyes roll back in his head! Goto still reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Nagata lets go at 4, and fans are thunderous as Nagata roars! Nagata waits on Goto to rise, and he KICKS Goto again! And again! And again! Nagata has the arm, ELBOW BREAKER! Goto staggers back to a corner, Nagata runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Nagata reels Goto in, SAI- NO! Goto clubs his way free and covers, TWO! Nagata BOOTS, but Goto ducks the enziguri! Goto has the legs, GOTO SHIKI CLUTCH! Goto wins!!

Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Blue Justice looked red hot, but the Fierce Warrior found a way to cool him right off! Both members of #Bishamon are through to the next round! Will the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions encounter each other on the way to the Cup?

2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Togi Makabe VS Jeff Cobb!

The Rampaging King Kong lost alongside the rest of Great Bash Heel while the Hawaiian Hulk won alongside the United Empire, but fortunes could change. Will Makabe or Cobb power through to the other side?

The bell rings and fans rally as these two tie up. Cobb shoves Makabe back, they tie up again, and they break. Makabe kicks and whips, Cobb reverses but Makabe runs him over! Makabe drags Cobb up to throw him out of the ring, and then goes out after him. Makabe RAMS Cobb into the railing, SMACKS him off the apron, and then whips him, but Cobb reverses! Makabe crashes into the railing! The ring count starts and fans rally up as Cobb brings Makabe up for a headbutt! Cobb gets in the ring just to refresh the count, and he brings Makabe around. Cobb suplexes Makabe, RAMS him into the post, then carries Makabe to POST him again!

Cobb stands on Makabe right in front of the railing, but the ref counts. Cobb steps off, “apologizes,” then drags Makabe up as the ring count starts again. Makabe is dead weight so Cobb just leaves him. Cobb relaxes in the ring as the count climbs. Makabe drags himself up at 14, and in at 16! Fans cheer and Cobb is amused that Makabe made it back. Cobb stomps Makabe down, steps on him, and mocks the applause. Cobb pretends he didn’t see Makabe there, and then he sits Makabe up to JAM his knee into Makabe’s back over and over. Then Cobb hits an uppercut to the back! Cover, TWO!

Cobb hears the fans clapping, and he mocks the rhythm of “MA-KA-BE!” Cobb stands Makabe up, wrenches and Gotch lifts to carry Makabe around! SINGLE LEG SUPLEX! Makabe goes flying and fans cheer the show of strength! Cobb paces while Makabe is still down. Cobb drags Makabe up but he’s dead weight again. Makabe gets up on his own so Cobb stomps him down. Makabe eggs Cobb on so Cobb stomps him more. Cobb winds up but Makabe blocks the kick to LARIAT Cobb down! Makabe watches Cobb get up, and he runs in to corner clothesline! Makabe whips corner to corner, runs in and clotheslines again!

Makabe climbs up and rains down fists! He gets all ten and laughs as he brings Cobb in. Cobb blocks the suplex, CLUBS and runs, but into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Makabe brings Cobb up to whip again. Cobb reverses and Makabe bounces off buckles, Cobb RAMS him back in! Cobb then lifts Makabe, RUNNING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Cobb brings Makabe up, but Makabe fires a forearm! Cobb forearms back and they go back and forth! Cobb gets the edge, but Makabe hits back! Makabe runs, gets around, but Cobb blocks the German Suplex! Cobb throws elbows but Makabe CLUBS away!

Makabe runs again, but Cobb LARIATS! Makabe is right back up! And he LARIATS Cobb down! Fans fire up with Makabe and he climbs the corner. KING KONG- NO! Cobb avoids the knee drop and Makabe crashes down! Cobb gets up, goes back to Makabe and stands him up, but Makabe fires forearms! Cobb fires boxing elbows, but Makabe gives back more forearms! Cobb throws even more elbows, but Makabe kicks low. Makabe runs, LARIATS, but Cobb stays up! So Makabe runs again, but into another LARIAT! Cobb gets Makabe up, reels him in, TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Cobb wins!

Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

The Rampaging King Kong ain’t got nothing on Cobb! Will even more stars in this massive NJ Cup field end up taking a Tour of the Island in the near future?

