Top 5 Potential Winners Of New Japan Cup 2022 (Left Bracket)

After Wrestle Kingdom and the recent Golden Series tour, New Japan Pro Wrestling is preparing for its first tournament of the year, the New Japan Cup. The field is bigger than ever this year, with 48 competitors across two brackets. With young lions, junior heavyweights and heavyweights, everyone in the company has been given a chance to showcase their talents.

Here is a look at five potential winners of the New Japan Cup from the left side of the bracket.

5. CIMA

CIMA is the only participant in the entire tournament who isn’t on the New Japan roster, yet this could definitely be used to his advantage. After showcasing his skills to New Japan fans during this year’s Wrestle Kingdom, many fans are excited to see him in the tournament to showcase his skills.

CIMA is one of the best and has years of experience when it comes to wrestling styles. Although he started his career as a true high-flier, his style has been adapted after injuries to include a more ground-based offence. Yet, he hasn’t completely gotten rid of his Lucha influence and the diversity makes CIMA a formidable opponent.

Although CIMA has years of experience, he hasn’t faced most of the men in this tournament. Yet, while many may be aware of his style, he has the surprise factor as knowledge is the best advantage in a match. During this tournament, CIMA has nothing to lose and everything to gain, and this could be precisely the motivation needed to get through the gruelling tournament.

4. Hirooki Goto

Hirooki Goto is always a name mentioned in possible winners whenever the line-up for a New Japan tournament is announced. Over the years, he has cemented his ability in these events through his numerous New Japan Cup and G1 wins. Yet, despite winning many tournaments, he’s never fulfilled his potential to go forward and win the title.

However, this could all change this year. Goto has been collecting titles during the past year after a hugely successful NEVER 6-Man title run and now being IWGP Heavyweight Tag champions with YOSHI HASHI. He has been picking up big wins and overcoming odds to showcase his talent to fans.

Even though tournaments during the past few years have gone how Goto would like it, he’s got all the momentum on his side. After teaming with YOSHI HASHI, Goto has been on a wave of success and is in the best place possible for the tournament. With years of experience and added confidence, it could be enough to get his third tournament win.

3. Tetsuya Naito

Tetsuya Naito is one of the best wrestlers in New Japan and one of the best in the world. It isn’t surprising that every time the company hosts a tournament, Naito is one of the potential winners. After a less than pleasing 2021 surrounded by losses and injuries, the New Japan Cup is the perfect time for Naito to show what he’s capable of.

Although Naito has only won the New Japan Cup once, he is more than capable in a tournament environment. With his adaptability and unpredictability, he provokes his opponents with his “Tranquilo” ways. Combining this with his undeniable in-ring talents makes him a tough opponent.

Even though Naito lost to Kazuchika Okada during the Golden Series show, the Ungovernable One is never phased. In fact, the loss would’ve motivated Naito even more to showcase his dominance during this tournament and find another chance to challenge for the title. If anyone could bounce back from defeat, then it’s Tetsuya Naito.

2. Kazuchika Okada

Although it isn’t common for the IWGP World Champion to be part of the New Japan Cup line-up, Kazuchika Okada has proved why he is so special. Tournaments are always the hardest for champions as they have a target on their back from the beginning. Even without winning the entire tournament, defeating the champion in a match earns them a title show.

Yet, this is exactly what Okada probably wants. After winning the IWGP World Heavyweight title, the Rainmaker is as strong as ever showcasing his dominance in every match. Despite the tough names in the bracket, Okada has beaten them. He will have even more determination holding the championship.

In particular, after narrowly missing out on winning the tournament in 2020 and being kicked out in the first round in 2021, Okada will be more determined than ever. It seems as if Okada has showcased more skill and dominance in the past months. He is easily in a position to win the tournament while holding the title.

1. Jeff Cobb

Since Jeff Cobb stepped into New Japan, he’s been a powerhouse nobody can compare to. Yet, his move to The Empire awakened the wrestler’s even more brutal side that makes him even more dangerous than before. The start of 2022 didn’t start the way he wanted with a loss to Naito at Wrestle Kingdom and injury. So, this tournament is vital to rebuild momentum.

Jeff Cobb is second to none when it comes to talent inside the ring. Not only is he powerful and strong, but he has an agility that can easily match Jr Heavyweights and wrestlers half his size. It is this versatility that makes Cobb such an unpredictable opponent. He can change up his offence if needed and adapt to each opponent.

Although Jeff Cobb didn’t start 2022 in the way he wanted, the New Japan Cup is the perfect chance for redemption. By combining his perfect in-ring ability with a new personality shaped for the Empire, this could be the year that Jeff Cobb cements how talented he is and rises to the top of New Japan.

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