Will the United Empire conquer the Cup?

After making some adjustments, the New Japan Cup continues, and the Commonwealth Kingpin fights for his spot in round two!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Yuji Nagata VS Kosei Fujita; Nagata wins.
• Six Man Tag: Tiger Mask, Tomoaki Honma & Togi Makabe VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
• Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato VS House of Torture; Tanahashi, Taguchi & Wato win.
• 8 Man Tag: Chaos VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; LIJ wins.
• Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan VS Bad Luck Fale & Taiji Ishimori; Fale & Ishimori win.
• 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Aaron Henare VS Yuto Nakashima; Henare wins and advances.
• 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ wins and advances.
• 2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Will Ospreay VS Bushi; Ospreay wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato VS House of Torture!

The Ace teams with Six Or Nine against the King of Darkness, Tokyo Pimp and Murder Machine as a preview of an upcoming New Japan Cup showdown! Will Tanahashi and Wato help Taguchi be ready for Evil? Or will Darkness Fall on the Funky Weapon?

Tanahashi shows off the muscles and fans cheer. The House of Torture Low Sweets, while Taguchi and his team huddle up and do their own team cheer. But then House of Torture attacks! Sho throws out Wato, Yujiro DECKS Tanahashi and Evil CLUBS Taguchi! The bell rings to get this on record as Evil stomps away on Taguchi. Evil drags Taguchi up, wrenches his arm, then wrenches again. Evil wrenches a third time, whips Taguchi, but Taguchi reverses to HIP ATTACK! Fans fire up and Taguchi calls on his team. Taguchi and Wato double whip Evil to a corner, then Wato runs in to back elbow. Tanahashi adds a SPLASH, but Evil boots Taguchi away!

Wato runs in to hit another back elbow, Tanahashi runs in to hit a back elbow, Taguchi runs into another boot! Wato elbows, Tanahashi forearms, and Taguchi gets booted! Taguchi drops to his knees while Wato and Tanahashi mug Evil. They stand Evil up for Taguchi to run in, but Evil turns hip attack into atomic drop! Sho and Yujiro get in to throw Wato and Tanahashi out. Evil stomps Taguchi down, drags him back up and hits another atomic drop! Tgauchi falls, Sho tags in, and Sho uses the crossbar cover to SPANK Taguchi again and again! The ref confiscates the covering so Sho just stomps Taguchi.

Sho drags Taguchi up, facelocks, and he tags in Yujiro. They mug Taguchi, and Yujiro snapmares Taguchi to throw down right hands! The ref reprimands about closed fists, so Yujiro BITES Taguchi’s forehead! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Yujiro tags Evil. Evil tells fans to stop that, then he eggs on Wato. But Taguchi tries to roll Evil up! Evil blocks, drags Taguchi up and wraps him in the cobra twist. The ref is busy with Wato, so he misses the HOT boys linking up from ring to railing! Taguchi endures but Tanahashi storms over to grab Dick Togo in a SLEEPER! Dick fades out already!

The ref sees what is going on and he reprimands. Evil lets go and Taguchi rolls away. Evil catches up to cover, TWO! Tag to Sho and Sho drags Taguchi up to bump him off buckles. Sho stomps away on Taguchi, digs his boots in, but the ref counts. Sho lets off at 4 and fans rally up. Sho tries to tune them out while Taguchi sputters in a daze. Sho drags Taguchi back up and CLUBS him on the back. Sho KICKS Taguchi in the butt, but hurts his own foot?! Taguchi’s got buns of steel! Taguchi fires up and fires off palm strikes! Sho rakes Taguchi’s eyes! Sho whips, Taguchi reverses but Sho dodges the hip attack! Sho runs, but Taguchi rolls and jumps to HIP ATTACK!