2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Toru Yano VS Taichi!

Another Great Bash Heel rebounding from a loss takes on the Holy Emperor, who is also rebounding from a loss. Yano is once again Mr. KOPW, but could a loss here put Taichi on his dance card?

Fans rally “Y T R!” as Yano puts all his things aside. Miho Abe helps Taichi with his things, and Taichi shows off the dancing pecs. Yano gets impatient with the ref as he does his check, and then the bell rings. Yano is very anxious while Taichi makes sure his hair is nice. Taichi offers Yano a chance to untie a buckle pad? Fans rally up but Yano seems unsure. Taichi stays back, Yano says he won’t fall for that trick! Maybe Taichi should untie a buckle pad at the same time? Taichi says Yano can go first but Yano insists. Taichi sighs and goes to untie the buckle pad, and Yano rolls him up! TWO, and Yano hurries to untie the buckle pad!

Taichi CLUBS Yano, whips him to ropes, but Yano holds ropes. Yano then deflects the boot, SLAPS Taichi and throws him out! Yano goes out after Taichi and brings him up to whip into railing! Miho goes to check on Taichi and Yano goes to look under the ring. Yano brings out a tarp! Fans rally with Yano as he brings the tarp over, but Taichi uses Miho as a shield! Yano can’t harm The Diva, but he decides to bag her! Taichi stops Yano from capturing Miho and kicks Yano to then whip Yano into railing! Taichi CHOKES Yano with both hands! The ref reprimands, Taichi lets off, and Taichi picks up the tarp bag.

Fans fire up as Taichi drags Yano up and puts the tarp around Yano! Taichi then shoves Yano over and hurries back into the ring. The ring count starts while Yano fights the bag! Yano gets up, runs into the apron and then into the railing! The count is 10 of 20, Yano still isn’t sure where he is! Yano bumps into the ring at 15, realizes what he’s touching, and he manages to roll in at 19! But Taichi covers, TWO!! Fans rally up, and Taichi drags Yano up. Taichi reels Yano in, but Yano resists the lift! Taichi keeps trying, but Yano back drops free! Yano and the ref get the tarp bag off him, and fans rally up!

Taichi is upset with the ref, so he puts the ref in the tarp! Yano rolls Taichi up, but the ref can’t see! Yano would’ve won but he has to go save the ref from the tarp! Yano gets the bag off the ref and goes back to Taichi. Yano whips but Taichi reverses. Yano stops from hitting the buckles, but he turns around into a GAMANGIRI! Fans fire up while Taichi waits for Yano to get up. Yano ducks the buzzsaw, and he PANTS Taichi! Taichi covers up, but he always does that to himself so… Yano still tackles Taichi down and rolls him up, TWO!! Taichi gets to the corner and still feels awkward. Yano runs in, but Taichi sends him into the bare buckles!

Taichi gets Yano hooked up, TAICHI GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!! Taichi resets in the corner, three point stance, RUNNING FOREARM! Cover, Taichi wins!

Winner: Taichi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

The Producer may have gotten under the Holy Emperor’s skin, he couldn’t get in his head! Taichi still comes out the winner, will he look to take both the KOPW and New Japan Cup trophies?

2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS YOH!

The Ace closed out the 50th Anniversary Show with a victory, while Direct Drive opened the show with a loss. But the New Japan Cup is the great equalizer! Who wins and moves on while the other has to watch from the sidelines?

Tanahashi shows off the muscles and fans cheer. The bell rings and fans clap, “Let’s Go, Ace!” Tanahashi and Yoh circle, tie up, and Yoh shoots around. Tanahashi blocks but Yoh rolls. They clinch and end up on the ropes, and Tanahashi lets off cleanly. Yoh and Tanahashi tie up again, and Yoh wrenches Tanahashi’s arm to a wristlock. Tanahashi fights through, wrenches back and hammerlocks. Yoh drops to drop toehold and floats to a facelock. Tanahashi slips through to facelock but Yoh slips out, too, and fans cheer as the two stand off. Yoh and Tanahashi circle again as fans rally back up.

