It might have been cancelled earlier in the year, but now that New Japan Pro Wrestling is back to running shows; the New Japan Cup is back on. The field is different, meaning it will no longer be the coming out party for Will Ospreay as a heavyweight, but the field is still stacked with. With a ton of their top talent gunning for a shot at Tetusya Naito, who will win the New Japan Cup?
Kazuchika Okada
You can never bet against the ace of the company. He will face Gedo in round one, and either Minoru Suzuki or Yuji Nagata in round two. This is an easy path for Okada, and with Dominion being a huge show for NJPW. Fans will want a stacked card, and the prospect of Okada vs. Tanahashi being on that card, with them winning their sides of the bracket, could be too much for NJPW to resist. Other rivals like Zack Sabre Jr, Kota Ibushi, & SANADA also make for incredible choices in the finals. Okada is a safe bet going into this huge show, and a chance to redeem his loss from Wrestle Kingdom? It all just makes too much sense.
Hiromu Takahashi
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion also sets down roots within the tournament, having Tomoaki Honma as his first round match. One of the biggest matches that was cancelled was one between Naito & Hiromu, set for the anniversary event. That was going to be a non-title affair, but if Hiromu can overcome men like Okada, Ishiii, Yano and more to get to the finals, he could potentially become a triple champion by beating his mentor. The story writes itself, and Hiromu vs. Naito is a match people have been craving.
Hiroshi Tanahashi
While Okada might be the current ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi is the man who placed the company on his back in the 2000’s, and is one of the most legendary names in company history. Having a chance to rest means that nagging injuries shouldn’t slow him down, and this could be the best Tanahashi we have seen in years. Much like Okada, he’s a reliable choice going into this match, and he has excellent chemistry with Naito.
These are just three men to watch going into this tournament. Who do you think will will get to face Naito in July? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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