Fans fire up as Taguchi rolls, hot tag to Wato! Wato rallies on Sho, BOOTS him the whips him for a dropkick! Wato blasts Evil and Yujiro off the apron, then runs at Sho in the corner! Sho puts Wato on the apron, but Wato jumps the sweep to GAMANGIRI! And then springboard, FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Wato drags Sho up, hooks him in, but Sho resists the Mouse Trap Driver! Sho wrenches the arm to BEND the fingers! Sho waistlocks but Wato elbows free. Wato runs but Sho uses the ref as a shield! Sho then runs to SPEAR Wato down! Fans fire up while both men are down, but Sho tags in Yujiro.

Yujiro drags Wato up, kicks and forearms and CHOPS him, then whips to ropes. Wato reverses to CALF KICK! Both men are down and fans fire up! Wato crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! Tanahashi runs to FLYING FOREARM Yujiro down! Tanahashi BLASTS Sho and Evil with a crossbody! Tanahashi fires off strikes on Yujiro, then scoop SLAMS him! Fans fire up as Tanahashi goes to the second rope, SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi keeps focus and fans rally up. Tanahashi runs, but Yujiro gets around to dragon sleeper! Tanahashi fights out but Yujiro BITES the hand! Yujiro then whips, but Tanahashi reverses.

Yujiro holds ropes, dodges Tanahashi, and Evil anchors Tanahashi’s foot! Yujiro BOOTS Tanahashi down, Sho BLASTS Six Or Nine! The House of Torture regroups and whips Tanahashi into a corner. Sho hits a forearm, Yujiro hits a BOOT, Evil runs to corner clothesline! Then feed to Yujiro’s FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, Six Or Nine break it! Sho and Evil go after them, throw them out, and Yujiro gets back up. Fans rally as Yujiro drags Tanahashi up, Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi runs, into Yujiro’s LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Yujiro goes for his pimp cane while Dick distracts the ref! Tanahashi gets up, but he dodges the cane!

Tanahashi waistlocks, but Yujiro mule kick LOW BLOWS! Dick stops distracting and Yujiro drags Tanahashi back up. But Tanahashi slips out of Big Juice to shove Yujiro at the ref! Then Tanahashi uppercut LOW BLOWS Yujiro! Roll up, Tanahashi’s team wins!

Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato, by pinfall

Taguchi has Evil in Oh My Garfunkle! Evil taps and Taguchi lets him go! To then T-BAG Evil! Will Taguchi give Evil the same treatment in their New Japan Cup match? Or will the tournament prove Everything Is Evil?

Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan VS Bad Luck Fale & Taiji Ishimori!

The United Empire’s Hawaiian Hulk and Dominator are through to the next round, but they’re up against Bullet Club’s Rogue General and Bone Soldier! Will Cobb and Khan conquer even outside the Cup? Or will things be Too Sweet?

The teams stare down, and then Bullet Club attacks! Taiji rakes Khan’s eyes while Fale throws body shots and forearms! Fale shoves Cobb to a corner, the bell rings to get this on record, and Taiji claws Khan’s face at the ropes. The ref reprimands, Taiji lets off and Fale throws Cobb out of the ring. Fale goes out but Cobb throws body shots and haymakers in return. Taiji headlocks Khan and claws his face again. The ref reprimands, Taiji lets off and drags Khan around to CLUB him. Cobb CLUBS away on Fale and Khan ROCKS Taiji back. Khan Mongolian Chops Taiji and again! And again! Taiji falls over and fans fire up!

Khan stalks Taiji and brings him around into an IRON CLAW SLEEPER! The ref reprimands over the claw in Taiji’s eyes. Khan lets off but he complains Taiji was clawing him the whole time. Khan digs his boot into Taiji in the corner, but the ref counts. Khan lets off at 4, then he brings Taiji up to wrench and whip him to the corner. Khan looms over Taiji, then drags him up into the corner. Khan CLAWS Taiji’s back! The ref reprimands while Taiji writhes. Khan talks trash, stands Taiji back up and CLAWS his back again! Fans cheer as Khan taunts Fale. The ref keeps Fale back and Khan puts Taiji back in the corner.