They feel out the grapple, knuckle lock, and they go shoulder to shoulder in the test of strength. Tanahashi bends Yoh back but Yoh bridges. Yoh powers back up to go shoulder to shoulder again! Yoh trips Tanahashi, gets a cording hold, but Tanahashi endures. Tanahashi fights up, Yoh shifts to a hammerlock then headlock. Tanahashi endures the grind, powers up and wrenches free. Tanahashi has a top wristlock, spins Yoh for a headlock, and he grinds Yoh down. Yoh pulls hair, the ref reprimands, but Yoh throws body shots. Yoh tries but can’t power out as Tanahashi holds tight! Fans rally as Yoh endures.

Yoh moves around, fights back up, but Tanahashi grinds the hold more. Yoh still pries the hold open, only for Tanahashi to clamp it on tighter! Fans cheer as Tanahashi thrashes the hold. Yoh endures, fights up and powers Tanahashi to a corner. Tanahashi lets off, Yoh is free, but then Tanahashi throws a body shot! Tanahashi puts Yoh in the corner for more shots, then whips corner to corner. Yoh goes up and over and arm-drags Tanahashi to then dropkick the legs out! Fans rally while both men are down. Yoh gets up while Tanahashi clutches his leg. Yoh stomps the leg, then steps over and YANKS it!

Yoh comes back to basement dropkick Tanahashi’s bad leg! Cover, TWO! Yoh keeps on the leg with a HEEL HOOK! Tanahashi endures and fans rally up. Tanahashi drags himself and Yoh back to get the ROPEBREAK! Yoh lets go cleanly, then stomps Tanahashi’s legs. Tanahashi eggs Yoh on so Yoh stomps the leg more and more! Tanahashi still eggs him on as he gets up. Yoh kicks the bad leg, and then throws forearms. Tanahashi fires forearms in return! Yoh kicks the bad leg again, but Tanahashi blocks! DRAGON- NO! Yoh slips through, only for his next kick to be blocked! DRAGON SCREW! Both men are down and fans rally up!

Tanahashi hobbles over to drag Yoh up, and Tanahashi fires off fast strikes. Tanahashi has Yoh in the corner, brings him out to scoop and SLAM! Fans fire up with Tanahashi as he hops up, SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Tanahashi waits on Yoh. Yoh slowly rises and Tanahashi runs, and he dropkicks Yoh’s legs out! Tanahashi gets the legs, TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Yoh endures and reaches out, but Tanahashi drags him from the ropes! Fans rally as Yoh powers up and drags himself back over! But Tanahashi sits deep on the hold! Yoh still reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer while Tanahashi lets go!

Fans rally up, “Let’s Go, Ace!” “DI-RECT DRIVE!” Tanahashi stomps Yoh’s bad leg. Tanahashi runs, but Yoh uppercuts! Yoh wrenches, Tanahashi dodges, but Yoh blocks the kick to DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally as Yoh returns the favor! Tanahashi gets to ropes and drags himself up. Yoh hurries to get the leg while Tanahashi’s in the ropes! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! And then GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Then a roll into STAR GAZER! Tanahashi endures and Yoh wants the other leg, but he keeps on the leg he has! Tanahashi moves around, Yoh drives in elbows! Tanahashi reaches out, ROPEBREAK!

Yoh lets go and fans cheer while both men are down again. Yoh grows frustrated, but he dropkicks Tanahashi’s bad leg again! Tanahashi clutches the knee but Yoh brings him up. Yoh reels Tanahashi in, suplexes, but Tanahashi fights it to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi holds on, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi gets Yoh up, gets the leg, DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally while both men are down again. Tanahashi adjusts his kneepads, gets back up, and he fires himself up. Yoh rises, Tanahashi runs, but Yoh slips around! Full nelson, but Tanahashi breaks it! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!

