When Shingo Takagi met Zack Sabre Jr in the 2021 G1 Climax – he was left with a choice after 27 minutes. Tap out, or have his arm snapped. Shingo would tap out, and handed ZSJ two points and a title shot at Power Struggle. He’d win when the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship was on the line, but now things were left tied up at 1-1 in NJPW. Now, in the semi-finals of the New Japan Cup – they clash once again – and will truly find out who is better.
Shingo Takagi Brings The Fire
ZSJ would force Shingo to the ropes to start this match, but allowed the clean breaks. Shingo would win a Test of Strength in the middle of ring, before ZSJ would quickly grab a cravat. Cobra Twist was attempted, but Shingo sent him flying with a hip toss and rushing shoulder tackle.
Shingo would go for a dragon screw, but ZSJ blocked and managed to snap the neck of Shingo on the mat. After his match with Chase Owens this past weekend, and a Package Piledriver on a steel chair – the neck is not at 100%.
ZSJ would continue to target the neck with some uppercuts, before another neck snap on the apron. Into the ring, headscissors would be applied – and Shingo would get his foot on the bottom rope. Shingo would be able to nail a throw, and had a second to get back on top. ZSJ would catch the diving elbow into an armbar – but was unable to get the tap out.
Zack Sabre Jr Is One Win Away From The New Japan Cup
Shingo would block some kicks from ZSJ, before being able to drive him down head first into the mat with a DDT. Sliding Lariat would be caught into the double armbar, before ZSJ would grab the leg as well. Shingo would manage to somehow fight his way free with a single free limb, and got the ropes for the break.
Pop Up Death Valley driver would land, before Shingo would set up the superplex. Neither man was feeling good after that kind of impact, but Shingo was able to follow up with a lariat before ZSJ looked for the flash pinfall.
Made in Japan would be blocked into the European Clutch, before a PK set up a lariat from Shingo – with ZSJ quickly getting the Dragon Suplex. Shingo kicked out at one, before a PK. Made in Japan would land, before a strike exchange ended when ZSJ would take a sliding elbow to the back of the head.
Pumping Bomber would follow, before Last of the Dragon was attempted. ZSJ was able to lock in a Triangle Choke as a counter, and when lifted into a powerbomb, it was turned into a Rear Naked Choke. Shingo climbed the ropes to try and slam ZSJ off, but ZSJ would not let go. Shingo would pass out – and ZSJ is going to the finals.
Will Zack Sabre Jr win the New Japan Cup? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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