Khan sits on Taiji’s head! Fans cheer while Fale protests. Khan asks if Taiji quits, and then he pulls on the arms! Taiji endures, the ref counts and Khan hops off at 4. Khan looms over Taiji while taunting him. Khan goes to make Taiji kiss his foot but Taiji resists! Taiji breaks free, throws body shots, then CHOPS! Khan knees low, CLUBS Taiji on the neck, and Cobb cheers with the fans. Khan drags Taiji up and into a HITSUJIGOROSHI! Taiji endures the Sheep Killer, and he knees free! Khan blocks the boot but Taiji blocks the iron claw! Taiji wrenches the hand, but Khan powers back up! The two struggle, Taiji fights up and kicks low!

Taiji gut wrenches but Khan blocks with his own hold! Khan gut wrenches but Taiji slips out to JAB! Taiji whips, Khan reverses and IRON CLAWS the ear! The ref reprimands but Khan CLUBS the ear! Khan drags Taiji up to ROCK with a forearm, then whips corner to corner. Taiji goes out, slides under, slips back out and shoulders into Khan. Taiji springboards, SEATED SENTON! Fans fire up and Taiji brings Khan around by his ponytail! The ref reprimands but Taiji kicks Khan around. Taiji uses the ponytail to CHOKE Khan inside the cravat! Snapmare, NECK TWIST! Khan writhes but fans cheer.

Taiji circles Khan while fans rally up. Taiji brings Khan around, but Khan gets the leg, HEEL HOOK! Khan also has the leg grapevined! Taiji endures, drags himself forward, ROPEBREAK! Khan tags Cobb in and Cobb stomps Taiji. Cobb drags Taiji around to stand on his back! Cobb uses Taiji’s body as a surfboard! Cobb hops off while the ref keeps Fale back. Cobb deadlifts Taiji to the stalling suplex! And he shifts it to a gorilla press, to then RAM Taiji into the corner! Fans rally, Cobb covers, TWO! Khan DECKS Fale off the corner, the ref keeps Fale out. Cobb taunts Taiji with a Too Sweet so Taiji CHOPS!

Taiji CHOPS and CHOPS but Cobb isn’t bothered. Cobb knees low, then whips Taiji. Taiji handsprings, but Cobb catches him! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Taiji lands and rolls through, to JUMP KNEE! Tag to Fale! Fans fire up as Fale fires off on Cobb in a corner! Fale whips corner to corner, runs in, but Cobb dodges! Tag to Khan and he runs in at Fale, SPLASH! Khan runs and BOOTS Fale but Fale stays up. Fale swings, Khan dodges, and Khan runs for FLYING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Khan wraps Fale right up in a katagatami! Fale endures, Taiji stomps Khan and the head ‘n’ arm triangle is broken!

Khan and Fale get up, Khan reels Fale in, but Fale blocks the sayanagi! Fale CLUBS Khan, runs in at the corner and SPLASHES! Fale shoves Khan down for the BIG elbow drop! Cover, Cobb breaks it! Cobb CLUBS Fale, Taiji attacks but Cobb sends him out. The Empire regroups and they get Fale up. They give Mongolian Chops back and forth! But Fale blocks the double whip! Fale whips them away, Taiji anchors Cobb’s foot and Fale LARIATS Khan! Cobb drags Taiji in as Fale covers, TWO! Taiji knocks Cobb out of the ring and fans rally up! Fale drags Khan up and pulls the pin, but Khan denies the Grenade with an uppercut!

Fale blocks the ref from seeing Taiji get in! But Khan clamps the IRON CLAW onto Taiji’s head! But Taiji LOW BLOWS Khan! Fale then gets Khan, GRENADE!! Cover, Bullet Club wins!

Winners: Bad Luck Fale & Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall

The United Empire falls! Will this momentum help the Rogue General against The Ace? Will Bone Soldier make sure #ItsReborn when he goes 1v1 with Khan?

2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Aaron Henare VS Yuto Nakashima!

We just saw the United Empire take a rather embarrassing loss, will the Ultimate Weapon take an even more embarrassing one? Or will Henare make sure this Young Lion learns his place in the food chain?