Tanahashi crawls to a corner and Yoh shakes his head as fans fire up. Yoh runs in at Tanahashi and hits a back elbow! Yoh hauls Tanahashi up to the top rope, then climbs up to join him. Yoh CLUBS away on Tanahashi, stands him up, but Tanahashi resists the superplex! Fans rally and Tanahashi throws body shots! Tanahashi ROCKS Yoh with a forearm and Yoh falls to the mat! Yoh slowly gets up and Tanahashi adjusts, but Yoh GAMANGIRIS first! Yoh climbs back up, brings Tanahashi up, SUPERPLEX! And roll through! FALCON- NO! Tanahashi slips free, but Yoh uppercuts! Yoh runs, into a SLINGBLADE!

Fans fire up and Tanahashi gets back up. Tanahashi waits on Yoh, then runs, but Yoh dodges! Yoh hits a SLINGBLADE back! Fans fire up with Yoh and he brings Tanahashi up! FALCON USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi is still in this and Yoh roars in frustration! Fans fire up again as Yoh drags Tanahashi up. Yoh full nelsons, but Tanahashi resists! Tanahashi elbows free and Yoh staggers to a corner. Tanahashi runs in, into a SUPERKICK! Yoh flounders his way over and roars again! Yoh drags Tanahashi back up, underhooks the arms, but Tanahashi resists the lift! Tanahashi full nelsons but now Yoh elbows free!

Yoh slips around to backslide, but Tanahashi rolls through! Yoh has the arms, DIRECT- NO! Tanahashi fights free, SHOTEI! Tanahashi blocks the superkick to SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi roars now and he drags Yoh back up. Full nelson, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Tanahashi wins!

Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

The Ace would not be denied! Tanahashi shows respect to Yoh with a fist bump, but is this just the beginning of Tanahashi’s rise back to the top?

2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Tetsuya Naito VS Yujiro Takahashi!

Both LIJ and House of Torture won in big tag matches, but now it’s just down to Uncontrollable Charisma VS Tokyo Pimp. Will Naito keep the Cup tranquilo? Or will he get hit with some Pimp Juice?

As usual, Naito takes his time putting his entrance attire away. Fans rally up as Naito is almost done. The bell rings and Naito stares down with Yujiro. They slowly circle, but then Naito backs off as Yujiro takes a big step. Yujiro still grapples Naito and they end up on the ropes. The ref calls the ropebreak but Naito turns things around. Yujiro turns things back, the ref wants a clean break. Yujiro pats Naito on the shoulder before backing off. Fans rally up again as the two circle. They tie up and Naito wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Yujiro rolls, wrenches back, but Naito wrenches and hammerlocks.

Yujiro goes to ropes, the ref calls the ropebreak. Naito lets off but Yujiro turns things back around. The ref calls for the break, and again Yujiro pats Naito on the shoulder as he lets off. Naito keeps cool and fans rally up again as they circle again. They feel out the knuckle lock, and Naito kicks low! Naito CLUBS away on Yujiro, whips him to ropes and arm-drags! Naito kicks, snapmares and wraps on a chinlock. Yujiro endures as Naito grinds him down, and Yujiro reaches out to get a ropebreak with his foot! Naito lets off, grinds the hold, then lets off again, just to grind again. The ref reprimands and counts, and Naito lets off for real.

Naito stomps Yujiro, drags him up and cravats for a neck wrench. Yujiro endures, Naito CLUBS him down then whips him. Yujiro holds ropes, Naito runs in, but into a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT! Naito rolls all the way out the other side, and fans rally up. Yujiro goes out after Naito to drag him up and put him back in. Yujiro stomps Naito, drags him up, and snapmares him down so he can BASEMENT BOOT him! Cover, TWO! Yujiro grows annoyed but fans rally up for “NA-I-TO!” Yujiro wraps on a chinlock and he grinds Naito down. Naito endures, but Yujiro changes up his grip to grind better. Naito reaches out and gets the ropebreak.

Yujiro lets off, and he brings Naito up. Naito throws body shots but Yujiro knees low. Leg sweep FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Yujiro is annoyed again but fans keep rallying up. Yujiro drags Naito up, reels him in and fisherman’s, but Naito blocks the lift! Yujiro gets Naito up but Naito knees free! Naito kicks, turns Yujiro and hits the NECKBREAKER! Fans rally up while Yujiro flounders. Naito gets Yujiro up to fire off punches and kicks, then he whips to hip toss and basement dropkick! Naito whips Yujiro to a corner, runs in and JUPM KICKS! Leg sweep, COMBINACION CABRON!

