NJPW 2005: Dark Days are Over?

Jon The GOAT · March 2, 2018

Runner-up MOTN- (#6) Brock Lesnar vs. (#11) Minoru Suzuki - NJC Round of 16: How insane would this be IRL like 4 years ago? Idk if giving Suzuki a loss here is good but...

MOTN - (#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#10) Satoshi Kojima - NJC Round of 16

(#5) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. (#12) Manabu Nakanishi - NJC Round of 16

(#8) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. (#9) Riki Choshu - NJC Round of 16

Akira Tozawa and Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Koji Kanemoto and Magnum TOKYO

Tiger Mask IV and Puma vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin

CobheadJake · March 2, 2018

(#6) Brock Lesnar vs. (#11) Minoru Suzuki - NJC Round of 16 - Runner-up MOTN

(#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#10) Satoshi Kojima - NJC Round of 16 - MOTN

(#5) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. (#12) Manabu Nakanishi - NJC Round of 16

(#8) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. (#9) Riki Choshu - NJC Round of 16

Akira Tozawa and Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Koji Kanemoto and Magnum TOKYO

Tiger Mask IV and Puma vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin

DGenerationMC · March 2, 2018

(#6) Brock Lesnar vs. (#11) Minoru Suzuki - NJC Round of 16

(#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#10) Satoshi Kojima - NJC Round of 16

(#5) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. (#12) Manabu Nakanishi - NJC Round of 16

(#8) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. (#9) Riki Choshu - NJC Round of 16

Akira Tozawa and Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Koji Kanemoto and Magnum TOKYO

Tiger Mask IV and Puma vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin

DREAM · March 2, 2018

(#6) Brock Lesnar vs. (#11) Minoru Suzuki - NJC Round of 16

(#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#10) Satoshi Kojima - NJC Round of 16

(#5) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. (#12) Manabu Nakanishi - NJC Round of 16

(#8) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. (#9) Riki Choshu - NJC Round of 16

Akira Tozawa and Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Koji Kanemoto and Magnum TOKYO

Tiger Mask IV and Puma vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin

Kijar · March 2, 2018

(#6) Brock Lesnar vs. (#11) Minoru Suzuki - NJC Round of 16 (2nd MOTN)

(#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#10) Satoshi Kojima - NJC Round of 16 (MOTN)

I like Nak but its about to get Cozy <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

(#5) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. (#12) Manabu Nakanishi - NJC Round of 16

(#8) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. (#9) Riki Choshu - NJC Round of 16

Akira Tozawa and Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Koji Kanemoto and Magnum TOKYO

