Will the Gene Blast take a Tour of the Islands?

Shingo Takagi has made it through to the next round, will his Los Ingobernables de Japon ally, Yota Tsuji, also move forward in the New Japan Cup? Or will Jeff Cobb conquer him in the name of the United Empire?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tomoaki Honma VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
• Six Man Tag: Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Just5Guys; Just5Guys win.
• Six Man Tag: Tanga Loa, Hikuleo & Jado VS Bullet Club War Dogs; Loa, Leo & Jado win.
• 8 Man Tag: Shota Umino, El Desperado, YOH & Boltin Oleg VS The House of Torture; Shota, Desperado, Yoh & Boltin win.
• 8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire; LIJ wins.
• 2024 New Japan Cup Opening Round: El Phantasmo VS Mikey Nicholls; ELP wins and advances.
• 2024 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Taichi VS Ren Narita; Narita wins and advances.
• 2024 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Yota Tsuji VS Jeff Cobb; Tsuji wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

2024 New Japan Cup Opening Round: El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS Mikey Nicholls w/ Zack Sabre Jr!

The Headbanga is looking to join his tag partner, Hikuleo, in the next round but Mad Mikey is looking to lead the way for The Mighty. Will ELP prove he’s NJPW Strong? Or will the mighty not kneel?

Fans applaud as ELP has Jado try on the LED sunglasses. The bell rings and the fans rally as ELP circles with Mikey. They tie up, and Mikey shoves ELP down! ELP gets up in a huff, he circles with Mikey again and they tie up. ELP powers Mikey back a couple steps but Mikey shoves ELP down again! ELP is frustrated but Jado rallies the fans. Mikey and ELP tie up again, ELP waistlocks then headlocks. Mikey powers up to lift but ELP thrashes the headlock. Mikey powers up and out, ELP RAMS him, but Mikey stays up! The fans applaud and Mikey dares ELP to try again. ELP runs, RAMS Mikey, but Mikey doesn’t budge!

ELP dares Mikey to try! The fans rally, Mikey runs and he runs ELP over! Mikey flexes and says, “Wow!” ELP kicks from below! Mikey runs, ELP drops but Mikey RAMS him into ropes! Mikey then shoves ELP into a corner and ELP hits buckles. ELP falls back, Mikey drags him up, but ELP fires a forearm! And another forearm! Mikey knees low, runs, but ELP drops. Mikey holds ropes to stop himself, then he comes back to headlock. ELP powers out, drops down, hurdles, but Mikey avoids the dropkick! ELP avoids the sliding lariat! The fans fire up and Mikey is annoyed. ELP mockingly applauds but Mikey dares him to throw hands.

ELP fires a forearm, but Mikey says try again. ELP throws another forearm, and Mikey DECKS him! The fans rally up as Mikey brings ELP around. Mikey bumps ELP off buckles, then CHOPS! ELP falls right down and the fans rally up! Mikey whips ELP to a corner, runs in, and clotheslines! Mikey CHOPS, then he DUMPS ELP out of the ring! Jado checks on ELP while Mikey argues with the ref. The count begins, but Mikey goes out after ELP. Mikey hoists ELP up to APRON BACK SUPLEX! ELP writhes, the ref reprimands and Mikey “apologizes.” Mikey slides into the ring, but then slides right out to SMACK ELP off the apron!

Mikey pushes ELP into the ring, the fans cheer, and Mikey covers. TWO and Mikey is annoyed again. Mikey drags ELP back up, but ELP fights the suplex! ELP throws body shots but Mikey ROCKS him! Mikey suplexes, and he holds ELP up! The fans rally, ELP throws body shots, but Mikey still SLAMS ELP down! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer while ELP crawls, but then Mikey puts him on ropes. Mikey CHOKES and fishhooks ELP, but he lets off as the ref counts. The fans rally, Mikey slaps ELP around and eggs him on. ELP stands, Mikey taunts him, so ELP CHOPS! Mikey still eggs ELP on so ELP CHOPS again! Mikey CHOPS ELP off his feet!

ELP sits up in a daze, chest stinging, but Mikey brings him around. ELP throws body shots, runs, but Mikey follows to ELBOW him down! Mikey hauls ELP up to whip but ELP reverses, only for Mikey to CLOBBER him! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up but Mikey chinlocks. Mikey also fishhooks but the ref reprimands. Mikey leans on the chinlock but the fans rally as ELP fights up. ELP throws elbows then CHOPS! Mikey knees low, runs, but ELP drops to then DROPKICK! The fans rally up while both men are down! ELP and Mikey stir, and ELP rises first. ELP drags Mikey up to throw hands, then whips.