The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out as fans rally up, and they each try testing kicks and punches. Henare clinches but Yuto fights through to go for a leg. Henare blocks that, floats to a waistlock but Yuto switches. Henare spins, Yuto has a leg, then drops down for a headlock. Henare gets away and fans cheer the technical exchange. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and Henare powers Yuto to ropes. The ref counts, Yuto turns things around, there are some shots thrown, but Yuto lets off to forearm! Fans cheer his grit but Henare kicks and CLUBS Yuto down! Henare headlocks and grinds Yuto down.

Yuto fights up, throws body shots, wrenches out and headlocks back. Henare throws body shots, he powers out, and the two ram shoulders! Yuto eggs Henare on, then runs, only for Henare to withstand the shoulder tackle. Yuto dodges the haymaker and runs again, to run Henare over! Fans cheer and Yuto stomps Henare around. Yuto brings Henare up, throws big forearms, then runs, but Henare runs Yuto over! Fans cheer the showing of power as Henare drags Yuto up and throws him out. Henare goes out but Yuto throws forearms. Henare KICKS away on Yuto’s leg then SUPERMAN PUNCHES him down!

Henare drags Yuto up and whips him into railing! And then back the other way! Henare paces while Yuto slumps down. The ref checks and Yuto is still in this, so Henare drags him up and into the ring. Henare drags Yuto to a cover, TWO! Henare is annoyed but the fans cheer Yuto on. Henare drags Yuto up, boots him and fires off shots in the corner! The ref counts, Henare jumps up to dig his boots into Yuto! The ref reprimands and Henare lets off. Yuto sputters but Henare drags him back up. Henare wrenches, facelocks and suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Henare gives Yuto some ground ‘n’ pound then covers, TWO!

Henare snarls but fans rally for Yuto. Henare stands Yuto up, Yuto throws forearms but Henare just knees low. Henare whips Yuto to a corner, runs in but Yuto dodge! The knee hits buckles, Yuto scoops and SLAMS Henare! Fans fire up but Henare is on Yuto first. Yuto throws more forearms, then whips Henare to ropes. Henare reverses but Yuto CLOBBERS him! Yuto roars and fans fire up again. Yuto runs in at the corner to forearm smash, then BIG hip tots! Cover, TWO! Yuto hurries to get Henare’s legs, but Henare kicks Yuto. Yuto grabs that leg for a HEEL HOOK! Henare endures as Yuto pulls on the foot!

Henare drags himself and Yuto over to ropes, ROPEBREAK! Yuto lets go and stomps Henare to a corner. Yuto fires off forearms, whips Henare corner to corner, but Henare comes back to RAM- NO! Yuto fights off the spear, but Henare ROCKS him! Yuto fires forearms back so Henare gives more shots. They go back and forth and fans rally up as they pick up speed! Henare gets the edge, then HEADBUTTS and ROCKS Yuto! Henare eggs Yuto on, Yuto SLAPS! Henare SLAPS, it’s a SLAP fight! Yuto gets the edge here, and he KICKS Henare down! Cover, TWO! Yuto fires up and the fans are with him!

Yuto throws forearm after forearm, but Henare hits a heavy body shot! And then a SUPERKICK! Henare snarls and aims from a corner. Yuto slowly rises, RAMPAGE SPEAR! Cover, Henare wins!

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

A valiant effort from young Yuto, but it’s still too early in his journey to be heading for the Cup. Will the Ultimate Weapon be ready to shoot down the Cold Skull next round?

2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Ryohei Oiwa!

The Submission Master won this tournament once before, and he wants to get back to it! Will he make this Young Lion #JustTapOut? Or will he end up on the bad side of a bracket buster?

The bell rings and Oiwa rushes in and runs ZSJ over! Fans cheer as he stomps ZSJ and brings him up. Oiwa whips, ZSJ reverses and headlocks, but Oiwa powers out. Things speed up, Oiwa hurdles and hip tosses! ZSJ kicks Oiwa away but Oiwa runs him over again! ZSJ bails out and fans fire up! Oiwa dares ZSJ to get back in but ZSJ says, “Very good, very good.” ZSJ takes his time returning and returns at 5 of 20. They circle, ZSJ and Oiwa feel out the grapple, and Oiwa shoots in to get the waistlock. ZSJ throws Oiwa for a headlock, but Oiwa headscissors and squeezes tight. ZSJ moves around, pops out to have the legs and he digs knuckles in.

