After the first Castle Attack, New Japan Pro Wrestling is back for their first tournament of the year with the New Japan Cup.
With 30 participants in two blocks, there is potential for so many great matches. It is time for the wrestlers to show exactly what they are capable of. With a shot at Kota Ibushi’s new IWGP World Heavyweight Championship on the line, everyone will be putting everything into winning.
Here is a look at the top five potential winners for the 2021 New Japan Cup tournament.
5. Tetsuya Naito
Credit: NJPW1972
Even with a rocky start to 2021, Tetsuya Naito will undoubtedly be putting everything into winning this tournament. After losing to Kota Ibushi both at Wrestle Kingdom and Castle Attack, it is Naito’s chance to prove that he is still one of the best. There is no better way to change his Destino than to win the tournament for the first time since 2016.
There is no doubt that Naito is one of the best the company has to offer in terms of ability. Over the years, he has consistently pulled out match-of-the-year contenders. With a style wrestling style combining high-flying, risk-taking and submission skills, his diversity is matched by only a few. Looking at the list of competitors in his bracket, it would be plausible to expect a Naito victory.
This year, Naito’s biggest enemy in this tournament will be himself. If he allows his doubt and lack of confidence to overtake him, it could be the difference between losing in the first round or making it all the way to the final. However, Naito will do anything to get one more shot at Kota Ibushi. This is his best chance to do that!
4. Will Ospreay
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Since moving to the heavyweight division, Will Ospreay has become a dark horse in tournaments. With his patented high-flying and athletic style, Ospreay has always been someone to watch out for. After adding some muscle and getting a more diverse style, he is even more formidable.
Since creating The Empire, Ospreay has stated time after time that he believes that his place is at the top of the company. However, despite beating Satoshi Kojima at New Beginnings, Ospreay still has a lot to prove. After losing to Okada at Wrestle Kingdom, this is redemption time for Ospreay. What better chance than beating some of the best heavyweights in New Japan.
It will be another chance for the Assassin to prove that he can hang with the top guys. With a new style and attitude, could it be enough to finally propel Ospreay to the top of New Japan and make his mark in the IWGP picture?
3. Shingo Takagi
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Since coming to New Japan, Shingo Takagi has made a mark on the company. Whether it was dominating the Junior Heavyweight or NEVER divisions, there is no doubt that Shingo has been someone to watch. Although he has not gone that far in previous heavyweight tournaments, Shingo has much more experience. It should not be underestimated.
The one thing that also sets him apart from some of the other competitors is his guts, heart and determination. Whether he is facing one of the best in the business or a young lion, Shingo puts 100% into every match. With his power, speed and strength, he will be a tough opponent to get through.
Unfortunately, to get to the top, he needs to defeat former IWGP champion Okada. After losing to him during last year’s G1 Climax to the Money Clip, no doubt that Takagi will have found a way to overcome the Rainmaker. If he manages to pass this hurdle, then it could be the year of The Dragon and a stepping-stone into the history books.
2. Jay White
Credit: NJPW1972
Despite being a full-time New Japan roster member since 2018, this will be Jay White’s first time participating in the New Japan Cup. Yet, even without the experience, the Switchblade has proved that he is a tough opponent to beat in a tournament setting. It will no doubt be the same in these conditions.
Even though Jay’s matches are normally linked to cheating and interference from Gedo, there is no doubt that White is a phenomenal athlete. Time after time, the English commentary team has reminded fans that Jay’s IQ rivals that of a veteran wrestler. He can not only react to his opponent’s offence but find weaknesses and exploit them in the most brutal way. White is not a triple crown champion for nothing.
With another shot at Kota Ibushi and the double titles, Jay will do anything and everything to make sure that he goes all the way. Unfortunately, there are many wrestlers who are willing to do anything to stop this from happening. However, if Jay White can get through all of them, he will prove not only that it is still his era but rightly call the tournament the New Jay-pan cup!
1. Kazuchika Okada
Credit: NJPW1972
After narrowly missing out on the crown in last year’s New Japan Cup against EVIL, Kazuchika Okada has to be many people’s picks for this year. With the announcement of the new IWGP World Heavyweight title, Okada has stated that this tournament is his way to try and correct that wrong. There is also the added motivation from being out of the title picture for so long. It feels like we are seeing a new and improved Okada with the determination to do anything he sets his mind to.
Apart from this, there is no denying that Okada is one of the world’s best wrestlers. With speed, strength and agility, Okada has everything you expect from a professional wrestler. Despite fan’s opinions on the move, the Money Clip has shown fans a more diverse wrestling style. It makes him even more lethal and dangerous than before.
Some fans believe that, without the title, Okada has lost any momentum. However, he has already an extremely successful 2021 so far with a win at the Tokyo Dome and against EVIL. A break from the IWGP title picture scene might be enough motivation for Okada. It could be the perfect chance for the Rainmaker to rise to the top again!
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