Tiger Mask IV and Puma vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin

I miss the days of TJP as Puma, I'm beyond on board for this haha <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Rogue · March 3, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> proudly presents... The New Japan Cup Round of 16 (Night #2) Held in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 8,000 in the Ishikawa Industrial Hall in Kanzawa, Ishikawa (Chubu) and broadcast live on TV Asahi</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Tiger Mask IV and Puma vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin 20-minute time limit <img alt="CUSGTDA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CUSGTDA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JBJJT1q.png?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JBJJT1q.png?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="fnAIwjn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fnAIwjn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="I6pBwiW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I6pBwiW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The team of Samurai and Kashin had difficulty keeping up with their opponents at times as both Tiger Mask and the young Puma were able to use their aerial abilities to keep them at bay. Puma would impress with his flashy arsenal, but it would be Tiger Mask that would carry the load for his team. Samurai and Kashin would do an excellent job at isolating the younger Puma from his more experienced teammate. Kashin would ground Tiger Mask on the outside with a suplex as El Samurai would finish the match off with a Samurai Clutch on Puma in the middle of the ring. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: El Samurai and Kendo Kashin by submission in 9:47. RATING: 48</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="8OmhnWN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OmhnWN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="N3VNmKL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N3VNmKL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Prior to the night's second contest getting underway, Masahiro Chono comes out and introduces Magnum TOKYO to the New Japan crowd. Chono introduces Magnum as the latest signing for Black New Japan, declaring him the stable's leader in the Junior Heavyweight division. Chono says that as Black New Japan will bring home the New Japan Cup and the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at next month's pay-per-view, Magnum TOKYO will soon be the one to dethrone Minoru Tanaka and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 74</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Akira Tozawa and Naofumi Yamamoto vs. Koji Kanemoto and Magnum TOKYO 20-minute time limit <img alt="PEpgcfg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PEpgcfg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AtPKCf3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AtPKCf3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="roYoh6x.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/roYoh6x.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="N3VNmKL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N3VNmKL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Yamamoto started out against Kanemoto with Minoru Tanaka's title challenger at the New Japan Cup Final going on the attack early. Kanemoto controlled the match on the ground for awhile until Yamamoto was able to free himself from a seated headlock and got a quick tag to Tozawa. A fired up Tozawa softened up Kanemoto enough for him to feel the need to tag out to the newcomer Magnum TOKYO, which he dead. Mangum vs. Tozawa turned out to be quite the athletic affair with Magnum at times seemingly having trouble keeping up with the nimble Tozawa. An attempt at a top-rope maneuver by Tozawa would be his temporary downfall though as Magnum would drop his diving opponent with a dropkick. The team of Magnum and Kanemoto would start to pick up the momentum from there as both men would pick apart their younger opponents. The experience deficiency would be Yamamoto's downfall as he would eat an Egoist Driver for the loss just after the 10-minute mark. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Magnum TOKYO and Koji Kanemoto by pinfall in 10:28. RATING: 58</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'New Japan Cup Round of 16' (#8) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. (#9) Riki Choshu 30-minute time limit <img alt="y9GyfGo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y9GyfGo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dXfdN2O.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dXfdN2O.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The seeding for the tournament provided a great matchup for old school New Japan fans with Fujinami and Choshu re-igniting an old rivalry for the New Japan Cup's opening round. Having been through numerous encounters before, both men were able to provide effective counters for the others offense. Whoever would be able to spring a surprise on the other would hold the early edge. Early on, that put Choshu on the advantage as he tripped up Fujinami with a leg takedown and then allowed him to work on him on the ground. The resilient Fujinami wouldn't be kept down for long, however, as he'd work his way back to his feet then take down Choshu. While obviously not up to the same qualities their classic encounters from the 1980s, both men were able to put in entertaining efforts that kept the fans invested in the match. Late in the match, Choshu would manage to slip out of a Dragon Sleeper and then duck a Lariat attempt from Fujinami. The counter allowed Choshu to hit a high-angle belly-to-back suplex that seemingly KO'd Fujinami. Fujinami would just manage to kick out and would manage to escape a second belly-to-back attempt by Choshu. A ducked Riki Lariat attempt from Choshu later would open him up for another Dragon Sleeper by Fujinami. This time, however, Choshu would have no escape as he would ultimately not respond to the referee's inquiries. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Tatsumi Fujinami by submission in 17:17. Tatsumi Fujinami advances to the New Japan Cup's Quarterfinals RATING: 63</div> Following their latest match, in what perhaps could be their last against each other, Fujinami and Choshu each exchange a handshake in the center of the ring and then celebrate for the fans in attendance. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 85</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'New Japan Cup Round of 16' (#5) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. (#12) Manabu Nakanishi 30-minute time limit <img alt="mDBCCGw.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mDBCCGw.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="kF9iMIr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kF9iMIr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A battle between two bruisers, Fujita and Nakanishi kicked the match off by going one-for-one in terms of heavy blows - a battle that Fujita ended up winning out on. Wasting no time by driving knees to Nakanishi's chest, Fujita quickly drove Nakanishi to the mat and then continued to wear down the Black New Japan member. Nakanishi would soon fight back with knees of his own and would then work on Fujita on the ground following a lariat. After a struggle on the ground, both men went back to their feet and again went back into a competitive blow-for-blow battle of forearms and chops. This time, it was Nakanishi that would win out as the Black New Japan member started moving on to various drops and suplexes. An attempt to get Fujita up on his shoulders for an Argentine Backbreaker Rack was slipped out of and countered with an impressive reverse suplex. As Nakanishi sat up, he was hit with a stiff kick to the head from Fujita, a move that shockingly only provided him with a two-count. Once he got Nakanishi back up, Fujita kneed him in the head once more and then locked in a Sleeper Hold. Nakanishi would put up a fight for a short amount of time, but ultimately would pass out to the hold. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Kazuyuki Fujita by submission in 12:42. Kazuyuki Fujita advances to the New Japan Cup's Quarterfinals RATING: 70</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'New Japan Cup Round of 16' (#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#10) Satoshi Kojima 30-minute time limit <img alt="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="TIBHIWk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TIBHIWk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Nakamura's youth was able to allow him to wrestle rings around Kojima towards the very beginning of the match, but his cockiness would prove to be his downfall as it would always throw Kojima a lifeline in the fight's early moments. A countered kick from Nakamura was quickly turned into a boston crab by Kojima as the veteran made it clear from the get go that he was targeting Nakamura's back throughout. Once the IWGP U-30 Openweight Champion would regain his focus, he would get back in control of the match. However, his moments of focus would lapse on occasion, allowing Kojima to go back on the offense. Kojima brought the crowd on his side with machine gun-esque chops in the corner that left Nakamura reeling. Attempts by Nakamura to escape from the corner were thwarted by Kojima, who would keep tearing away at the youngster's chest in the corner. Once free from the turnbuckle, Nakamura would try keeping Kojima at bay with various kicks, but Kojima would block each strike attempt and would fire off a snap suplex on the U-30 champ. Kojima would then move towards working on Nakamura's legs and would leave him in such a state that he would go up to the top rope and connect with a diving elbow drop. A cover attempt came incredibly close for a three-count as Nakamura would just manage to kick out of the aerial pin. Nakamura would attempt to recover throughout the next few minutes and would drop Kojima with a hanging neckbreaker following a missed Lariat attempt from Kojima. An exploder suplex would open Kojima up for a running knee attempt, but the veteran would move out of the way and then throw Nakamura across the ring with a german. A second attempt at a diving elbow drop came up with nothing for Kojima as Nakamura would then lock in a Cross Armbar. Kojima would manage to get to the ropes as he would throw desperate headbutts at Nakamura to get him off of his balance. A stumbling Nakamura would drop Kojima with a jawbreaker as he'd then go up to the top rope and happened to land a frogsplash for a near fall. A recovering Nakamura would then hoist Kojima up for a Landslide, but Kojima would slip out back and then go for a Kojima Cutter but would come up empty himself. Nakamura would spin Kojima around and would manage to lock in a Shining Triangle on the veteran. Kojima would find himself fading as the referee would soon have no choice but to call for the bell. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Shinsuke Nakamura by submission in 20:59. Shinsuke Nakamura advances to the New Japan Cup's Quarterfinals RATING: 75</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'New Japan Cup Round of 16' (#6) Brock Lesnar vs. (#11) Minoru Suzuki 30-minute time limit <img alt="5lUNdg7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5lUNdg7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="UTNndbp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UTNndbp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Lesnar's size and speed surprisingly didn't tip the match immediately to his favor as the brutish Suzuki would manage to stay on pace with the young American. Suzuki would trip up Lesnar eventually and would try to cut off his airflow with a variety of grounded technical moves. Lesnar would eventually happen to grab the back of Suzuki's head and snapmare him over, in turn starting to apply headlocks on the veteran. After breaking a headlock, Lesnar went for a knee to the back of Suzuki's head, but, as if he had a sixth sense, Suzuki would duck the attempt and trip Lesnar into an ankle lock. Suzuki would methodically take his time picking apart Lesnar's right knee as an inverted figure-four leg lock would leave Lesnar yelling in agony in the center of the ring. Lesnar would deliver several boots to Suzuki's head as he would free himself. A diving shoulder tackle kept Lesnar down as the larger man started beating down Suzuki with stomps, knees and mounted punches. Once he got Suzuki standing again, Lesnar would start throwing him like a rag doll across the ring with multiple suplexs. Suzuki then reset out on the outside and would surprise a chasing Lesnar with a throw to the barricade. Several kicks to the right knee would slow Lesnar's pace as Suzuki then rolled his opponent back into the ring. Suzuki locked in a prone Sleeper Hold on Lesnar as the crowd's volume rose with the potential act of Lesnar passing out potentially on the horizon. Lesnar managed to get out of the finisher with several elbows to Suzuki's head. Lesnar spun around and continued to launch mounted punches towards Suzuki, but the veteran would then pull Lesnar in for a triangle choke. Several punches from Suzuki while Lesnar was trapped in the hold drew blood as Lesnar's lip was split open. The power of Lesnar was on full display as he picked up the attacker's body and slammed him back down into the mat multiple times. The opportunity allowed Lesnar to shoot in for a Brock Lock, which he locked in with plenty of pressure on Suzuki. A short struggle on the ground had Suzuki get to the ropes, causing the hold to be broken up. Once both were standing again, Lesnar dazed Suzuki with a german suplex against the turnbuckle which rebounded Suzuki onto Lesnar's shoulders. Suzuki frantically threw more punches and elbows towards Lesnar's busted lip, but it was to no avail as Lesnar dropped his opponent with a F-5. Cover, 1...2...3! <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Brock Lesnar by pinfall in 25:59. Brock Lesnar advances to the New Japan Cup's Quarterfinals RATING: 82</div> Lesnar was quick to vacate the ring following the raising of his arm, but Suzuki wasn't as quick to do so, instead hanging around the ring and then grabbing a microphone. After a pause, Suzuki says that if he is to truly be the best that New Japan Pro-Wrestling has ever seen, he is going to need more training. He says that he was looking forward to his opening round matchup against Lesnar because he wanted to prove to himself that he could beat the most physically-dominating wrestlers the sport had to offer. With that, Suzuki says he's going to need to take some time to work on further perfecting his craft. But, he also issued a warning to Lesnar, in English at that... "I'll be back... you son of a b__ch." <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 81</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">SHOW RATING: 79 TV: 5.11 (3,839,740 viewers)</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Jon The GOAT: 5/6 CobheadJake: 2/6 DGenerationMC: 3/6 DREAM~!: 3/6 Kijar: 3/6</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jon The GOAT" data-cite="Jon The GOAT" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>How insane would this be IRL like 4 years ago? Idk if giving Suzuki a loss here is good but...</div></blockquote> The thing I didn't realize until just before I wrote out the bracket was that Suzuki's contract was expiring midway through April. Given that his status in this mod is that of a freelancer, he's not coming back immediately. 95% certain he'll be back though prior to the G1... and I think we'll see this matchup again. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Kijar" data-cite="Kijar" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I miss the days of TJP as Puma, I'm beyond on board for this haha <img alt=":cool:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote> It's funny, I was going over the roster before booking the Tokyo Dome show and I was thinking to myself "Wait, wasn't TJ Perkins masked at this time?" I realize TJ's potential, so I figure I'll keep him with Tiger Mask for awhile and get him some experience/popularity. Best of the Super Juniors this year? We'll see where he's at by the end of May, because his overness levels at the start of this save were in the dirt.

