Every year, New Japan Pro Wrestling brings together some of the best wrestlers to earn a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight title. This year was no exception, and the field was even bigger with Heavyweights, Juniors and even those from other promotions. With so many phenomenal wrestlers and unique matches, there was something for everyone, showcasing the best of New Japan.
Here is a look at the eight best matches from the entire tournament.
8. Zack Sabre Jr v DOUKI
Going into this match between Suzuki Gun’s DOUKI and Zack Sabre Jr, everyone expected a ZSJ win. However, they probably didn’t expect such a tough fight from the luchador. After the warm-up matches, DOUKI shocked fans by attacking Zack in the ring to show that he wasn’t someone to be slept on. It made fans even more excited for the inter-faction match.
The match itself was pretty straight forward. DOUKI showcased an unpredictable style combining his Japanese and Mexican influences. Zack Sabre Jr focused on his technical ability, and surprisingly, the two styles blended perfectly. Although Zack was in control for most of the match, DOUKI almost caused an upset by trying to roll up the Submission Master.
After 15-minutes, ZSJ managed to get the win with Cremation Lily. It might not have been a technical masterpiece. But it showcased just how much DOUKI has improved since coming to New Japan. Despite the rivalry heading into the match, Suzuki Gun proved that they are a tight faction that knows when to put loyalties aside and when to thrive on it.
7. CIMA v Kazuchika Okada
New Japan fans were over the moon to see CIMA part of this year’s line-up. After impressing during Wrestle Kingdom, the veteran was back to make his mark on the New Japan Cup. CIMA immediately made waves beating favourite Hirooki Goto, but his next challenge was IWGP World Champion Kazuchika Okada.
While Okada and CIMA’s careers are indirectly interlinked through Toryumon Japan, it was the first meeting. CIMA is much smaller and quicker than Okada, making the champion adapt his own style. The match was full of action as two of the best wrestlers fought with their hearts. CIMA held on right until the end and even risked injury with a Meteora outside the ring.
Right after the 20-minute mark, it got too much, and Okada hit his Rainmaker for a win. It might have been a loss for CIMA, but it cemented just how talented and strong he is. After his performance in the tournament and alongside GLEAT in tag matches, viewers will happily see him back in a New Japan ring. If Okada keeps the title long enough, hopefully, CIMA will get a title shot sooner rather than later.
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi v YOH
Despite being in two different weight classes, Hiroshi Tanahashi and YOH couldn’t be more similar. Although YOH joined CHAOS, he’s always had a special bond with Tanahashi, dating back to his young lion days. It was a first-time singles match between the two, and fans were right to be excited. For many, it was a sure turning point for YOH.
YOH was more determined than ever with such high stakes. Wrestling his senpai was hard enough, but he had to go toe-to-toe with someone who has a similar offence combining traditional Japanese Strong Style and high-flying. There were submissions, dragon screws, and a varied offence from both. Tanahashi also allowed YOH to shine without diminishing his talent. It was a match that combined superb wrestling and a story about YOH trying to prove himself.
As the clock passed the 16-minute mark, Tanahashi finally got the win with a Dragon Suplex. YOH might have lost the match, but he didn’t lose any momentum. He continues to show why he is a phenomenal athlete after his run in the BoSJ tournament. Tanahashi also acknowledged YOH’s effort and there’s no denying he will make it to the top of New Japan one day.
5. Shingo Takagi v Tomohiro Ishii
Every time Shingo Takagi and Tomohiro Ishii wrestle, it seems impossible to think they can put on a match even better than their last. Once again, they proved why they are the two workhorses of New Japan. For many, it was a shame the match was in the first round as both deserved a place in the final.
As expected, the match opened with both men throwing intense shoulder tackles. It quickly picked up speed and for two such big men, they are incredibly agile, taking the fight outside almost immediately. When it got back in the ring, it was just as intense as Ishii and Shingo combined their strength and athleticism to provide some great offence.
The start of the match set the pace for the rest of the bout. Despite the fast pace and high action, both Ishii and Shingo continued to put their bodies on the line to get to the next round. Every second was filled with action, from lariats, heavy strikes, and dropkicks.
Fans would be upset with the result either way as it meant eliminating a huge crowd favourite. A final Last of the Dragon secured the win for Shingo and the duo’s rivalry is far from over. Although fans were amazed by the match, they are hoping Ishii will win the IWGP Heavyweight title at some point
4. Tetsuya Naito v Zack Sabre Jr
When it comes to underrated feuds, none is more overlooked than Tetsuya Naito and Zack Sabre Jr. Over the years, the duo has had wars stemming from their contrasting styles and personalities. With the stakes higher in this match, it isn’t surprising they put in 110%.