Mikey reverses but ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges and dodges again to FLYING ELBOW! Both men are down again, but ELP kips up! The fans fire up as ELP storms over to Mikey. Atomic drop and then ELP mocks Mikey’s pain. Mikey swings, but into another atomic drop! ELP then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS, covers, TWO! ELP goes up the ropes to FALLING AX HANDLE! The fans cheer while ELP aims from a corner. ELP tunes up the band and the fans join in. ELP aims but Mikey blocks Sudden Death! Mikey ROCKS ELP, whips him to a corner, but ELP goes up and over, rolls back, then dodges the lariat to springboard CROSSBODY!

ELP keeps going, LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Mikey is still in this but the fans rally behind ELP. ELP rises again and he reels Mikey in. ELP hooks the arms but Mikey wrenches free! Mikey ROCKS ELP, whips, and scoops, but ELP fights free with elbows. Mikey CLOBBERS ELP from behind! Mikey hauls ELP up, MIKEY- NO, ELP slips through the bomb to DDT! The fans fire up and Mikey flounders out of the ring. ELP aims, PLANCHA feints, then he mule kicks from the apron! ELP springboards to ASAI MOONSAULT! Both men go down at the ramp and the fans fire up! ELP sits up as the ring count begins.

ELP stands at 7 of 20 and he fires up! The fans are with him as he gets Mikey up and in at 11. Mikey goes to a corner, ELP tunes up again. Mikey turns around, ELP runs up, but Mikey ducks the kick! Mikey shoves ELP into buckles, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! ELP stands right up! ELP LARIATS, but Mikey stays up, so ELP LARIATS again! Mikey is still up, ELP runs, into a LARIAT from Mikey! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Mikey drags ELP around, but ELP cradle counters! TWO, ELP ducks a lariat to waistlock, but Mikey swings an elbow. ELP ducks again but into the DDT! Mikey rolls ELP to his feet, to hang him out to dry on the corner!

Mikey fires up, then fires hands! Mikey climbs up and brings ELP around! The fans rally as Mikey brings ELP to the very tup for the SUPERPLEX, and roll through for the SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up again! Mikey is furious but he drags ELP into the drop zone. Mikey goes to the corner, climbs up again, and MOONSAULT FLOPS as ELP moves! Mikey sputters, the fans rally up, and ELP drags himself around into the corner. Mikey runs in but ELP dodges! ELP torture racks Mikey for the BRAIN SALAD! And then SUDDEN DEATH!! Cover, TWO?!? Mikey survives and shocks ELP!

The fans fire up even more as ELP pounds the mat. ELP brings Mikey up and in, but Mikey trips him to a jackknife bridge! TWO and ELP sunset flips! TWO and Mikey has it! TWO and ELP ghost pins! ELP WINS!!!

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

The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but they do get caught by surprise! Will both NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions take over the New Japan Cup?

2024 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Taichi VS Ren Narita w/ Yoshinobu Kanemaru!

The Holy Emperor seeks the highest throne in NJPW, but the Souled Out SOB just wants to bring more gold to the House of Torture. Will Taichi win big for Just5Guys? Or will the House help Narita stack the deck like always?

Taichi sees The Heel Master standing in the ring with Narita and is understandably wary. Kanemaru dares Taichi to get in the ring already, even pushing the ref aside. The fans tell Kanemaru to go away but the ref just gives Kanemaru a warning. Taichi finally steps into the ring, but of course Narita & Kanemaru attack together! The ref reprimands and the fans boo but Kanemaru & Narita double whip Taichi to a corner. Kanemaru runs in, Taichi dodges! Taichi BOOTS Narita, SOBATS Kanemaru, then he TOSSES Kanemaru out! Boltin Oleg picks Kanemaru up and away, and now things are properly 1v1!

But Narita still blindsides Taichi from behind! The bell rings, Narita CLUBS away on Taichi then tosses him out! Narita goes out to CLUB Taichi, then whips him into railing! Narita storms up on Taichi, brings him into the crowd, and he tells fans to clear out! The fans do as told, and Narita BOWLS Taichi into the chairs! The ref reprimands, Narita drags Taichi up and headlocks him so he can bring him around the back. The spotlight does its best to follow them, and Taichi fights back! Narita grinds the headlock, knees low, then CLUBS Taichi. Narita brings Taichi further along, and tells more fans to clear out! Narita BOWLS Taichi again!