Fans fire up while Naito strikes his pose. Cover, TWO! Naito grinds his boot into Yujiro’s head, then brings him up. Yujiro CHOPS, but Naito doesn’t budge. Yujiro CHOPS, then throws forearms. Naito eggs him on so Yujiro throws more forearms. Naito then fires off forearm after forearm in return! Naito CLUBS away on Yujiro, but Yujiro blocks the kick to trip Naito! Yujiro runs, BASEMENT BOOT! Pieter dances while fans rally up, and Yujiro drags Naito up. Yujiro knees Naito against ropes, and again, then backs up to run in and BOOT Naito! Yujiro then reels Naito in, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally as Naito is still in this. Yujiro gets up, drags Naito up and reels him in. Naito resists Incolle Slam with elbows, but Yujiro kicks and whips. Naito reverses, kicks back, but Yujiro ducks the enziguri! Yujiro reels Naito back in, INCOLLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while both men are down. Yujiro grows frustrated but he drags Naito back up. Yujiro fireman’s carries, but Naito fights free! Naito spins Yujiro around, kicks and throws back elbow after back elbow! Yujiro drops to his knees, but Naito brings him back up. Naito throws more back elbows, Yujiro drops again. Fans rally, Naito kicks at Yujiro while he’s down.

Naito brings Yujiro back up, throws more back elbows, but Yujiro ducks to kick back! Yujiro runs, into an atomic drop and ENZIGURI! Yujiro staggers around, Naito has him in the corner. Naito hops up, reels Yujiro in, ESPERANZA! Fans fire up and Pieter is worried as Naito aims from the corner. Yujiro slowly rises, Naito grins and runs in, CORRIENDO- NO! Mule kick! Yujiro swings, but into Naito’s full nelson! Naito hooks a leg but Yujiro slips out to fireman’s carry! MIAMI SHINE! Cover, TWO! Naito is still in this but both men are down as fans rally up! Yujiro and Naito stir and crawl to opposite corners.

Naito sits up, Yujiro crawls his way over. Yujiro brings Naito up, throws a forearm, but Naito comes back to forearm Yujiro! Yujiro forearms back, but Naito smirks and forearms again! The forearms keep flying back and forth, over and over! Fans fire up as they pick up speed! Yujiro gets the edge, but Naito comes back with more! Yujiro fires off more! Yujiro CLUBS away on Naito’s back! He reels Naito in, but no Pimp Juice as Naito shoves him away! But Yujiro SUPERKICKS back! Yujiro drags Naito up, reels him in, BIG- NO! No Juice! GERMAN SUPELX from Naito! Yujiro flounders up, into Naito’s ROLLING KICK!

Naito whips, Yujiro reverses but Naito FLYING FOREARMS! Fans fire up and Naito gets Yujiro on his feet. Naito goes to scoop but Yujiro RAMS Naito into the ref! Yujiro scrambles away but Naito hurries after. But here comes Sho and Evil! They attack Naito and CLUB him down! Then they stomp away on him! Sho and Evil smile but fans rally up for “L I J!” Evil and Sho whip Naito into a corner, then Sho runs in to forearm smash! Evil runs in to clothesline! Naito flops down, but fans still rally up. Evil and Sho drag Naito back up and set him up for Yujiro. Yujiro says he wants to do this himself, fair and square?!

Fans cheer for Tokyo Pimp’s sudden sense of honor! Evil and Sho are rather surprised, but they let Naito down. Yujiro asks they leave, and Evil and Sho leave! Fans are thunderous as Yujiro dares Naito to get up! Naito stands, Yujiro reels him in, for a LOW BLOW! So much for fair and square! House of Torture cracks up at their own trolling, and Yujiro runs to LARIAT Naito down! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives and Yujiro is shocked! Sho distracts the ref, Evil gets Yujiro the pimp cane! Yujiro aims, but Naito ducks the cane shot to LOW BLOW Yujiro back! Naito DECKS Sho, then ROLLING JACKKNIFES Yujiro! Naito wins!!

Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

The House of Torture’s joking around just cost them! But then Evil gets in to stomp away on Naito! Young Lions get in but get thrown back out! Evil drags Naito back up, reels him in, but Naito slips free! Naito pops Evil up to LOW BLOW him, too! Naito tranquilos, having thwarted the House of Torture all by himself! But will the King of Darkness look to personally keep Naito from the Cup?

2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Kazuchika Okada VS El Desperado!

The Rainmaker, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, takes on the Rogue Luchador, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion! But only one can move on to the next round, who proves they are the superior champion?

Fans cheer as the two champions stare down. The titles are put aside, the bell rings and fans rally up for “O-KA-DA!” as he and Desperado circle. They approach, stare down, and Desperado points out the height difference. Desperado then stomps Okada’s foot and headlocks him! Okada fights up and powers out, Desperado rams shoulders with him, but neither falls! Desperado runs again, rams Okada again, but still neither falls. Okada runs, Desperado squares up, but Okada still runs him over. Okada drags Desperado up, gut wrenches, but Desperado arm-drags free! And he arm-drags Okada again!

Okada ducks the third time, waistlocks and wristlocks to ripcord, but Desperado ducks the lariat! Desperado rolls Okada up, TWO! But Desperado gets the STRETCH MUFFLER! Okada scrambles to the ropes and Desperado lets him go. Okada gets out of the ring as fans rally up. Desperado waits on Okada and Okada goes around the way. Okada gets in, Desperado slides out to drag Okada out and RAM into the railing! Desperado ROCKS Okada with a haymaker, then whips him hard into railing! Okada drops to his knees, but Desperado drags him up to POST him! The ring count starts as Desperado stomps Okada down.

Desperado puts Okada in and stomps Okada more. Desperado digs his knee into Okada’s back with the chinlock. Okada endures so Desperado shifts to a motorcycle stretch. Desperado stands on Okada, lets off the stretch and runs to fake Okada out and stomp his leg! Desperado SPLASHES the leg, then covers, ONE! Okada still has that heavyweight strength but Desperado keeps cool. Desperado brings Okada up to CLUB him on the neck. Desperado CLUBS Okada down, then brings him in for a suplex. Okada blocks, throws body shots, then RAMS Desperado into a corner. Okada puts Desperado up top but Desperado boots him away!

Desperado runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Fans fire up while Desperado writhes. Okada keeps his cool and drags Desperado up. Okada throws Desperado out, brings him up and whips him hard into railing! Desperado slumps down, Okada drags him back up and whips him hard the other way! Desperado staggers and falls but Okada stalks him around the way. Okada drags Desperado up and into the ring, and he drags Desperado around for a cocky pin. Red Shoes says that is no good after all those railing crashes. Desperado pushes Okada’s foot away anyhow, and Okada drags Desperado up.

Desperado throws body shots but Okada doesn’t budge. Desperado throws more hands but Okada kicks low. Okada turns Desperado for a NECKBREAKER! Okada follows Desperado as he rolls away, and Okada covers. TWO, but Okada clamps on a chinlock. Desperado endures, fans rally up, but Okada pulls back harder on the hold. Desperado fights around but Okada pulls back even harder! Desperado reaches out and he gets the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets off quickly and fans rally up more. Okada drags Desperado up, scoops and SLAMS him, then goes to the apron to slingshot senton! Fans cheer while Desperado writhes.

Okada waits on Desperado to get up. Desperado leans against ropes, Okada brings him up, but Desperado CHOPS! Okada doesn’t budge, so Desperado CHOPS and fires forearms. Okada just EuroUppers Desperado off his feet! Okada eggs Desperado on and fans rally up. Desperado drags himself up the ropes, CHOPS again and again, and again and again! Okada knees low, whips Desperado, but Desperado reverses and dodges to dropkick the leg out! Okada falls over and fans fire up while both men are down! Okada manages to get up first, but Desperado kicks the bad leg. And KICKS it again!

