One of the best rivalries in NJPW history is about to get another entry – as Hiroshi Tanahashi meets Tetsuya Naito in the third round of the New Japan Cup. They’re equally matched in singles matches, with a 7-7-1 record, so whoever wins tonight not only pushes to the Quarter Finals of the tournament, but also gets the lead in the rivalry as a whole.
Hiroshi Tanahashi Pays Tribute To Scott Hall Before The Bell
On his way to the ring, Tanahashi would pay tribute to Scott Hall – a man who helped launch his career back in 2001. Neither man wanted to make the first mistake in this one, and started slow. They’d lock up in the middle of the ring, and Naito was able to shove Tanahashi to the ropes. Naito offered a handshake, and Tanahashi took it – before pulling him into a side headlock.
Tanahashi would be shoved off into the corner, before getting stomped out. Naito would get hit with the crossbody out of the corner, before taking Tanahashi into the Full Nelson lock on the mat. Tanahashi would get free with the bottom rope, before being hit with Combinación de Cabrón in the corner. A neckbreaker would follow, and Tanahashi kicked out at two.
Naito would beat Tanahashi down to the mat and stomp on the neck. Everything he does is to set up Destino, and Tanahashi knew the danger was rising – before rushing Naito down with a running forearm smash. Tanahashi would throw some closed fists to the stomach of Naito, before the dropkick to the knee and the Dragon Screw.
Somersault Senton would land, and Naito would look for the enzuguri before being caught with the Dragon Screw mid-move. Naito rolled to the outside, and Tanahashi would go up top and hit Aces High to the floor.
Tetsuya Naito Steals The Win From Hiroshi Tanahashi
Barely making the referees twenty count, Naito would hit the ring and was having to fight off the Dragon Suplex. Tanahashi would move to the Straight Jacket German Suplex, and spiked Naito on his head for a near fall. Naito would see Tanahashi looking for Aces High, and shoved the referee into the ropes to force Tanahashi to lose balance.
Superrana would follow, before a rolling kick and Esperanza would land. Valentia was blocked, but a German Suplex was not. Tanahashi fought back to his feet, but took the back elbow and enziguri before the flying forearm landed. Destino was blocked into a trio of Twist & Shout neckbreakers, before Slingblade would land. Tanahashi went to the top rope, before Aces High landed. High Fly Flow would miss, and Naito would slide in with the roll up for the win!
Now, Tetsuya Naito moves to face Jeff Cobb in the Quarter Finals. At Wrestle Kingdom, Naito not only defeated Jeff Cobb – but injured him as well. Cobb will be looking for revenge, and beating Naito will be too sweet.
Can Tetsuya Naito defeat Jeff Cobb in the quarter finals of the New Japan Cup? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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