Rogue · March 3, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> proudly presents... The New Japan Cup Quarterfinals To be held from the Tokyo Gymnasium in Shibuya, Tokyo (Kanto) and be shown live on TV Asahi</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'New Japan Cup Quarterfinal (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. (#6) Brock Lesnar 30-minute time limit <img alt="RtHQ1Pf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RtHQ1Pf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="5lUNdg7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5lUNdg7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 'New Japan Cup Quarterfinal' (#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#2) Kensuke Sasaki 30-minute time limit <img alt="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="hrbaIG1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hrbaIG1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 'New Japan Cup Quarterfinal' (#8) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. (#1) Masahiro Chono 30-minute time limit <img alt="y9GyfGo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y9GyfGo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="8OmhnWN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OmhnWN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 'New Japan Cup Quarterfinal' (#5) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. (#13) Shinya Makabe 30-minute time limit <img alt="mDBCCGw.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mDBCCGw.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="stAwnex.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/stAwnex.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Tatsutoshi Goto and Toru Yano vs. Takashi Iizuka and Blue Wolf 20-minute time limit <img alt="NIEjqF2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NIEjqF2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="QXdSdpD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QXdSdpD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yEuj7Dm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yEuj7Dm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="N6e7HEy.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N6e7HEy.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> TenKoji and Tadao Yasuda vs. Black New Japan (Norton, Nakanishi and Nagai) 20-minute time limit <img alt="jbGVFq8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jbGVFq8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="TIBHIWk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TIBHIWk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="8YZiVih.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8YZiVih.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XG79LBC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XG79LBC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="kF9iMIr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kF9iMIr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="2tBLSXH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2tBLSXH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></div></blockquote> Prediction Key for The New Japan Cup Quarterfinals (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. (#6) Brock Lesnar - NJC Quarterfinal (#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#2) Kensuke Sasaki - NJC Quarterfinal (#8) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. (#1) Masahiro Chono - NJC Quarterfinal (#5) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. (#13) Shinya Makabe - NJC Quarterfinal Tatsutoshi Goto and Toru Yano vs. Takashi Iizuka and Blue Wolf TenKoji and Tadao Yasuda vs. Black New Japan (Norton, Nakanishi and Nagai) TIEBREAKER: MOTN and runner-up for MOTN.

CobheadJake · March 3, 2018

I do awful on the predictions, as I've come to expect, but this was great. Shame to see that Suzuki will be leaving because of the freelancer thing, but eventually you could alter it so he sticks around, just like he does in real life.

(#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. (#6) Brock Lesnar - NJC Quarterfinal - Runner-up MOTN

(#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#2) Kensuke Sasaki - NJC Quarterfinal - MOTN

(#8) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. (#1) Masahiro Chono - NJC Quarterfinal

(#5) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. (#13) Shinya Makabe - NJC Quarterfinal

Tatsutoshi Goto and Toru Yano vs. Takashi Iizuka and Blue Wolf

TenKoji and Tadao Yasuda vs. Black New Japan (Norton, Nakanishi and Nagai)

Jon The GOAT · March 3, 2018

MOTN - (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. (#6) Brock Lesnar - NJC Quarterfinal: This wouldve been a great final. I'm cheering for the future Ace.

(#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#2) Kensuke Sasaki - NJC Quarterfinal: I'm expecting Nak to go far since he overcame Kojima.

Runner up MOTN - (#8) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. (#1) Masahiro Chono - NJC Quarterfinal

(#5) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. (#13) Shinya Makabe - NJC Quarterfinal

Tatsutoshi Goto and Toru Yano vs. Takashi Iizuka and Blue Wolf

TenKoji and Tadao Yasuda vs. Black New Japan (Norton, Nakanishi and Nagai)

TIEBREAKER: MOTN and runner-up for MOTN.

DGenerationMC · March 4, 2018

(#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. (#6) Brock Lesnar - NJC Quarterfinal

(#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#2) Kensuke Sasaki - NJC Quarterfinal

(#8) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. (#1) Masahiro Chono - NJC Quarterfinal

(#5) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. (#13) Shinya Makabe - NJC Quarterfinal

Tatsutoshi Goto and Toru Yano vs. Takashi Iizuka and Blue Wolf

TenKoji and Tadao Yasuda vs. Black New Japan (Norton, Nakanishi and Nagai)

TIEBREAKER: MOTN - (#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#2) Kensuke Sasaki - NJC Quarterfinal

Runner-up for MOTN - (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. (#6) Brock Lesnar - NJC Quarterfinal

