The New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) Cup finals saw a first-time champion as Evil defeated former five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and two-time former New Japan Cup tournament champion (2013, 2019), Kazuchika Okada at the 31 minute and 50-second mark.
However, fans were not aware the fourth match of the evening between Los Ingobernables de Japon (LIJ) members Bushi and Sanada against Bullet Club members former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Taiji Ishimori and Yujiro would prelude an impending war between the factions. Yujiro pinned Bushi at the 9 minute and 20-second mark.
Yujiro would make his presence known during the New Japan Cup finals when he hit Okada with the Miami Shine after a distraction from Gedo occupied referee Red Shoes Unno.
The interference would save the at the time LIJ members New Japan Cup hopes, after a physical and spirited effort against the reigning champion Okada. After a total of three low blows to Okada before hitting him with EVIL and getting the victory over Okada, for the opportunity to face Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental ‘Double Championship’ later today.
After the match, Evil called Naito to the ring for seemingly a confrontation between teammates, however, he quickly showed his loyalties belonged to another unit.
Evil was among the original LIJ trio when the group formed on November 21, 2015, along with leader Naito and Bushi. He would go on to be the enforcer of the unit, becoming known for his physical brawling style and his ability to stand toe to toe with the other top brawlers from factions within NJPW.
With Evil now in Bullet Club, the syndicate is arguably the deepest it ever has been in history. However, LIJ is unlikely to take his betrayal without a response — especially since he remains one-third of the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Champions with NEVER Openweight Champion Shingo Takagi and Bushi. NJPW could decide to vacate the title if they refuse to team together.
Also, during the event, Master Wato had a successful debut against Suzuki-Gun member Douki, in an impressive showing from both wrestlers, before being attacked by junior heavyweight veteran Yoshinobu Kanemaru before Hiroyoshi Tenzan came to his rescue.