Narita leaves Taichi behind to go back to the ring. Narita grabs a chair and brings it over! The ref reprimands, Narita pushes him away, and Narita JAMS Taichi with the chair! Narita leaves Taichi behind again and gets the ref to his feet. Narita forces the ref to go back to the ring, and has the ref start the count. Taichi is down but the fans rally up. Narita wants a faster count, but it is still only 10 of 20 as Taichi hobbles around. Taichi finds the aisle, makes his way to ringside by 15, and staggers over to slide in at 19! The fans cheer but Narita is annoyed. Cover, TWO! Narita looms over Taichi, drags him up, and CLUBS him on the neck!

Narita grins as he stalks Taichi to a corner and digs his boot in! The ref counts, Narita lets off at 4, then argues with the ref. The fans boo but Narita goes back to Taichi. Narita CLUBS Taichi on the neck again, then snapmares him for a chinlock. The ref makes sure it isn’t just a choke, but Taichi fights his way to the ROPEBREAK! Narita pushes Taichi around, gets him under the ropes, and ROPE GUILLOTINES! Taichi sputters and the ref reprimands. Narita counts but the ref refuses! Seems Marty is learning from Red Shoes to not take any Bullet Club crap. But Narita argues with Marty while standing on Taichi’s neck!

Narita sits Taichi up to go back to the chinlock. Taichi endures, but Narita shifts into a headscissor squeeze! The ref checks as Taichi endures more, and Narita thrashes around! Taichi reaches out, rolls around, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and the ref counts, Narita lets go at 4. Narita scuffs Taichi, Taichi KICKS Narita’s leg! And KICKS again! And KICKS again! Taichi thrwos ridge hand chops to Narita’s head and shoulders! Narita knees low then CLUBS the neck! Narita brings Taichi around to whip into a corner. Narita then runs in but Taichi BOOTS him! Narita runs back in, Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Taichi shakes out his arms and checks his neck which Narita clutches his own neck and shoulders. The fans rally, Taichi stands and he paces around. Taichi drags Narita up, but Narita CLAWS the eyes! The ref reprimands and the fans boo but Narita lets off to whip. Taichi reverses to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Taichi stands back up, brings Narita up, but Narita fights the saido by clawing the eyes! Narita even scrapes Taichi’s face off ropes! The fans rally, Narita stands on Taichi, it’s a cocky cover, TWO!

Narita eggs Taichi on, kicks him around, but Taichi just scowls. Taichi stands, Narita fires a forearm, but Taichi doesn’t move! Narita fires more shots but Taichi just eggs him on! Narita still tries, but Taichi DECKS Narita! Narita falls out of the ring, Taichi goes out and whips him hard into railing! Taichi drags Narita back up, to whip into more railing! Narita falls back, Taichi brings him out into the crowd, and payback for earlier as he BOWLS Narita into chairs! The fans rally up as Taichi storms up on Narita. Taichi CHOKES Narita using one of the chairs! The ref reprimands, Taichi lets off, and he drags Narita back up.

Taichi brings Narita back to ringside, puts him in the ring, and fans applaud. But then Taichi grabs Narita’s push-up bar! The ref stops Taichi while Narita freaks out! Taichi lets the ref have the bar, and then blocks Narita’s low blow! BUZZSAW! The fans fire up and OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi takes aim as Narita rises. But then Narita uses the ref as a shield! Taichi moves the ref aside, Narita runs to NECKBREAKER DROP! Both men are down and the fans rally up again! Narita grins as he brings Taichi around. HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO! Taichi escapes but Narita clamps on a SLEEPER! Narita grins as he squeezes tight!

Taichi endures, the fans rally, and Taichi fights up. Taichi stands and he throws Narita away! Taichi then runs up, but Narita catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Narita taunts Taichi as Taichi endures, but Taichi powers his way around. Taichi steps towards ropes and has the ROPEBREAK! Narita lets go but then grins as he waistlocks. Taichi holds ropes to resist, the ref reprimands, but Narita shoves the ref away! Narita LOW BLOWS then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Taichi survives and Narita is furious! The fans fire up while Narita goes to ropes. Narita vows to end this, and he brings Taichi back up.