Surprisingly, the match started at a very slow pace. Both men seemed to want to wear each other out. In particular, Naito was staying very close to the mat and to Zack and vice versa. It seemed as if both wrestlers knew their game plan going in and, for Zack, he wanted a much quicker ending after the war against Shingo the previous day.
Yet, the wear and tear could be seen after a grueling tournament. While Naito’s knees continued to cause problems, ZSJ showcased pain in his ribs, impacting his breathing. Despite all of this, both continued fighting for their lives. In particular, the final moments were dynamic with a series of attempted finishers, reversals, and submissions.
For the first time in the tournament, Zack Sabre Jr got the win with the Zack Driver. For many, it was deserved and is bringing ZSJ back to the top of the singles division after focusing on the tag team action with TAICHI. A sign of respect from both men wasn’t surprising, but it’s not the end of their rivalry.
3. Kazuchika Okada v Tetsuya Naito
Merely a month after their last meeting for the title, Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito met in the semi-final of the New Japan Cup. Okada was determined to win the tournament as champion and only Naito was blocking his path to the final. After losing to Naito and the last few years riddled with bad luck in tournaments, this was Naito’s chance to cement a place at next year’s Wrestle Kingdom.
Naito and Okada are both extremely strong, agile, and technical. Their match was full of different layers, combining all their specialties. One minute, they would be flying across the ring, then they would slow things down and execute submissions before throwing forearms.
The final moments of the match were extremely dynamic. Both Okada and Naito went for their finishing moves multiple times. However, their experience and familiarity with each other meant they expected each move and could counter it. In particular, as Naito headed to the top rope for his iconic Stardust Press, Okada predicted it and managed to move out of the way.
After an epic bout, Tetsuya Naito again managed to beat his opponent with a roll-up. This time, it was the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. It didn’t matter that Naito didn’t win the tournament as he avenged his loss last month and secured a shot at the title. The rivalry between Okada and Naito will never be over, and this was another amazing chapter to add to their story.
2. Kazuchika Okada v El Desperado
New Japan fans were very disappointed when they didn’t have IWGP World Champion Kazuchika Okada face the Jr Champion El Desperado at the anniversary show. Luckily, they didn’t have to wait long and the duo had a MOTY candidate during the first round of the tournament. Their wrestling styles and personalities couldn’t be more different, but their in-ring chemistry was unreal.
The opening moments were a battle of both men trying to dictate the match’s pace. While Okada tried to pick up the speed, Desperado focused on the mat-based offence he is known for. Very quickly, this went out of the window, and both men put in their blood, sweat and tears in a dynamic bout.
One of the best moments from the entire tournament came from this match. Just after the 25-minute mark, Okada went from for an epic dropkick, but Desperado wowed viewers as he countered with a mid-air Dragon Screw. Despite being a member of Suzuki Gun, Despy showed that he is a true Jr at heart. Moments like this had fans at the edge of their seats and doubting who would win.
After the closing moments, it shocked fans as Okada managed to beat the Jr champion with his patented Rainmaker. Despite the weight difference, El Desperado put on one hell of a fight, and even Okada acknowledged his dominance. Matches like this have narrowed the space between divisions and showcased how strong all the company’s wrestlers are.
1. Will Ospreay v Zack Sabre Jr
When it comes to some of the most iconic rivalries in wrestling, the one between Brits Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr is underrated. The duo has faced each other so many times worldwide and for titles. Yet, the stakes seemed even higher this time, and this meant that the match was dynamic from the very beginning.
The match was full of light and shade, with every moment filled with action. It started with the basics in the centre of the ring, with both men trying to showcase their dominance. Yet, it quickly moved outside the ring and picked up speed and danger. At one point, their size wouldn’t have been an issue. Yet, Ospreay has continued to build weight and muscle far beyond the limits of the Vegan Hydra.
This was shown throughout the match. Ospreay utilized his new strength with the agility ZSJ is used to, and in turn, ZSJ had to adapt his own style, pulling out new and unexpected maneuvers. However, it was ZSJ’s transitions that made the match. Whenever Ospreay tried to hit offence, Zack always had the answer, putting them at an equal standing.
Just before the 25-minute mark, ZSJ managed to make Ospreay tap out even though the decision was controversial. Although the ending wasn’t what Ospreay wanted, it was the perfect way to finish. ZSJ beat one of his biggest rivals, securing a shot at the Rev Pro title, and did it by making him supposedly tap out. Ospreay did not take the news well, and any future bout between the two will be even more intense.
To make sure you stay updated with all the latest wrestling news, add WrestleTalk.com to your Google Discover feed and follow us on Twitter!
Comments.
Loading comments…