Rogue · March 6, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> proudly presents... The New Japan Cup Quarterfinals Held in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 10,000 in the Tokyo Gymnasium in Shibuya, Tokyo (Kanto) and shown live on TV Asahi</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">TenKoji and Tadao Yasuda vs. Black New Japan (Norton, Nakanishi and Nagai) 20-minute time limit <img alt="jbGVFq8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jbGVFq8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="TIBHIWk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TIBHIWk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="8YZiVih.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8YZiVih.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XG79LBC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XG79LBC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="kF9iMIr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kF9iMIr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="2tBLSXH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2tBLSXH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A brawl between the entirety of both teams got the night's action underway as eventually Nakanishi and Yasuda established themselves as the legal men. The bruiser Nakanishi would manhandle Yasuda in the early portions of the match, but his team's fortunes would dive a bit once Kojima was tagged in. Kojima was intent on showing that he was still a force to be reckoned with after a slide in momentum as of late, utilizing his vast offense against Nakanishi and later against Nagai. Fighting Spirit opponents Tenzan and Norton would soon find themselves as the legal men with a lengthy staredown occurring between the two of them. Norton would strike first but soon found himself trading blows with the IWGP Heavyweight champion. Norton took the advantage and dropped the champion with several shoulder tackles before moving on to various suplexes. Tenzan ducked a Lariat attempt by his February challenger as he fought back with his signature overhead chops. A DDT set the champion up for a diving headbutt, but Nakanishi would run interference on the apron... until Kojima took him out at least. The distraction provided Norton the opportunity to tag out to Nagai in what led to a two-on-one opportunity for Black New Japan. Yasuda would take out Norton to the outside as Tenzan withstood some of Nagai's offense before wearing him down with his overhead chops. A cutter would daze Nagai long enough for the champion to lift him up and drop him with a Tenzan Tombstone Piledriver. Three count later and Tenzan picked up the victory for his team. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: TenKoji and Tadao Yasuda by pinfall in 11:14. RATING: 69</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Tatsutoshi Goto and Toru Yano vs. Takashi Iizuka and Blue Wolf 20-minute time limit <img alt="NIEjqF2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NIEjqF2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="QXdSdpD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/QXdSdpD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yEuj7Dm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yEuj7Dm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="N6e7HEy.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N6e7HEy.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The team of Iizuka and Wolf were effective in picking apart both of their opponents with each man getting the same amount of offense. Blue Wolf looked particularly good out there with his heavy-handed offense, going up primarily against Yano while leaving Goto for his teammate. Yano would have brief flashes of brilliance with his offense with a combination of suplexes, but Wolf would break out with a hard shoulder block with a follow up with an exploder suplex. Wolf tagged out to Iizuka as he turned his attention to Goto on the apron. Taking Goto out with a running big boot that dropped the veteran off of the apron, Iizuka locked in a Sleeper Hold on Yano and soon picked up the quick and easy win for his team. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Takashi Iizuka and Blue Wolf by submission in 8:06. RATING: 50</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'New Japan Cup Quarterfinal' (#5) Kazuyuki Fujita vs. (#13) Shinya Makabe 30-minute time limit <img alt="mDBCCGw.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mDBCCGw.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="stAwnex.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/stAwnex.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A shoving match got the match underway with both then going through your standard opening for a match into a stand off. After another back-and-forth trading of blows, Fujita went on the attack with a headlock takedown. Working on the ground for a bit, Makabe brought the match back to neutral after getting a foot on the ropes, breaking the headlock from earlier. Makabe began to fight back with backhand chops before dropping an irish-whipped Fujita with a shoulder tackle. From there, it was Makabe's turn to start working on Fujita while on the ground. Fujita powered out of a modified sleeper from his opponent and went back on the attack after getting back to his feet and tossing Makabe back to the ground. Each competitor would get a minute in of offense each with each man taking the fight to the ground. Eventually, both started working their way back to their feet at which point both men started to move on to trading slams and drops with each other. Fujita's attempts soon led to him pulling ahead and getting in more offense over his blond-haired opponent. An attempt at a high knee to the face was dodged by Makabe as he rebounded off the ropes and dropped Fujita with a vicious spear. With the wind knocked out of his opponent, Makabe ascended to the top rope and dived off for a King Kong Knee Drop, but Fujita managed to roll out of the way. With Makabe taking his time getting up after missing his finisher, Fujita charged out of the corner with a knee to the back of Makabe's head. Fujita then slapped on a Sleeper Hold on Makabe but he couldn't get him to submit. Fujita then transitioned into a rear naked choke, a move that would eventually do in Makabe's New Japan Cup chances. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Kazuyuki Fujita by submission in 17:52. Kazuyuki Fujita advances to the New Japan Cup's Semifinals RATING: 69</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'New Japan Cup Quarterfinal' (#8) Tatsumi Fujinami vs. (#1) Masahiro Chono 30-minute time limit <img alt="y9GyfGo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y9GyfGo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="8OmhnWN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OmhnWN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Chono grabbed control of the match early on and took the match down to the mat against the older Fujinami. Fujinami, being the resilient veteran that he is, fought his way back to his feet and would fight Chono off with a series of backhand chops. A tough right hand from Chono put the match back in his favor as he went back to work on the ground against his opponent. Each attempt by Fujinami to get back to his feet would be thwarted by Chono, who kept his opponent grounded. Several knees to the back were utilized to try to wear down Fujinami's torso as Chono then raised him up to drop him with an inverted DDT. Chono would then head up to the top rope and waited for Fujinami to slowly rise to his feet... when he stood, Chono dived for a shoulder block but Fujinami would catch him in mid-air and drop him with a DDT! Fujinami moved to Chono's legs as he then locked in a figure-four leg lock on the New Japan Cup's #1 seed. Chono writhed around in pain in search of a rope and soon managed to grab it to break the hold. Despite breaking the hold, Fujinami continued to target Chono's legs with multiple stomps to his downed opponent. Once both competitors were back to level, each man competed in a test of strength with attempted shoulder tackles until Fujinami tripped up Chono and went for another figure four. This time, however, Chono slipped out and put Fujinami in a figure four of his own. The #1 seed soon broke the hold as he raised Fujinami back to his feet. Fujinami threw several punches and slipped behind Chono for a Dragon Suplex, but Chono slipped out of the full nelson and shoved Fujinami against the ropes. Rebounding off the opposite side of the ring, Chono blasted his opponent with a Shining Yakuza Kick and made the pin to advance to the semis. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Masahiro Chono by pinfall in 11:57. Masahiro Chono advances to the New Japan Cup's Semifinals RATING: 80</div> During his post-match press conference, Chono runs down his semifinal matchup against Kazuyuki Fujita. Chono states that he is the most talented wrestler on the entire New Japan roster and doesn't care how many men Fujita has beaten in an MMA ring - this is New Japan Pro-Wrestling, not New Japan Mixed Martial Arts. A reporter asked of Chono who he'd be interested in potentially facing in the final - Sasaki, Lesnar, Nakamura or Tanahashi - and he bluntly responded with the fact that he doesn't give a damn, he'll kick their ass no matter who they are. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 86</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'New Japan Cup Quarterfinal' (#7) Shinsuke Nakamura vs. (#2) Kensuke Sasaki 30-minute time limit <img alt="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="hrbaIG1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hrbaIG1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> While the opening lockup provided Sasaki an opportunity to prove his strength over the young Nakamura, the U-30 Openweight champion utilized some quick kicks to Sasaki's legs to bring him down to a knee. An attempt at a shining wizard from Nakamura was ducked, however, as Sasaki caught a rebounding Nakamura and planted him to the mat with a belly-to-belly suplex. Nakamura rolled to the outside to recover but Sasaki was quick to get to him to roll him back in the ring, Nakamura managed to counter as he instead threw Sasaki into the ring post. Rolling his opponent into the ring, Nakamura went to the top of the turnbuckle and waited for Sasaki to stand. Once he got to his feet, Nakamura leapt off the top rope but would find himself eating a knee from the veteran Sasaki. As the match progressed, Sasaki began to wear down Nakamura on the mat, but the wily U-30 Openweight champion slipped out of a sleeper attempt and put Sasaki into the corner with a drop toe hold. A running knee to a downed Sasaki in the corner opened up an opportunity for Nakamura as he went up top and landed a frogsplash. Cover, 1...2...No! Nakamura would look to finish the match off as he got Sasaki up on his shoulders for a Landslide, but Sasaki climbed down Nakamura's back and went for a King Buster suplex of his own that Nakamura slipped out of. Being positioned behind Sasaki, Nakamura went for a backcracker but Sasaki backed him into the turnbuckle. As Nakamura stumbled back out of the corner, Sasaki hit a Lariat with sickening intensity and then picked up his opponent for a Northern Lights Bomb that connected. Cover, 1...2...3! <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Kensuke Sasaki by pinfall in 17:18. Kensuke Sasaki advances to the New Japan Cup's Semifinals RATING: 75 <img alt="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> After Sasaki vacated the ring, Nakamura was helped to his feet as Tomohiro Ishii's theme then began playing over the PA. The inaugural U-30 Challenge winner made his way out to the ring and grabbed a microphone. Ishii's communication was simple: since Nakamura won't be competing in the New Japan Cup Final, Ishii will use his guaranteed IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship title shot against him at the Final. Nakamura merely stares back at Ishii and then nods to signify that the match is on! <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 70</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'New Japan Cup Quarterfinal (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. (#6) Brock Lesnar 30-minute time limit <img alt="RtHQ1Pf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RtHQ1Pf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="5lUNdg7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5lUNdg7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Lesnar pounced on Tanahashi immediately at the ringing of the opening bell - the American seemingly on a mission following Minoru Suzuki's effort against him in the opening round. Tanahashi would try to stay on his feet, but Lesnar would also drive him back down with a clubbing forearm to the back. Once he made sure Tanahashi was staying on the ground, Lesnar pounced on his opponent and tried to get a rear naked choke, but Tanahashi was able to achieve a rope break. Tanahashi was able to fend off Lesnar's attacks by kicking away at the knees of his opponent with an enzuigiri dropping the larger man down to the mat. Tanahashi locked in a grounded sleeper hold with a chicken wing on Lesnar in the center of the ring as the American scrambled around for the ropes - eventually achieving a rope break of his own. Both competitors got back to their feet as Lesnar drove Tanahashi back to the mat with a vicious backhand chop. Lesnar was able to lock in an early Brock Lock on his opponent as Tanahashi struggled to get to the rope. Tanahashi was able to summon enough strength to raise himself up and roll through while kicking away Lesnar. Frustration began to appear on Lesnar's face as he charged at Tanahashi again, dropping his opponent with a spear. At times, the match started to appear more like a straight up brawl rather than a wrestling competition given Lesnar's aggression. Lesnar went for another Brock Lock to go for the finish, but Tanahashi had wised up to Lesnar's attack as he tripped up his opponent yet again then locked in a figure-four leg lock. Lesnar soon managed to sit up in the submission and would roll over - reversing the pressure against his opponent. Lesnar soon broke the figure-four and locked in an ankle lock to try to immobilize the smaller, more agile Tanahashi. Another rope break was achieved by Tanahashi as he got to his feet - facially selling Lesnar's constant attacks on his legs. Another charge by Lesnar was met with Tanahashi using his momentum to throw him out of the ring. Once Lesnar stood up out on the apron, Tanahashi flung himself over the top rope to take down his opponent. Both men took awhile to recover on the outside before sliding back into the ring. Kicks to the knee by Lesnar dropped Tanahashi to one knee again as Lesnar drove Tanahashi into the mat with a vicious spinebuster. Lesnar smirked to the crowd as he then picked up Tanahashi for an F-5, but Tanahashi reversed it into a DDT! Tanahashi used the opportunity to lock in a Texas Cloverleaf on his opponent which left Lesnar trapped in the center of the ring. Lesnar's sheer strength was put on display though as he used his leg strength to power out and throw Tanahashi against the ropes. Lesnar quickly recovered to his feet and threw Tanahashi against the turnbuckle with a belly-to-belly overhead toss. Lesnar immediately pounced and locked in another Brock Lock on Tanahashi. A scramble on the ground by Tanahashi had the former U-30 Openweight champion grab the ropes, but Lesnar wouldn't drop the hold! The ref counted down the hold as Lesnar continued to keep his finisher locked in. The venue began to shower Lesnar with boos as the referee had no choice but to call for the bell. Even after the match had concluded, Lesnar continued to work on completely destroying Tanahashi's leg and back by keeping the Brock Lock locked in. After a little while longer, Lesnar immediately dropped Tanahashi's leg and then charged his way back up the entrance ramp. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Hiroshi Tanahashi by disqualification in 24:46. Hiroshi Tanahashi advances to the New Japan Cup Semifinals RATING: 49</div> (Okay, explanation time. Given the way the product is set in game with NJPW treated as a legitimate competitive sport, fans don't like dirty sports entertainment-esque finishes like what we got in this one. This more makes sense from a story telling perspective for dynasty purposes rather than to the virtual fans in the save. Given that, in hindsight, I feel it was a mistake in offering the MOTN tiebreaker given how this one ended. It's kind of just second nature throwing that in at the end of the prediction key.)</div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">SHOW RATING: 60 TV: 4.53 (3,401,690 viewers)</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>CobheadJake: 4/6 Jon The GOAT: 4/6 DGenerationMC: 1/6</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">BREAKING NEWS</div> <div style="text-align:center;">IWGP Tag Champion Injured || New NJPW Signing</div> - Reports out of Shibuya reveal that IWGP Tag Team Champion Tatsumi Fujinami was injured in his New Japan Cup Quarterfinal match against Masahiro Chono. Reportedly, Fujinami suffered a bruise on a body part that we're not going to write about, because, y'know, reasons. There is no reported heat on Chono backstage as the injury was not occurred by way of a botch. The injury won't keep Fujinami out of action and he is expected to recover quickly. Fujinami is expected to defend the IWGP Tag Team Championships with Yuji Nagata at the New Japan Cup Final. - New Japan Pro-Wrestling grew their Junior Heavyweight roster over the course of the weekend by signing 30-year-old GENTARO to a pay-per-appearance contract. GENTARO comes to the promotion from DDT and isn't expected to be promoted as one of the top faces of the division immediately.</div></blockquote>