Desperado whips, Okada reverses but Desperado dropkicks the leg out again! Desperado hurries to get Okada up, for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Desperado still holds the leg, and he SMASHES the knee into the mat! Desperado YANKS the leg, SPLASHES it, then ties it up in an Indian Deathlock, that he turns into a BUTTERFLY DEATHLOCK! Desperado taunts Okada now as he pushes down on the knees. Okada CHOPS and Desperado “falls” to add more pressure. Okada CHOPS again but that only gives Desperado another reason to fall back. Desperado adds more and more pressure, but Okada crawls around to reach out!

Desperado gets the arms and drags Okada away from ropes. Okada throws forearms but Desperado “falls” again! Okada reaches out to get the ROPEBREAK! Desperado lets off, but “Oops!” He drops knees on the knee. Fans rally while Okada clutches his leg. Desperado drags Okada up, gets the leg, but Okada clubs him away. Desperado keeps Okada from getting away, though, and gives him the SHIN BREAKER! Okada hobbles to a corner, Desperado runs in but Okada dodges! Okada puts Desperado up top and DROPKICKS him to the floor! Desperado writhes on the outside while Okada clutches his leg inside the ring.

Red Shoes starts a ring count but Okada goes out to fetch Desperado. Fans rally up, Okada drags Desperado up and gives him a DDT to the floor! Red Shoes checks on Desperado but he’s okay to continue. Fans rally up, Okada gets in the ring and walks off the pain in his leg. The ring count starts while Desperado is still down. Desperado stirs at 5 of 20, gets to railing at 10 of 20 and uses those to drag himself up at 14. Desperado hobbles over at 16 and in at 17. Okada gets Desperado up to DDT again! Cover, TWO! Desperado is still in this and fans cheer. Okada drags Desperado back up, Alabama lifts, but Desperado flails to fight it!

Okada keeps trying but Desperado finally gets free! Desperado CLUBS Okada, whips him but Okada reverses. Okada runs in but Desperado dodges! Desperado runs in but into a BOOT! Okada runs but into a SPINEBUSTER! Both men are down and fans fire up! Desperado gets himself to ropes and stands up. Desperado stomps Okada’s leg, then stands on Okada’s face while mocking the Rainmaker Pose! Okada gets up and gets in Desperado’s face. Desperado CHOPS, but Okada doesn’t flinch. Desperado CHOPS again, but still nothing. Desperado CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS and finally Okada feels something! Okada SHOTGUN dropkicks back!

Fans fire up as Okada’s chest is turning reddish purple! Okada drags Desperado up and scoops to SLAM him! Okada goes to the corner and climbs up, but Desperado gets under the jump! The leg jams, Desperado CHOP BLOCKS it! STRETCH MUFFLER!! Okada scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Desperado brings Okada up, GUITARRA DEL ANGEL! Cover, TWO!! Desperado goes up top and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and Desperado roars in frustration! Fans are thunderous as Desperado gets Okada back up! Desperado underhooks, no Pinche! Alabama lift, REVERSE NECKBREAKER!

Fans rally harder than ever and Okada drags Desperado back up. Okada wrenches to the MONEY CLIP! Desperado endures but he’s fading as Okada leans his weight on him! Desperado fights up, arm-drags free and kicks low. Desperado whips, Okada reverses and DROPKICKS! Okada gets up, he gets the arm, MONEY CLIP! Desperado endures again and fans rally, he gets the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go quickly and both men are down, catching their breath. Fans continue to rally, Okada grits his teeth and drags Desperado up. Scoop and SLAM, and Okada goes back up the corner. MACHO ELBOW! And Rainmaker Pose!

Fans fire up as Okada drags Desperado back up. Okada wristlocks, but Desperado elbows free! Okada reels Desperado in but Desperado RAMS Okada into buckles. Desperado runs, blocks the boot, and puts the leg on ropes to dropkick the bad leg! Desperado gets Okada up, has the leg, DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up while Okada and Desperado are down again. Desperado staggers over, wants the leg, but Okada boots him away. Desperado kicks the bad leg but Okada elbows Desperado. Okada whips Desperado, DROP- DRAGON SCREW! Desperado gets the STRETCH MUFFLER!! And NUMERO DOS!!