Narita reels Taichi in for the DOUBLE- NO, Taichi stops the Double Cross! Taichi blocks Narita’s kick, shoves the ref, and LOW BLOWS Narita in return! The fans fire up while Narita writhes! Taichi hurries to get Narita up and into the SEITEI JUJIRO! Narita endures the modified stretch plum, even as Taichi twists him! But wait, there’s a commotion! Of course Dick Togo shows up! He distracts the ref and the ref misses Narita tapping out! Taichi would’ve won! Taichi shoves Narita down, and he sees Yujiro and Evil are here, too! But Narita shoves Taichi into the ref! The fans boo as The House of Torture mugs Taichi!

Evil & Dick double whip Taichi to a corner, then Dick runs in. Dick ELBOWS Taichi, Yujiro BOOTS, and Evil clotheslines! Evil snapmares Taichi, he and Yujiro set Taichi up as Dick climbs, DICK CHOP! Taichi writhes, Narita slithers back in, and Yujiro puts the ref in. Narita covers, TWO!! Taichi survives and Narita flops right onto the ref! The House gets back in, all their goodies at the ready! Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER on Taichi! Dick makes Taichi stand, Evil JAMS him with a chair! But Just5Guys runs in! Douki TOSSES Dick, Sanada ENZIGIRIS Evil and Yuya ENZIGIRIS Yujiro! J5G tosses The House out to then DOUBLE PLANCHA!

The fans fire up but Narita scrambles around to find something. The fans rally for Taichi, Narita swings, but into the DANGEROUS SAIDO!! The fans fire up but Taichi can’t make the cover! J5G clears The House of Torture from ringside, we’re back to 1v1! The fans rally with “Let’s Go, Taichi!” Taichi goes to a corner, powers up and takes aim! Narita runs in to BOOT him, but Taichi GAMANGIRIS in return! Taichi roars and the fans are with him! Taichi brings Narita up, reels him in, DANGEROUS SAIDO BRIDGE! But Jack Perry YANKS the ref out!! The fans boo, they forgot the Scapegoat is in the House!

Perry gets in the ring, flips everyone off, and then brings Taichi up. Perry runs in from a corner, but Taichi dodges! AX BOMBER!! Perry pays for getting involved, but Narita has his push-up bar! The fans boo as Narita sneaks it over, but Taichi KICKS it away!! But that’s double-edged for Taichi! And then Kanemaru returns! He takes a big swig, to SPIT the whiskey into Taichi’s face! BOTTLE SHOT!! The fans boo as the House uses the numbers! Kanemaru puts the ref in, Narita gets Taichi up, DOUBLECROSS!!! Cover, Narita wins!

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

It took the ENTIRE House to do it, but now they’ve got two jokers in the next round! Will Jack Perry and Ren Narita make sure the New Japan Cup belongs to House of Torture?

2024 New Japan Cup Opening Round: Yota Tsuji VS Jeff Cobb!

Gene Blast looks to join Shingo Takagi in the second round to improve LIJ’s chances in the tournament. Meanwhile, The United Empire has been having some trouble moving ahead without Will Ospreay. Great-O-Khan, TJP and Callum Newman all fell, but will the Imperial Unit take us on a Tour of the Islands?

Yota and Cobb stand face to face, and both are big men to be sure. They back up to put their jackets aside, and the bell rings. The fans rally up behind “YOTA! YOTA!” as he stares down with Cobb. Cobb says okay, and the two get face to face again. The fans do cheer on “COB-BU! COB-BU!” and Yota smiles. The two tie up, are in a deadlock, but Cobb digs in to power Yota back. Yota digs his heels in but Cobb still puts him on ropes. Red Shoes counts the break, Cobb lets off slowly and fixes Yota’s hair for him. Cobb pokes fun at the great head of hair, and Yota smiles as he checks Cobb’s hair. Then Yota CHOPS!

Cobb doesn’t budge, he just CHOPS in return! Yota takes a second, and he comes back with a forearm! Cobb throws a forearm, they go back and forth, and Yota fires a flurry! Yota powers up, runs, and RAMS shoulders with Cobb, but neither man falls! Yota RAMS again, and again, but Cobb doesn’t budge! Cobb eggs Yota on, but Yota just smiles. Yota runs up, they RAM shoulders again and again and again! Then Yota runs, only for Cobb to run him over! The fans fire up and Cobb brings Yota around, to ROCK him with a forearm. Cobb bumps Yota off buckles, then CLUBS him in the chest! Yota sits down but Cobb stands him back up.