Rogue · March 6, 2018

proudly presents...

The New Japan Cup Semifinals

To be held in the Fukuoka International Center in Fukuoka (Kyushu) and be shown live on TV Asahi

'New Japan Cup Semifinal'
(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#5) Kazuyuki Fujita
30-minute time limit

'New Japan Cup Semifinal'
(#2) Kensuke Sasaki vs. (3) Hiroshi Tanahashi
30-minute time limit

Tomohiro Ishii and Osamu Nishimura vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto
20-minute time limit

El Samurai, Kendo Kashin and Puma vs. Gedo, Jado and Magnum TOKYO
20-minute time limit

Akira Tozawa and Kota Ibushi vs. Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO
20-minute time limit

Akiya Anzawa and Hiroshi Nagao vs. Takashi Iizuka and Blue Wolf
20-minute time limit

Prediction Key for The New Japan Cup Semifinals

(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#5) Kazuyuki Fujita - NJC Semifinal

(#2) Kensuke Sasaki vs. (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi - NJC Semifinal

Tomohiro Ishii and Osamu Nishimura vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto

El Samurai, Kendo Kashin and Puma vs. Gedo, Jado and Magnum TOKYO

Akira Tozawa and Kota Ibushi vs. Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO

Akiya Anzawa and Hiroshi Nagao vs. Takashi Iizuka and Blue Wolf

TIEBREAKER: MOTN and runner-up MOTN.

CobheadJake · March 6, 2018

(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#5) Kazuyuki Fujita - NJC Semifinal - Runner-up MOTN

(#2) Kensuke Sasaki vs. (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi - NJC Semifinal - MOTN

Tomohiro Ishii and Osamu Nishimura vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto

El Samurai, Kendo Kashin and Puma vs. Gedo, Jado and Magnum TOKYO

Akira Tozawa and Kota Ibushi vs. Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO

Akiya Anzawa and Hiroshi Nagao vs. Takashi Iizuka and Blue Wolf

Jon The GOAT · March 6, 2018

Heartbreaking to see the Tanahashi vs. Lesnar match ruined in that fashion ;(

MOTN -(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#5) Kazuyuki Fujita - NJC Semifinal

Runner up MOTN - (#2) Kensuke Sasaki vs. (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi - NJC Semifinal: Tanahashi possibly too injured to compete at 100%?

