New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) brings Super J Cup 2020 live to fans of the company on December 12th through its own New Japan World streaming service and FITE TV. The seemingly now annual New Japan of America (NJoA) single-elimination tournament has drawn a bit of buzz due to the collective field of wrestlers from within and outside the IWGP Conception (NJPW, Ring of Honor [ROH], Revolution Pro Wrestling [RevPro], and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre [CMLL]). While travel made it nearly impossible for a CMLL or RevPro representative, the field remains quite strong.
TJP is a graduate of the original NJPW Los Angeles (LA) Dojo and is an interesting entry into the Super J Cup 2020 field. He’s been a regular of NJPW Strong since its inception. While he has had success in single-elimination tournaments earlier in his career, his opening round contest against ACH presents a unique challenge.
While ACH has the power advantage, TJP is known for his fluid technique which allows him to chain together counters against wrestlers larger than himself. If he can survive ACH’s strikes, he could make a run to the Super J Cup 2020 Finals as the winner of his match faces either former X Division Champion [Impact Wrestling] Chris Bey or NJPW LA Dojo Young Lion and Lion’s Cup Crown 2020 winner Clark Connors.
TJP has mentored Connors a bit, making that possible matchup interesting, yet he and TJP have their hands full in the opening round. If TJP finds a way to win the tournament, he puts himself in contention for an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship opportunity, a title he’s never held during his career.
He and ACH have teamed multiple times in recent months, meaning both will have the opportunity to call upon those experiences as they prepare to battle on December 12th.
