Toru Yano is flying high after reclaiming the KOPW 2022 trophy from Minoru Suzuk in a wild Dog Cage Deathmatch, so now he naturally just needs to win the New Japan Cup. That would truly prove he’s the King of Pro Wrestling. First however, he needs to get past Taichi – a man he’s beaten in their only two singles matches. Taichi is just a few wins away from proving he’s one of the best New Japan Pro Wrestling – but you can never look past someone like Yano.
The Sublime Master Thief Gets Shut Down By Taichi
Taichi would suggest that Yano should just remove all the corner pads now, as they will end up removed anyways. Yano asked why Taichi doesn’t just do it himself, and when the back was turned – a roll up followed for a two count. Taichi was shoved to the outside, and Yano grabbed a blue sack.
Miho Abe was used as a human shield by Taichi, before Yano was driven into the barricade. Taichi would put the sack over the head of Yano, before letting him wander outside and hopefully get the countout. Yano made it back in the ring at 19, before having to fight off a Last Ride Attempt.
The referee would help Yano get free from the bag, before scolding Taichi. Yano would get a visual pinfall, but Taichi had shoved the bag over the head of the referee. Taichi hit a stiff kick to the face of Yano, before Yano pulled the pants off Taichi and rolled him up for a two count. Yano was driven into the exposed corner and rolled up with Gedo Clutch for a near fall, before hitting a forearm smash for the victory.
Taichi will now move right to the third round due to Hiroyoshi Tenzan’s injury and withdrawal from the New Japan Cup. He will face Kazuchika Okada, El Desperado, or Master Wato – depending on tonight’s main event and the following second round fight.
Hiroshi Tanahashi recently lost the IWGP US Heavyweight Championship to SANADA, and now it’s time to bounce back. He has YOH in the frst round of the New Japan Cup as they meet in a first time singles match. YOH was able to make the finals of the 2021 Best of the Super Juniors tournament despite dropping his first four matches, but in the single elimination New Japan Cup – this is not an option.
Hiroshi Tanahashi Earns His Way To Second Round Of New Japan Cup
Hiroshi Tanahashi recently lost the IWGP US Heavyweight Championship to SANADA, and now it’s time to bounce back. He has YOH in the frst round of the New Japan Cup as they meet in a first time singles match. YOH was able to make the finals of the 2021 Best of the Super Juniors tournament despite dropping his first four matches, but in the single elimination New Japan Cup – this is not an option.
Grabbing the arm of Tanahashi, YOH would start off this match with a wrist lock before ending up in a hammerlock. YOH got the drop toehold, before sprawling with Tanahashi on the mat. Tanahashi got a side headlock, before YOH was able to fight back to his feet. Starting to work on the damaged knees to Tanahashi, YOH would look for a heel hook – but the ropes saved Tanahashi.
Tanahashi would go for the Dragon Screw leg whip, and YOH blocked the first attempt only to fall to the second. Cloverleaf would be applied, but YOH was able to fight free and hit a set of Dragon Screws himself. Out of Print would be applied, but Tanahashi fought free and nailed two Twist & Shout neckbreakers before going back to the Dragon Screw.
YOH would manage a German Suplex on Tanahashi, before looking for the Super Falcon Arrow – but Tanahashi fight free. Slingblade would miss, and YOH hit one of his own! He’d hit Drop The Needle – getting a near fall in the process. Direct Drive was attempted, but Tanahashi would swat YOH aside before hitting the Slingblade. Dragon Suplex would land, and this one was over!
Hiroshi Tanahashi will now go on to face Bad Luck Fale in Yamagata on March 10th. Can Tanahashi win the New Japan Cup? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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