Fans are thunderous again as Okada endures! Okada scrambles around, reaches out, but Desperado rolls him away from ropes! NUMERO DOS PLUS!! Okada endures as he has no free limb to fight with!! Fans are electric now, Okada fights to get an arm free! Okada crawls, reaches, but Desperado rolls him again! But Okada uses that to slip out to MONEY CLIP! Desperado endures, fights up, but Okada uses that to ROLLING LARIAT! Okada drags Desperado back into MONEY CLIP! Fans rally, Desperado endures, but Okada cranks the hold! Desperado keeps fighting, but Okada drags him away from ropes!

Desperado reaches, flails, but he’s fading! Red Shoes checks, Okada squeezes tight, the arm falls once! Is Desperado still in this? Okada lets Desperado go?! Okada drags Desperado up to short arm LARIAT! Okada dares Desperado to do something and fans rally again. Desperado is awake, Okada dares him to get up! Desperado gets up, for Okada to LARIAT back down! Okada roars, drags Desperado back up and ripcords, but Desperado ROCKS him! PINCHE LOCO!! Rolling underhooks, but Okada powers out to gut wrench! Desperado fights and flails to turn this around, but Okada elbows him away.

Okada ROCKS Desperado! Desperado LOCO MONOS! Desperado roars, drags Okada up and reels him back in, PINCHE- NO! Okada back drops free! Desperado gets up, but into the DROPKICK! But he’s back up again! Okada gut wrenches, LANDSLIDE! Ripcord, RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

The Rogue Luchador gave it his all, but he still falls short! Is the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion still not on that top level yet? What will it take for him to reach that level?

As for Okada, he gets the mic to tell Desperado, “As expected, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion is strong, cool, and amazing. But that’s not all a NJPW Junior can be. Juniors can make history, like Sayama and Liger did before. Do what you have to do to make us Heavyweights jealous! You can do that, can’t you?!” Fans cheer that sentiment. As for the crowd, Okada thanks them for their passionate and enthusiastic support today. “Yesterday, pro-wrestling. Today, pro-wrestling. Everyone, thank you so much.”

Okada then points out, “This year’s New Japan Cup is different. The Heavyweight and Junior champions are in it. The fights will only get more exciting from here. Today wasn’t all, we’re just getting started. New Japan will keep delivering, so please keep supporting us!” Fans cheer that sentiment, too, and even clap for “NEW JAPAN! NEW JAPAN!” Okada then says, “If you think Okada’s winning this, clap three times.” They clap three times! Okada says, “Leave it to me. If I don’t win as champion, it won’t be worth it. I will win this New Japan Cup! And I’ll keep making it rain!”

Will the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion make it through the biggest field in this tournament’s history? Or will he have to watch out for Master Wato in the next round?

My Thoughts:

A great event for NJPW to open this tournament! No Young Lions so no matches to skip, we got a great showing from everyone here. Well, okay, Taka was definitely putting Cima over but it was a very good opening match to the entire tournament. Honma VS Hashi, Nagata VS Goto, Makabe VS Cobb, all great, solid matches. Yano bringing out that tarp bag was great, could’ve even been a hint at a KOPW 2022 match. Taichi getting the win does put the possibility of him facing Yano, but he’s also just moving on in the tournament. In fact, with no Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Taihci gets a by all the way to March 14th, the Sweet Sixteen! Maybe they put in a KOPW match to fill a card out?

Tanahashi VS Yoh was also very good, Yoh looked great but it makes a lot of sense for Tanahashi to move on. He’ll have a good match with Bad Luck Fale next round and surely move on again. Naito VS Yujiro was very good, especially with that clever swerve with House of Torture. But Naito gets the win, maybe LIJ will feud with House of Torture post New Japan Cup, but for now, Naito will get a win off Gedo next round, too. And then Okada VS Desperado, that was definitely a match worthy of the Heavyweight VS Junior Heavyweight champions. Okada won but he said it right, Desperado looked awesome. The Rainmaker is going to bring out the best in Wato but will surely win and face Taichi in the Sweet Sixteen.

My Score: 8.8/10