Tomohiro Ishii and Osamu Nishimura vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto

El Samurai, Kendo Kashin and Puma vs. Gedo, Jado and Magnum TOKYO

Akira Tozawa and Kota Ibushi vs. Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO

Akiya Anzawa and Hiroshi Nagao vs. Takashi Iizuka and Blue Wolf

DGenerationMC · March 7, 2018

(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#5) Kazuyuki Fujita - NJC Semifinal (runner-up MOTN)

(#2) Kensuke Sasaki vs. (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi - NJC Semifinal (MOTN)

Tomohiro Ishii and Osamu Nishimura vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto

El Samurai, Kendo Kashin and Puma vs. Gedo, Jado and Magnum TOKYO

Akira Tozawa and Kota Ibushi vs. Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO

Akiya Anzawa and Hiroshi Nagao vs. Takashi Iizuka and Blue Wolf

Kijar · March 7, 2018

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Rogue" data-cite="Rogue" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>It's funny, I was going over the roster before booking the Tokyo Dome show and I was thinking to myself "Wait, wasn't TJ Perkins masked at this time?" I realize TJ's potential, so I figure I'll keep him with Tiger Mask for awhile and get him some experience/popularity. Best of the Super Juniors this year? We'll see where he's at by the end of May, because his overness levels at the start of this save were in the dirt.</div></blockquote> I like the thought process. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> We'll see how he does, at the very least, he is a good jobber. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> (#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#5) Kazuyuki Fujita - NJC Semifinal Runner Up MOTN (#2) Kensuke Sasaki vs. (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi - NJC Semifinal MOTN Tomohiro Ishii and Osamu Nishimura vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto El Samurai, Kendo Kashin and Puma vs. Gedo, Jado and Magnum TOKYO Akira Tozawa and Kota Ibushi vs. Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO Akiya Anzawa and Hiroshi Nagao vs. Takashi Iizuka and Blue Wolf

Rogue · March 10, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> proudly presents... The New Japan Cup Semifinals Held in front of a SOLD OUT crowd of 10,000 in the Fukuoka International Center in Fukuoka (Kyushu) and shown live on TV Asahi</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Akiya Anzawa and Hiroshi Nagao vs. Takashi Iizuka and Blue Wolf 20-minute time limit <img alt="R7NEtnS.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/R7NEtnS.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6fiip9C.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6fiip9C.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="yEuj7Dm.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yEuj7Dm.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="N6e7HEy.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N6e7HEy.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The young team of Anzawa and Nagao shown some life early on, but the veteran experience of Iizuka would soon begin to wear the both of them down. Iizuka appeared to be more focused on wearing down the larger Nagao and focused on keeping him as the legal man and wearing him down. Nagao fought his way out of a sleeper hold as he got the tag off to Anzawa as Iizuka tagged to Blue Wolf. Anzawa kept his fellow U-30 Challenge competitor on the ropes with some quick-paced offense, but Blue Wolf's pure strength eventually put him back on top once more. A surprise reverse exploder suplex by the smaller Anzawa allowed for him to get a tag to his larger tag team partner. The match went back to a back-and-forth affair for awhile until Wolf dropped Nagao with a quick spinebuster and then blasted him with a Lariat. Cover and win to Wolf and Iizuka. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Blue Wolf and Takashi Iizuka by pinfall in 7:04. RATING: 53</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Akira Tozawa and Kota Ibushi vs. Naofumi Yamamoto and GENTARO 20-minute time limit <img alt="PEpgcfg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PEpgcfg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="B2ur0mw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/B2ur0mw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AtPKCf3.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AtPKCf3.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="rvKe7iL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rvKe7iL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A match in which all four competitors got their time to shine - particularly newcomer GENTARO - each man would impress with their high-flying skills from the get-go. Tozawa and Ibushi began to pull away in terms of control of the match as they proved to be quite the efficient tag unit. Their victory would be sealed following a superkick from Ibushi on Yamamoto caused Yamamoto to stumble right into a cradle piledriver from Tozawa. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Akira Tozawa and Kota Ibushi by pinfall in 9:47. RATING: 52</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">El Samurai, Kendo Kashin and Puma vs. Gedo, Jado and Magnum TOKYO 20-minute time limit <img alt="fnAIwjn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fnAIwjn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="I6pBwiW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I6pBwiW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JBJJT1q.png?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JBJJT1q.png?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="6ZY4UXV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6ZY4UXV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="M3Tak8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/M3Tak8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="N3VNmKL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N3VNmKL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Samurai and Kashin were keen to avenge their Fighting Spirit loss to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions and took the fight to both Gedo and Jado early on in the match. The young Puma was able to get in some decent offense as well, but the experience of both Gedo and Jado soon began to prevail as the duo proved why they were both champions by picking apart their opponents. Gedo wore down Puma as he was working towards locking in a Gedo Clutch on the youngster, but Puma used his agility to escape and drop Gedo with an enzuigiri. The masked wrestler leapt to the top rope and was to leap off for diving senton, but was dropkicked off the top rope by a now legal Magnum TOKYO! The Junior Heavyweight Tag champs soon hit the ring to clear both Samurai and Kashin off the apron as Magnum rolled Puma back into the ring. Once back in the ring, Magnum dropped Puma with an Egoist Driver for the cover and the win. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Magnum TOKYO, Gedo and Jado by pinfall in 11:53. RATING: 72</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Tomohiro Ishii and Osamu Nishimura vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto 20-minute time limit <img alt="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3Hw7nD6.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3Hw7nD6.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dZSTdnZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dZSTdnZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="NIEjqF2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NIEjqF2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Nishimura and Saito started off the match with the match going even through its opening stages. Nishimura attempted to target Saito's arms, but the veteran would fend off Nishimura's attacks and would go on offense himself after a dragon suplex to his younger opponent. Saito remained in control as did Goto once he was tagged in, however, once Ishii managed to get the tag from Nishimura, the U-30 Challenge winner went to work on both opponents. Dropping Goto with a headbutt, Ishii went for a Sheer-Drop Brainbuster on Saito but the veteran would counter his way out of going up for the drop. Saito would slip behind Ishii and would go for a bridging German, but a couple elbows to Saito's head freed Ishii up to drill the veteran with a Lariat. Taking a few seconds to recover himself, Ishii then picked up Saito to drop him with a Sheer-Drop Brainbuster with the move succeeding on this attempt. Cover, 1...2...3. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Tomohiro Ishii and Osamu Nishimura by pinfall in 10:42. RATING: 70</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="5lUNdg7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5lUNdg7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A video plays showcasing Brock Lesnar's path of destruction through New Japan Pro-Wrestling in his short tenure with the promotion. A major focus of the video shows the damage Lesnar did to Hiroshi Tanahashi in their New Japan Cup Quarterfinal clash from earlier in the week. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 86</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'New Japan Cup Semifinal' (#2) Kensuke Sasaki vs. (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi 30-minute time limit <img alt="hrbaIG1.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hrbaIG1.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="RtHQ1Pf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RtHQ1Pf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A handshake between both competitors kicks off the match as both work out various amateur wrestling holds and takedowns against each other to no avail. Sasaki then went right to work on Tanahashi's battered knee, but Tanahashi's agility provided him with the ability to evade Sasaki's attacks. Eventually, Tanahashi was unable to dodge a dropkick to the knee as Sasaki soon brought the match under his control. An attempt at a King Buster by Sasaki was reversed out of by Tanahashi as the younger man dragged Sasaki into a crossface. Sasaki countered on the ground by rolling Tanahashi into a roll-up, eventually bringing both men back to a standing base. An enzuigiri from Tanahashi grounded Sasaki again as Tanahashi then began to put in some work on the ground. Each time Tanahashi brought Sasaki down, however, Sasaki would manage to scramble back to his feet. Needing a new strategy, Tanahashi brought Sasaki down with a flying forearm smash and then rested in the corner. Sasaki charged at the resting Tanahashi with a running knee attempt into the corner, but Tanahashi rolled out of the way and launched Sasaki back towards the center of the ring with a german suplex. Another crossface attempt by Tanahashi was then utilized to continue to wear down Sasaki's neck, but again Sasaki powered his way back to his feet and chopped Tanahashi into a corner. A snap suplex brought Tanahashi back to the center of the ring as Sasaki immediately went back to work on Tanahashi's knee with a one-legged boston crab, but Tanahashi was quick to get to the ropes. Further kicks to the leg wore Tanahashi down once more, but reverse elbows to Sasaki backed the veteran off as Tanahashi landed a leaping back elbow to drop the veteran. Tanahashi then locked in a Texas Cloverleaf and cranked up the pressure on Sasaki's legs. Tanahashi's knee soon started causing problems for him as he started to loosen up the pressure of the hold and soon dropped Sasaki's legs. Sasaki recovered to his feet first and surprised a standing Tanahashi with a Lariat attempt but Tanahashi ducked it and hit a somersault reverse DDT. The move kept Sasaki down long enough for Tanahashi to slowly amble his way up to the top rope where he leapt off and connected with a High Fly Flow. Cover, 1...2...3! <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Hiroshi Tanahashi by pinfall in 14:33. Hiroshi Tanahashi advances to the New Japan Cup's Final RATING: 75</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'New Japan Cup Semifinal' (#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#5) Kazuyuki Fujita 30-minute time limit <img alt="8OmhnWN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OmhnWN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mDBCCGw.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mDBCCGw.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> After going back and forth with various wrestling holds and attempted takedowns, Fujita took Chono down with a single-leg takedown and then started trying to wear his opponent down on the ground. Chono would work his way back to his feet each time and would sweep Fujita's legs out from under him to soon go on the attack himself - locking in a headlock from behind and soon twisting Fujita's neck around. Fujita's technical ingenuity allowed him to get back to his feet himself and work his way around to lock Chono into a triangle arm choke. The #1 New Japan Cup seed looked to fade at times but got to a rope and then slapped his opponent once there was separation between the two. Fujita charged at Chono out of rage but the veteran pro wrestler threw him out of the ring. Once both men were outside, Chono would take Fujita on a tour around the ring throwing forearms and punches at his opponent before throwing him back into the ring prior to the 20-count. Chono went for a double underhook facebuster but would be shoved away by Fujita, who hit a dropkick on Chono as he rebounded off the ropes. A quick pin attempt by Fujita was kicked out of at 1 as both men slowly got to their feet. A punch attempt by Chono was ducked by Fujita as he hoisted up Chono and dropped him with a double leg slam. Another cover by Fujita only provided a two-count as he got back to his feet and waited for Chono to rise to his feet. Once he did, Fujita put Chono back down with a spinebuster and then went for a Rear Naked Choke, but Chono would get his foot on the ropes. Chono rolled to the outside to recover as Fujita went outside to retrieve his opponent. Once outside, Chono gave Fujita a dirty kick to the shin as he then chopped away at Fujita's chest against the apron. Rolling Fujita into the ring, Chono kicked at his opponent's head several times as he then drove his face into the mat with a DDT. Chono signaled that the end was near as he waited in the corner for Fujita to get to his feet. Once he was up, Chono charged for a Shining Yakuza Kick but his attempt missed as Fujita ducked and then launched Chono with a reverse exploder suplex. Fujita raised Chono up in a corner as he started driving knees into his chest. A cutter out of the corner by Fujita was transitioned into by another Rear Naked Choke attempt as Chono scrambled around in the middle of the ring. Chono eventually rolled backwards out of the hold and pinned Fujita's shoulders to the mat, 1...2...Fujita just kicked out of the tricky pin! Both men scrambled to their feet as Fujita went for a quick running knee to the head of Chono that was ducked. Chono countered with a hangman's neckbreaker that didn't keep Fujita down for long... the following Shining Yakuza Kick by Chono, however, did. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Masahiro Chono by pinfall in 18:15. Masahiro Chono advances to the New Japan Cup's Final RATING: 81</div> Following the post-match festivities, Chono grabs a microphone and says that, as expected, he's made his way to the New Japan Cup Final. He previews the upcoming matchup against Hiroshi Tanahashi by saying he's going to enjoy picking him apart and will be sure to break his ailing knee. Chono says it's a sad state of affairs for the company when his opponent for the Final couldn't even beat 'that young punk Nakamura' at the Tokyo Dome. Wialth his closing remarks, Chono says Black New Japan's reign is coming and everyone will see their coronation in the coming month. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 92</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">SHOW RATING: 79 TV: 4.61 (3,460,430 viewers)</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Kijar: 6/6 Jon The GOAT: 5/6 DGenerationMC: 5/6 CobheadJake: 4/6</div></blockquote>