Cobb whips corner to corner but Yota goes right up! Yota leaps to FLYING RANA! Cobb is sent out of the ring and the fans fire up! Cobb goes around the way and Yota builds speed, to DIVE! But Cobb catches Yota, to SLAM him on the apron! The fans fire up with that display of power and Cobb brings Yota back up. Cobb ROCKS Yota and Yota leans against the railing in front of commentary. Cobb knows to be careful, all that gear is expensive. Cobb CLUBS Yota, follows him around the way, then ROCKS him in the back! Yota grimaces but Cobb pushes him into the ring. The fans applaud and Cobb eggs Yota on.

Cobb stomps Yota, then brings him up and around. Cobb suplexes, and he holds Yota up to then TOSS him! The fans fire up at that newest demonstration of strength! Cobb covers with one hand, TWO! Cobb covers with a proper press, TWO! Cobb is annoyed but he hears the fans rally for Yota. Cobb steps on Yota, and pretends he didn’t see Yota there. Cobb “apologizes” then brings Yota up. Cobb wrenches, pump handles, and lifts Yota! FALL AWAY SUPLEX! Yota tumbles away to the apron and Cobb smiles. Cobb storms his way over, drags Yota up, and bumps him off buckles. Yota wobbles but Cobb goes up!

Cobb drags Yota back up, to deadlift SUPER- NO, Yota fights and is on the corner! Yota fires forearms and Cobb falls back! Yota adjusts, but Cobb DROPKICKS! Yota holds onto the ropes for dear life! But Cobb brings him up to CLUB him! Cobb climbs, gut wrenches, and SUPER GUT WRENCH PLEXES! The fans fire up for that feat of superstrength! Cobb makes his way over to cover, TWO! Yota stays in this but Cobb is sure that was three. Cobb looms over Yota as he eggs him on. Cobb mocks the LIJ fist bump as Yota sits up. Cobb adds the hang loose, and dares the “Young Lion” to show him what he’s got.

Yota rises, throws a forearm, but then he falls back over! Cobb is annoyed but Yota stands up to throw another forearm. Cobb CLUBS Yota down! The fans rally for Yota as Cobb whips him to a corner. Cobb lines up a shot, runs in, but into a BOOT! Cobb comes back, blocks the boot but Yota brings him in for the DOUBLE STOMP! Cobb flounders and the fans rally up. Yota nods and forces himself to stand. Cobb swings, but Yota BODY BLOWS! Yota fires up and the fans are with him! Yota reels Cobb in, but Cobb fights the suplex! Cobb throws body shots, then a CHOP! Cobb whips, Yota flips through the scoop to RANA!

The fans fire up with Yota as Cobb bails out. Yota builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit into the railing! The fans fire up while both men are down on the outside! Yota roars as he rises and he gets the fans rallying again. Yota does a lap around the ring, brings Cobb back up, and he puts Cobb in the ring. The fans applaud as he says, “Vamos, amigos!” Yota kicks low, fires forearms, then whips. Cobb reverses, but Yota ducks ‘n ‘dodges and runs Cobb over! Yota then sets Cobb up for the SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Cobb stays in this but Yota stays on him with a suplex! Fans fire up as Yota gets Cobb up and over! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally and Yota keeps his cool. Yota drags Cobb up, but Cobb fights the fireman’s carry! Cobb throws elbows, then swings, but Yota hits the BACKBREAKER, COMPLETE SHOT and- NO, Cobb stops the stomp with pure power! Cobb gets up to CHOP and Yota gasps! But he still smiles?! Yota stands back up, and he fires a forearm! Cobb fires back! The fans rally as the forearms go back and forth, and Cobb gets the edge. But Yota roars! Yota fires a flurry of forearms on Cobb, but Cobb roars! The fans fire up as the forearms keep flying! Cobb powers up, swings, but into the BACKBREAKER, COMPLETE SHOT, and STOMP!

But Cobb’s right up!? Cobb eggs Yota on, so Yota runs up to COMPLETE SHOT again! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Cobb stirs but Yota rises and the fans are with him. Yota brings Cobb up, but Cobb’s dead weight! Yota kicks Cobb around, mocks the hang loose, but Cobb BOOTS him for it! Yota runs in, but into an URENAGE! And FALLING HAMMER ARM! And GACHI- FLOP!! Yota BOOTS Cobb in return! Yota runs, but Cobb avoids the curb stomp, to GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous! Cobb hurries to haul Yota back up and whip!