Oiwa endures, throws forearms on ZSJ, but ZSJ pushes the legs down! ZSJ stands on the knee, gets an arm and twists it to a hammerlock. ZSJ grinds Oiwa to the mat but Oiwa fights up. Oiwa throws elbows, slips the hammerlock onto ZSJ, but ZSJ counters with a cording hold. Oiwa resists the hip toss, so ZSJ shifts to arm-drag him down! ZSJ has the headlock but Oiwa gets the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as ZSJ lets off and the two reset. ZSJ and Oiwa circle, feel out the grapple, and Oiwa shoots in to fireman’s carry takeover! Oiwa headlocks, ZSJ headscissors but Oiwa fights it off. Oiwa traps an arm but ZSJ gets the headscissors!

ZSJ holds tight while he twists the arm into a double wristlock! Then he has as figure four stump puller! ZSJ shifts to the step-over toehold, but can’t get the crossface. Oiwa headlocks to drag ZSJ off, and he pulls back to get the arm! ARMBAR! But ZSJ scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Oiwa lets off and fans cheer the technical exchange. ZSJ and Oiwa reset and circle again. They feel things out, clinch, ZSJ gets a waistlock and mat return. ZSJ cravats to snapmare and he holds onto the neck wrench. Oiwa endures, but ZSJ traps an arm and then shifts to headscissor again. ZSJ pulls on Oiwa’s arm and fingers!

Oiwa fights free of the headscissor hold but ZSJ shifts to a top wristlock. Oiwa fights up to his feet and fights the wristlock. Oiwa wrangles ZSJ to the mat and now he has the armlock. ZSJ clasps hands, gets to his feet, and he rolls to break free and leg pick Oiwa for a takedown. ZSJ stands on the arm, twists it and bends the fingers, then wrenches to bend the fingers even more! Oiwa kicks and flails as ZSJ bends the arm into the double wristlock! Oiwa reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK with a foot! Fans cheer and ZSJ lets off. ZSJ kicks Oiwa and eggs him on. Oiwa gets up but ZSJ knuckle locks to then WRING Oiwa out!

ZSJ rolls and tweaks the arm! He mockingly asks if Oiwa is okay and Oiwa gets mad. ZSJ gives more kicks, focusing on the bad arm. Oiwa gets mad and picks ZSJ up! SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up as Oiwa grits his teeth. Oiwa whips corner to corner, runs in and dropkicks ZSJ down! Oiwa runs to run ZSJ over, and then he gets ZSJ back up to gut wrench suplex! Cover, TWO! Oiwa shakes out the bad arm, gets the legs, but ZSJ trips him up to get the headscissor necklock! Oiwa endures the squeeze, but ZSJ shifts around to get better leverage! Oiwa reaches out, ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go again and fans cheer this technical clinic we’re seeing.

Fans rally, Oiwa gets up and ZSJ BOOTS him down! Oiwa gets up again and blocks the boot to trip ZSJ! Oiwa has the legs, ZSJ resists the turn and twists to throw Oiwa into the corner! ZSJ gets up, waistlocks, but Oiwa switches. ZSJ slips out to snapmare and neck wrench! Oiwa fights up but ZSJ hooks a leg. Oiwa fights through to scoop and SLAM! Fans fire up as Oiwa gets the legs! ZSJ resists again, Oiwa tries to power through but ZSJ uses that to headscissor roll! But Oiwa rolls through that to sunset flip! TWO!! ZSJ escapes and fans fire up! Oiwa rushes in to whip and DROPKICK ZSJ down! Cover, TWO!