Rogue · March 10, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> proudly presents... The New Japan Cup Final To be held from the Sapporo Ice Arena in Sapporo (Hokkaido) and to be shown live on pay-per-view on Sky PerfectTV! PPV</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'New Japan Cup Final' (#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi 60-minute time limit <img alt="8OmhnWN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OmhnWN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="RtHQ1Pf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RtHQ1Pf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship' Minoru Tanaka © vs. Koji Kanemoto 60-minute time limit <img alt="iyuWuMv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iyuWuMv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="rJwO4A7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rJwO4A7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="roYoh6x.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/roYoh6x.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 'IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship' Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Tomohiro Ishii 60-minute time limit <img alt="KlfRW8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KlfRW8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 'IWGP Tag Team Championships' Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata © vs. Black New Japan (Scott Norton and Manabu Nakanishi) 60-minute time limit <img alt="ded987n.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ded987n.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="y9GyfGo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y9GyfGo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sv1IDzb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sv1IDzb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XG79LBC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XG79LBC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="kF9iMIr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kF9iMIr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> 'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships' Gedo and Jado © vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin vs. Team CMLL 60-minute time limit <img alt="5iqY2TX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5iqY2TX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="6ZY4UXV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6ZY4UXV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="M3Tak8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/M3Tak8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="fnAIwjn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fnAIwjn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="I6pBwiW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I6pBwiW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0g4hYea.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0g4hYea.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JO6MfCz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JO6MfCz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> TenKoji vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto 20-minute time limit <img alt="jbGVFq8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jbGVFq8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="TIBHIWk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TIBHIWk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dZSTdnZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dZSTdnZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="NIEjqF2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NIEjqF2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Brock Lesnar vs. Blue Wolf 20-minute time limit <img alt="5lUNdg7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5lUNdg7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="N6e7HEy.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N6e7HEy.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> </div></blockquote> Prediction Key for the New Japan Cup Final (#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi - NJC Final Minoru Tanaka © vs. Koji Kanemoto - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Tomohiro Ishii - IWGP U-30 Openweight Title Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata © vs. Black New Japan - IWGP Tag Team Titles Gedo and Jado © vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin vs. Team CMLL - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles TenKoji vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto Brock Lesnar vs. Blue Wolf

CobheadJake · March 10, 2018

(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi - NJC Final - I guess I should pick the youth but I feel like Chono will win, I think Tana's story is elsewhere. Though I am fine either way.

Gedo and Jado © vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin vs. Team CMLL - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles

TenKoji vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto

Brock Lesnar vs. Blue Wolf

DGenerationMC · March 10, 2018

(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi - NJC Final

Gedo and Jado © vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin vs. Team CMLL - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles

TenKoji vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto

Brock Lesnar vs. Blue Wolf

Jon The GOAT · March 11, 2018

(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi - NJC Final

Gedo and Jado © vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin vs. Team CMLL - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles

TenKoji vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto

Brock Lesnar vs. Blue Wolf

Kijar · March 11, 2018

(#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi - NJC Final

Gedo and Jado © vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin vs. Team CMLL - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles

TenKoji vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto

Brock Lesnar vs. Blue Wolf

(doubt I ever pull off another perfect score haha)

Hashasheen · March 11, 2018

Blue Wolf about to take a big bite out of Brock Lesnar!

