The field of fourty-eight has come down to just two men – but only one will get to lift the New Japan Cup. Tetsuya Naito has defeated Yujiro Takahashi, Gedo, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jeff Cobb & Kazuchika Okada. Zack Sabre Jr. has defeated Ryohei Oiwa, DOUKI, Great-O-Khan, Will Ospreay & Shingo Takagi.
Last time they met in singles action was the 2021 G1 Climax, where Naito was left on the injured list – and forced to forfeit the rest of his matches. It happened in the same arena as tonight’s match.
This adds an extra ripple to this match, which might come off as as much of a grudge match as it’s a tournament finals – and either man will do anything to walk away with the New Japan Cup for the second time in their career.
Only One Man Can Lift The New Japan Cup
They’d lock up hard in the middle of the ring, but ZSJ forced Naito to the ropes. We’d get a clean break, before they’d sprawl in the middle of the ring to another stalemate. ZSJ would pick the ankle of Naito before going after the arm, and Naito would counter into a quick pinfall attempt.
Naito would hit an armdrag, and ZSJ hit one in response – before both men went for the armdrag. ZSJ would get dropped with the hurricanrana, before Naito would have both knees stomped into the mat. Naito would roll to the outside, but ZSJ followed out and kept the attack going on the knee.
ZSJ would get Naito the second he hit the ring, sticking to that knee. Orienteering with Napalm Death would almost be applied, but Naito was able to find the bottom rope. ZSJ would take the Manhattan Drop into the neckbreaker, and Naito had a chance to breathe.
Naito would send ZSJ into the corner, and nailed Combinación de Cabrón. The cravat would follow, but ZSJ found the bottom rope. Swing DDT was blocked, and ZSJ hit a neck snap on the mat. Naito would rush ZSJ on the apron, and ended up in a Cobra Twist in the ropes.
Zack Sabre Jr Brings The New Japan Cup Home
ZSJ would hit a fast european uppercut into the corner, before taking a set of downward elbow strikes to the neck. Naito would set up the Superrana, but ZSJ rolled into a pinfall before going for the Triangle Choke.
Naito was able to break free, before nailing the Swing DDT – spiking ZSJ right on top of his head. Esperanza would follow, another impact on the head of Naito. ZSJ would see the Destino coming and was able to counter – nearly getting the win off a Crucifix Pin.
Naito went for the Flying Forearm, but ZSJ got the European Clutch instead for another near fall! Valentina would land, before Destino was countered into the Zack Driver! Both men would lay in some heavy strikes, before Naito got the roll up off a PK. ZSJ would land the PK soon after, and a second soon after.
Naito was able to hold on, before another Zack Driver spiked him down – ending this match! Zack Sabre Jr has won the 2022 New Japan Cup!!
Can Zack Sabre Jr. defeat Kazuchika Okada to become the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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