For the 50th Anniversary of New Japan Pro Wrestling, we have already had some massive matches – and things are just getting started. We’re moving into the first tournament of the year, as March will bring the madness of the New Japan Cup. In 2022, we’re getting the biggest field in the tournament’s history – as 48 men battle to earn a shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
Not Many Surprises In The 2022 New Japan Cup
With 48 names in the mix, NJPW has just about everyone possible in the mix. The full field including young lions, junior heavyweights, and champions. Surprises include the return of Kota Ibushi following his injury in the G1 Climax finals, Jeff Cobb after his injury at Wrestle Kingdom, and GLEAT star CIMA. Will Ospreay is also back in Japan, meaning United Empire is at full strength.
48 names mean that some will get first round byes, with 16 men moving right into the second round. Minoru Suzuki, Tama Tonga, Tiger Mask, Tanga Loa, El Phantasmo, SANADA, DOUKI, Taiji Ishimori, Kosei Fujita, Satoshi Kojima, Gedo, Bad Luck Fale, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Dick Togo, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, and Master Wato will receive first round byes.
Action Kicks Off On March 2nd
Action for this tournament will start on March 2nd at the 50th Anniversary show. This also includes the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada taking on IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion El Desperado in a first round match. That match is huge on its own, but also on March 2nd comes CIMA vs. TAKA Michinoku, Tomoaki Honma vs. YOSHI-HASHI, Tetsuya Naito vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. YOH, Toru Yano vs. Taichi, Togi Makabe vs. Jeff Cobb & Yuji Nagata vs. Hirooki Goto.
While this tournament is not as incredible as fans hoped, we are still getting some unique matches and it should be a fantastic tournament. Hopefully once the COVID-19 pandemic eases up, we can see some AEW stars make their way to Japan to join both the New Japan Cup and the G1 Climax.
Who do you want to see win the 2022 New Japan Cup? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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