Oiwa roars and he brings ZSJ up! Scoop and- No! ZSJ fights the slam and EuroUppers! Oiwa stays up but ZSJ EuroUppers again! And again! Oiwa staggers into more EuroUppers! ZSJ stands Oiwa up but Oiwa fires forearms! ZJ gets the leg and trips Oiwa, to then have a standing toehold! Oiwa endures, gets one leg free, but ZSJ drags him from ropes to TWIST that toehold! Oiwa taps, ZSJ wins!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (advances to the next round)

The Submission Master took a simple toehold and turned it into torture! Oiwa learned his lesson, but will ZSJ teach everyone else that it’s best to #JustTapOut?

2022 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Will Ospreay VS Bushi!

The United Empire has gone 50-50 on the night, and now their leader is in action! Will the Commonwealth Kingpin begin his conquest here? Or will the Black Mask make things tranquilo in the end?

Ospreay finishes putting his coat and Rev-Pro British Heavyweight title aside, and he turns around into Bushi’s dropkick! Ospreay bails out, the bell rings to put this on record, and Bushi DIVES! Direct hit and Ospreay tumbles up and over the railing! Careful not to knock the Cup over! Ospreay gets up to his feet as fans fire up and Bushi drags him back to ringside. Ospreay flounders about, Bushi kicks him and whips him into railing! The railing goes sliding with Ospreay! Bushi puts Ospreay back in the ring, fans rally up and Bushi brings Ospreay up for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Fans cheer as Bushi stomps Ospreay.

Ospreay fires elbows but Bushi eggs him on. Bushi then knees low, CLUBS Ospreay, and whips him to a corner. Bushi runs in but Ospreay blocks monkey flip and puts Bushi up top. Bushi boots but Ospreay CHOPS! Fans cheer as Bushi tumbles down. Ospreay goes out after Bushi, “Who do you think you are?!” Ospreay whips Bushi hard into railing! Bushi falls, and Ospreay stands on Bushi’s head! Red Shoes reprimands but Ospreay says to tell Bushi that. Ospreay brings Bushi up and puts him in the ring. Cover, TWO! Ospreay brings Bushi up, CHOPS him, and stalks Bushi to a corner. Ospreay strips Bushi’s shirt off, and wipes his butt with it!

Ospreay drags Bushi up and brings him around to CHOP off his feet! Cover, TWO! Ospreay drags Bushi back up, scoops and SLAMS Bushi, to then drop a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer as Bushi is still in this but Ospreay grows annoyed. Ospreay kicks Bushi around, then gives him toying kicks while he taunts Bushi. Ospreay says he’s the best wrestler to ever live, but Bushi CHOPS and CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! Ospreay ROCKS Bushi and Bushi leans against Ospreay. “That’s what I thought.” Ospreay whips Bushi to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Bushi goes up and FLYING RANAS!

Fans fire up while both men are down. Bushi pushes up, fans rally, and Bushi throws forearms! Bushi whips but Ospreay reverses. Ospreay runs in but into the SWING KICK! Bushi goes up and missile dropkicks! BUSHIROONI! Fans fire up and Bushi aims as Ospreay bails out, SLINGSHOT RANA! Fans fire up again while both men are down on the outside! Bushi gets up as the ring count climbs. It’s 10 of 20 before Bushi stands. Bushi fires up and fans fire up with him. Bushi puts Ospreay in at 15, Ospreay swings but into a DDT! Cover, TWO! Bushi keeps cool and fans rally up. Bushi brings Ospreay up, but no Fisherman Screw!

Bushi ducks Ospreay’s chop but runs into a scoop, SPINNIIIIING BACKBREAKER! Fans cheer that combination of speed and strength while Ospreay gets to a corner. Bushi slowly rises as Ospreay takes aim. Springboard and PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Ospreay is annoyed again but he waits on Bushi. Fans rally as Bushi rises, BUZZSAW and MULE KICK! Ospreay calls his shot, springboards, but Bushi make Red Shoes take the OSCUTTER! Ospreay is in shock! He moves Red Shoes aside and gets Bushi back up. Bushi fires off forearms! Ospreay ROCKS and ROLLING ELBOWS Bushi down! Ospreay prepares his armband and aims from the corner!