Yota holds ropes to stop himself, then he BOOTS Cobb! Yota runs up, but into a JAB! Yota V-TRIGGERS! Cobb SUPERKKICKS! Yota SUPERKICKS! Cobb ROCKS Yota with a forearm, Yota ROCKS him back! Yota then DECKS Cobb!! The fans are thunderous again as Yota fireman’s carries! Cobb slips free, though, but Yota switches. Cobb elbows free, short arm- NO, Yota ducks the lariat and runs into a TOUR OF THE- NO, Yota slips free! And hits a three point stance! GENE- NO, Cobb rolls the spear to gut wrench and RAZOR’S EDGE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous again!

Cobb stirs but the fans are behind “YOTA! YOTA!” Cobb stands, mocks Yota’s pose and takes aim! Yota stands, Cobb runs in, but Yota KICKS Cobb away! Yota brings Cobb around, whips, but Cobb reverses to reel him in! ATHLETIC PLEX! Cover, TWO!! Cobb doesn’t hesitate, he fireman’s carries for the F 5000!! Cover, TWO!!! Yota survives again and the fans are electric! Cobb is beside himself, but he still has one thing to try! Cobb calls his shot and hauls Yota up. Cobb whips Yota to ropes, but Yota BOOTS him! Cobb swings, Yota dodges, but Cobb LARIATS!! Cobb aims from a corner, and sets up again! Cobb GENE BLASTS!??! Cover, TWO?!?!?!

The fans are electric again as Yota survives his own move, delivered by a man equally as massive! Cobb stands back up, says hang loose, but also mocks the Rainmaker Pose! Cobb drags Yota up, ripcords, but Yota V-TRIGGERS! Cobb stays up, so Yota V-TRIGGERS again!! Cobb is still on his feet, and he eggs Yota on! So Yota HEADBUTTS Cobb down!! Yota smiles and powers out! The fans are with him as he runs to CURB STOMP!! But that isn’t all as Yota grits his teeth. Yota roars and the fans rally as hard as they can! Yota brings Cobb up, points to the sky, and then goes up and up and SUPER CURB STOMPS?!?!

Yota drags Cobb up to then fireman’s carry and SWINGING SPINEBUSTER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Cobb survives but the fans are volcanic for Yota! Yota takes aim from the corner, and GENE BLASTS!!!! Cover, Yota wins!!

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

It was an epic battle, and this Ungovernable conquers the Imperial Unit! Is this just not The United Empire’s year when it comes to the Cup?

As for Yota, he gets the mic while the fans cheer him on. Yota then says, “Now you know what kind of tournament the New Japan Cup is in NJPW, especially this time. Okada is gone, Ospreay is gone, Tama is gone. So who’s going to be the top guy from now on? This is a tournament that’ll show whether or not we’re going to lead NJPW.” The fans applaud that, and Yota continues by saying that until now, he wasn’t about some sort of generational change. But let’s face it: YOTA is the one at the center of this change! Fans like the sound of that!

Yota continues by saying out of this “new generation,” including Gabe Kidd and Ren Narita, Yota is the only one with any hope. The fans also like the sound of that. Yota says HE will be the one to lead NJPW into the new era, “Let’s open that door together.” The fans cheer, Yota smiles, and then he asks, “Are you ready?! I will win the New Japan Cup!” Mic drop as the fans cheer, and now Yota is joined by Naito and Takagi! A parallel to just a couple nights ago, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion just wants to remind the real prize on the line here. LIJ has two powerful horses in the race, but who crosses that finish line?

My Thoughts:

Another great night for NJPW, and I believe this closes out the opening around. A lot of first-round byes are waiting, it seems. Anyhow, nothing shocking here, just a bit of a shame that Cobb couldn’t make it past the first round. Cobb and Yota was a great main event, but per this building story for LIJ, Yota of course moves on. LIJ has their two through, and now the House of Torture has two through with both Jack Perry and Ren Narita in. All the cheating is a shame, as always, but duh that’s what the House of Torture does. Pretty sure they’ll run up against the LIJ guys and then the House will be SOL, as they deserve.

My Score: 8.7/10