Top 5 Potential Winners Of NJPW New Japan Cup (Right 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. This year, the field is bigger than ever, 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 right side of the bracket.

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5. Tama Tonga

Going into any tournament, Tama Tonga is always the dark horse. Nobody can ever deny his talent but even if he isn’t able to get the win, he has been known to play spoiler when it means the most. However, with recent events surrounding his place in Bullet Club, the New Japan Cup will be more important than ever.

Despite being one of the first members of Bullet Club, Tama Tonga has permanently cemented himself as a fantastic wrestler. Not only is he swift and agile, but his movements inside of the ring are effortless. His offense has expanded throughout the years, and he can adapt to whatever opponent he has to face.

After years of being seen as an underrated wrestler, it could be Tama Tonga’s time to shine as a singles wrestler at the top of New Japan. With a charismatic personality and wrestling style, this tournament could see the rebirth of Tama Tonga. Undoubtedly, everything that has happened recently is the perfect motivation to go out and dominate the New Japan Cup.

4. Hiromu Takahashi

One of the most unique parts about this year’s New Japan Cup is the diversity of the participants. In particular, viewers were excited to see a lot of Jr Heavyweights in the line-up, including fan favourite Hiromu Takahashi. Hiromu has always wanted to showcase the talents of the Jr division and how they’re on par with the heavyweights, and this tournament is another stage to do that.

When it comes to Hiromu’s offence, it is impossible to predict what he will bring to the ring. As erratic as he can be, Hiromu knows exactly what he’s doing in the ring and adapts it to each opponent. No matter whether he faces a Jr or Heavyweight, the Ticking Time Bomb will put in his all to get the win.

During his first New Japan Cup appearance in 2020, Hiromu shocked fans by beating Tomohiro Ishii and advancing to the second round. Could the Ticking Time Bomb do even better and make it all the way? With the dream of headlining the Tokyo Dome as Jr Heavyweight Champion, could Hiromu change his destiny and cement his status by earning an IWGP Heavyweight shot.

3. Shingo Takagi

When most people lose their title, it can cause them to go in a downwards slump. Yet, after losing the title to Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom, Shingo Takagi seems as motivated as ever. He has put in 110% throughout the Golden Series tour to showcase that he is still one of the best wrestlers. There is no denying that Shingo is going into this tournament more than ready.

Although Shingo Takagi started his New Japan career as a Jr Heavyweight, his move to the heavyweight division seemed effortless. He might be big and strong, but he still has this unrivalled athleticism and speed that makes him one of the most diverse wrestlers in New Japan. He never underestimates his opponents,

Of course, his first match is against his rival Tomohiro Ishii, and it won’t be an easy ride past the first round. However, Shingo will put his body and heart on the line to put on a great match for fans. More importantly, he will want to make it to the end of the tournament. The New Japan Cup could be his chance to cement that he deserves to be champion again.

2. Zack Sabre Jr

In 2018, Zack Sabre Jr made history when he became the first British wrestler to win the New Japan Cup. Since then, despite winning the hearts of fans in his tag team with TAICHI, he hasn’t achieved the success as a singles wrestler many expected. This year’s tournament could be the perfect chance to change that and regain momentum.

From the minute ZSJ arrived in New Japan, he’s impressed with his skills. Despite his small and noodle-like frame, he is dangerous to even the biggest of heavyweights. During the past few months, Zack has also shown a new style that is more riskier and less mat-based than used in the past. By facing some of the best wrestlers in the world, he’s learnt to adapt his style.

After a rest during the Golden Series tour, the Submission Specialist will be rejuvenated and ready to take on all wrestlers. For years, fans have said that Zack’s got so much potential to lead New Japan, and this could be his chance to showcase why he is one of the best in the world.

1. Tomohiro Ishii

Every time New Japan announces a tournament, Tomohiro Ishii is one of the men fans always want to win. Despite his presence and talent throughout his career, Ishii has never won top IWGP gold. Even though fans try not to expect much, many are still hoping that 2022 could be his year.

Since making his first appearance in New Japan, Ishii has cemented his title as the “Workhorse.” Whether it’s a tag or title match, the Stone Pitbull puts in 110%. Despite his huge size, Ishii is also extremely fast and athletic in the ring, making him a formidable opponent for anyone. It’s also his heart that makes him dangerous because he’s been through the ups and downs of being a wrestler.

Every year, fans hope that Ishii can break through and get the big win to cement his dominance in New Japan. The past few months haven’t been the best for the Stone Pitbull. Yet, these losses might just be the added motivation needed to go the whole way. If he manages to win the tournament and achieve a shot at the world title, it will be one of the sweetest moments in the company’s history.

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