Bushi dropkicks Ospreay’s leg out before the Hidden Blade! Ospreay CHOPS, runs, but into a dropkick! Bushi reels Ospreay in, FISHERMAN SCREW! Both men are down, and referee Marty Asami comes out to substitute for Red Shoes. Bushi goes up the corner and aims as Ospreay stands. But now Ospreay uses Marty to take the MX!! Now Bushi is in shock! And then OOWN! Ospreay aims, to the apron and KICKS him down! Ospreay aims, PLANCHA! Direct hit and fans fire up! A third referee, Saito, appears, and he has medics help Red Shoes and Marty. Ospreay checks with the new ref before fetching Bushi.

Ospreay has the ref stay at a safe distance. HOOK KICK for Bushi! Then Ospreay calls his shot, underhooks and Canadian racks, but Bushi slips off! Bushi shoves Ospreay at the ref! Ospreay stops himself, then moves aside and Bushi MISTS Saito!! Oh no!! Ospreay aims, Bushi ducks, the ROUNDHOUSE hits Saito!! This match is wiping out NJPW’s referee corps! Fans fire up as Ospreay shouts for another ref! Ospreay boots but Bushi dodges. Ospreay blocks a kick, ducks the enziguri but not the HEEL KICK! Bushi runs, but into Ospreay’s Tiger Wall Kick and ENZIGURI! The fourth ref arrives, Ospreay calls his shot! OS- BACKSTABBER!!

Bushi hurries to the corner again and fans fire up! Bushi goes up, leaps, but into a GAMANGIRI! Ospreay springboards, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay hurries to underhooks the arms and Canadian rack! Bushi slips off, backslide and bridge! TWO!! Ospreay escapes the Bushi Roll and fans are fired up! Bushi runs in, but no Code Breaker! Pop into the POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay aims from the corner! HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, Ospreay wins!

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

It took four refs to do it, but Ospreay gets the win! And of course, he gets the mic to speak. “More. Motto.” The fans cheer more and Ospreay continues, “If you think you want to bet on anyone else in this tournament, think again! Will Ospreay is back in NJPW! And he’s back for the New Japan Cup! And no one, no one, will stop me from becoming back-to-back New Japan Cup winner! EL PHANTASMO! You’re next!” #BillyGOAT just called out ELP, but will the Headbanga get over his crisis of confidence before he’s conquered?

My Thoughts:

A very good event, but yes I did skip a few things. Nagata wins the opener against a Young Lion, and the Bullet Club combo of Chase Owens, Gedo & El Phantasmo win over guys not in the tournament anymore so that Bullet Club can have momentum. I covered the next Six Man Tag because it was the lead-in for Taguchi VS Evil. It was a clever finish for Tanahashi to return the low blow favor. That way, Tanahashi, Wato and Taguchi get momentum going into their matches while not really taking away from House of Torture. I skimmed the 8 Man Tag, all good stuff, especially Takagi and Ishii brawling after the match. Can’t wait to see that match-up happen.

Cobb & Khan VS Fale& Taiji was really good stuff, and quite the surprise that Bullet Club won. Khan is surely winning 1v1 with Taiji, partially as revenge for this loss. And though Henare and ZSJ both faced Young Lions, those were still pretty good matches. The Young Lions got good showings, I wonder if this is to make up for them not getting to go on excursion because of the pandemic. Ospreay VS Bushi was great stuff, especially with the multiple ref bumps that for once actually sidelined the refs. Of course, these were basically finishers they were taking, so it makes sense.

Ospreay wins for the reason he put in his promo: he wants to go back-to-back, which hasn’t happened since Hirooki Goto did it 2009 and 2010. Ospreay winning the Cup would be a big accomplishment and it would set up Okada VS Ospreay at Hyper Battle, probably the last date on April 9th. Of course, there are still plenty of other great choices, maybe whoever meets Ospreay in the semifinals gets the cup.

My Score: 8.6/10