Top 5 New Japan Cup 2022 MVPs

When it comes to New Japan Pro Wrestling tournaments, they are as intense and fierce as they come. Although many call the annual G1 the most challenging tournament in professional wrestling, the New Japan Cup is also extremely difficult. The elimination style tournament means that one loss is the end of that wrestler’s dream to win the entire thing.

Each wrestler shined in their matches with even more competitors than ever before in the New Japan Cup. Here is a look at the five MVPs from this year’s tournament.

5. Kazuchika Okada

It is very rare for champions to enter the New Japan Cup. However, whenever Kazuchika Okada is champion, he does everything to prove he is a fighting champion, even entering a gruelling tournament. This year, he entered the New Japan Cup to try and make history again. Although he didn’t win, his matches made him one of the MVPs of the tournament.

In the first few rounds, Okada wrestled IWGP Jr Champion El Desperado and Master Wato. Despite the size difference, Okada didn’t discount them and gave them the same Okada Heavyweights face. He also produced beautiful matches with TAICHI and CIMA, giving fans a technically spectacular match that also combined storytelling.

Although Okada didn’t win to cement his legacy in that way, he continued to prove why he is one of the best wrestlers in the world. He brought out the best in each of his opponents and showed what it really means to be a true champion. Fans also got to see him in singles matches against wrestlers he wouldn’t face in a normal situation.

4. Tetsuya Naito

One of the tournament favourites going into the matches was Tetsuya Naito. Although he lost to Okada only a few weeks prior, it motivated the Ungovernable One to do even better. With his desire to main event Wrestle Kingdom in 2023, he needed another shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight title.

Naito had to beat off some sneaky Bullet Club opponents in the first two matches, including former tag team partner Yujiro. He got through those quickly and fans loved that his third-round opponent was Hiroshi Tanahashi, with whom he has a long history. This match, alongside his bout with jeff Cobb, certified why Naito is one of the world’s best and most charismatic wrestlers.

The most impressive part of Naito’s run in the tournament was that he managed to win by roll-up each time. Although some might see it as anti-climactic, it was the perfect attitude for the New Japan Cup. Wrestlers don’t get any advantage by how they win, just whether they do or not. Naito managed to win with as little effort as he could use in the matches themselves.

It might have been another loss for Naito in the tournament, but he didn’t come away empty-handed. This is the furthest Naito has come in the New Japan Cup in a long time. Also, after beating Okada, Naito has earnt himself a title opportunity. In particular, after a tough few years, Naito has regained some momentum which will be vital in the upcoming months.

3. Hiromu Takahashi

When Jr Heavyweights are put in tournaments against wrestlers much bigger than them, they are always seen as the underdogs. However, Hiromu Takahashi is far from someone who could ever be seen as being at a disadvantage. Since New Japan has allowed Jrs in tournaments, Hiromu has proved his dominance, and this year was no exception.

Hiromu’s path in the New Japan Cup wasn’t easy. His first opponent was SHO. Despite putting on great matches in the past, his move to Bullet Club changed that. Yet, Hiromu overcame the obstacles and cheating to get the win. One of the biggest upsets was Hiromu rolling up Minoru Suzuki in a truly loved match by fans worldwide. However, the King might not have felt the same.

In particular, his match against former Los Ingobernables de Japon member EVIL stood out the most. Since joining Bullet Club, EVIL has caused chaos using Dick Togo and any means to get the win in matches. It seemed to be the same way here. Yet, Hiromu’s heart and passion got him through the tough match, and he came out with a win.

Although Hiromu didn’t win to get another shot at the IWGP Jr title, he’s earnt a NEVER title opportunity and another chance to serve revenge to EVIL. Hiromu has consistently stated his desire to showcase Jr’s pride and he will continue to do that. One day, he will win a Heavyweight tournament as a junior and complete that goal.

2. Jeff Cobb

Going into the New Japan Cup, Jeff Cobb was one of the firm favourites to win the entire tournament. Despite a rocky few months with losses and injury, Cobb seemed to have swept away any cobwebs and came back even more dangerous.

From the very beginning, Cobb had some challenging and determined opponents in Jeff cobb, Satoshi Kojima and YOSHI HASHI. He defeated them in excellent matches, bringing out the fire in his opponents and showcasing his dominance.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t beat Tetsuya Naito in a rematch from Wrestle Kingdom. Yet, this was another amazing match where Cobb proved why he is one of the best wrestlers in New Japan. With his speed, strength, and versatility, it was only Naito’s success in the tournament that led to him being knocked out of the tournament.

Despite not making it to the final as many expected, Jeff Cobb showcased his dominance. Viewers worldwide were shocked after Cobb was kicked out because he had been so confident throughout his matches. However, his New Japan career is still young, and he has a lot of time to prove why he deserves to be an IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

1. Zack Sabre Jr

Zack Sabre Jr has been away from the singles title picture for the past few years. After disappointing tournaments in the past, ZSJ has been making waves in the tag division with partner TAICHI. Yet, going into the New Japan Cup, Zack seemed to have a new determination to finally achieve his goal to be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

The start of Zack’s tournament was straightforward, with an easy win against Young Lion Ryohei Oiwa and fellow Suzuki Gun member DOUKI. However, things got tough when he faced the Great-O-Khan and Will Ospreay, two very different and challenging wrestlers. In particular, his long-standing feud with Ospreay continued, and with a controversial ending, it seems like it won’t be ending any time soon.

If his path to the final was hard, the last match against his rival Tetsuya Naito was the icing on the cake. Both opponents were physically and emotionally drained but put their bodies on the line to win. All of his hard work and dedication led to another New Japan Cup win for the Submission Master.

After a few years dedicated to the tag division, ZSJ is ready to be back at the forefront of the singles division and showcase his dominance. With the Japanese crowds behind him, it could be the perfect time for Zack to finally win the top prize in New Japan and become IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

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