Also, maybe tag up Blue Wolf and Stone Pitbull?

Rogue · March 15, 2018

NOTE: So, unfortunately as I was typing up the show my computer glitched out and deleted the writeup. Given that, the match writeups won't be as long as I initially intended. If anything, this could be a blessing in disguise in terms of where I want to go with the writing style. <div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> proudly presents... The New Japan Cup Final To be held from the Sapporo Ice Arena in Sapporo (Hokkaido) and to be shown live on pay-per-view on Sky PerfectTV! PPV</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="8OmhnWN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OmhnWN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="RtHQ1Pf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RtHQ1Pf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The pay-per-view kicks off with a hype video for the New Japan Cup's Final between Masahiro Chono and Hiroshi Tanahashi. Clips play of each man's respective path through the tournament to the Final with clips interspersed of each competitor talking/taunting about the other. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 84</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Brock Lesnar vs. Blue Wolf 20-minute time limit <img alt="5lUNdg7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5lUNdg7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="N6e7HEy.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/N6e7HEy.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A grueling physical war of a match, Lesnar was in control throughout the match despite Wolf getting a chance to show what he could do with some offense against the American. The conclusion of the match had Lesnar duck an aggressive lariat attempt from Wolf as he then dropped him with three german suplexs in a row before locking in a Brock Lock on his opponent. Wolf struggled around for a rope to grab, but Lesnar managed to keep his opponent stuck in the center of the ring. With that, Wolf had no choice but to tap out to the pressure. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Brock Lesnar by submission in 9:28. RATING: 71</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">TenKoji vs. Hiro Saito and Tatsutoshi Goto 20-minute time limit <img alt="jbGVFq8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jbGVFq8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="TIBHIWk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TIBHIWk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dZSTdnZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dZSTdnZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="NIEjqF2.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NIEjqF2.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Saito would carry the load for his team as Goto wouldn't have much of a response to the younger Tenzan and Kojima's arsenal. Tenzan and Kojima each split the match in terms of their in-ring presence with both men able to wear down the veterans with their respective signature moves. A mongolian chop stunned Saito long enough for Tenzan to get a tag off to Kojima late in the match. An attempt at a Michinoku Driver was slipped out of by Saito as he attempted to tag out to Goto. Kojima would pull him back and soften him up with some slaps and chops before delivering on the Michinoku Driver. Tenzan was able to successfully hold off Goto from entering the ring as the referee counted the three. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: TenKoji by pinfall in 10:25. RATING: 78</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships' Gedo and Jado © vs. El Samurai and Kendo Kashin vs. Team CMLL 60-minute time limit <img alt="5iqY2TX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5iqY2TX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="6ZY4UXV.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6ZY4UXV.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="M3Tak8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/M3Tak8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="fnAIwjn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fnAIwjn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="I6pBwiW.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/I6pBwiW.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0g4hYea.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0g4hYea.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="JO6MfCz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JO6MfCz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The initial opening of the match featured both the champions and Team CMLL ganging up on Samurai and Kashin by throwing them clear from the ring. The two attacking teams then turned their attention to each other but didn't get much into it as both Samurai and Kashin returned to the ring. From there, legal men Casas and Samurai went at it while Gedo wisely waited in the corner and conserved his energy. After dispatching the masked team to the outside, Casas wised up to Gedo's plan as the CMLL World Middleweight soon turned his attention towards the champion. Gedo (and Jado, who exchanged quick tags with his partner) were effective in wearing down both Casas and his partner Felino. The champions appeared to be in a good position until El Samurai re-entered the match with a flying crossbody on both the legal opponents - Jado and Casas. Samurai tagged out to Kashin as Kashin worked on Casas before throwing the champion out of the ring once more. Sensing their opportunity, Kashin soon went for a Cross Armbar on the CMLL champion but Casas managed to throw him to the mat and locked in a Scorpion Deathlock! As El Samurai battled Jado on the outside, Felino took Gedo out with a boot as he entered the ring. Kashin soon found himself tapping out from the hold as Gedo and Jado's 10-month reign has come to an end! <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Team CMLL by submission in 15:02. Negro Casas and Felino become the 14th IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. (1st reign) RATING: 68</div> </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Tag Team Championships' Tatsumi Fujinami and Yuji Nagata © vs. Black New Japan (Scott Norton and Manabu Nakanishi) 60-minute time limit <img alt="ded987n.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ded987n.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="y9GyfGo.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y9GyfGo.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sv1IDzb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sv1IDzb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XG79LBC.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XG79LBC.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="kF9iMIr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kF9iMIr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> A highly physical, stiff striking contest through the early portion of the match; the combined efforts of Norton and Nakanishi wore down the older Fujinami as they made it a point to isolate him from Nagata. Once Fujinami scrambled to make the tag to Nagata the balance of the match began to change as the momentum quickly swung towards the champions' favor. Nagata really took the fight to Norton, who he wore down with his signature stiff-style of strikes. An attempt at a Backdrop Hold was thwarted by Norton, however, as he got a tag out to Nakanishi in what led to a great back-and-forth strikefest between himself and Nagata. Being the fresher man of the two, Nakanishi soon took over the match once again. With his defense breaking down, Nagata tagged out to Fujinami while placed in an Abdominal Stretch. Several punches to the abdomen by Fujinami freed his partner up as he began to work on the larger Nakanishi. Towards the end, Fujinami tried to get Nakanishi up for a Dragon Suplex, but several elbows to the face freed Nakanishi as he lifted Fujinami for a Hercules Cutter. Norton dropped to the outside and started interfering with Nagata, but Nagata was soon able to shake him off. As this happened, Fujinami swung at Nakanishi with a lariat, but Nakanishi ducked and again hoisted the legend onto his shoulders. With a Hercules Cutter later, Nakanishi was able to secure the pinfall as Nagata was just a second too late to break up the pin. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNERS: Black New Japan by pinfall in 11:42. Manabu Nakanishi and Scott Norton become the 49th IWGP Tag Team Champions. (3rd reign for Norton, 3rd reign for Nakanishi, 1st together) RATING: 70</div> With the dust settling from their match, both members of the Black New Japan stable collect their newly-acquired hardware and taunt the fans in attendance with it. After gloating for a handful of minutes, both men head to the back. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 84</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship' Shinsuke Nakamura © vs. Tomohiro Ishii 60-minute time limit <img alt="KlfRW8D.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/KlfRW8D.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="CRHIdtr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CRHIdtr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dSPHwRn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dSPHwRn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> Ishii proved his worth early on that he was a worthy challenger for Nakamura's U-30 Openweight title. With Nakamura trying to work in his more agile offense, Ishii was able to stop him with vicious strikes and grounded him with several suplexes in a row - prompting Nakamura to retreat to the outside to rethink his strategy. The move prompted Ishii to also head to the outside and attempt to throw the champion back in the ring, but Nakamura surprised the challenger with a counter before rolling back into the ring. Once the action returned to the ring, the champion was able to take control but soon let his overconfidence get to him. His taunting stomps in the corner was met with Ishii grabbing onto his foot and rising to a standing position and dropping the champion with an STF. After reaching the ropes for a break, Nakamura's disposition changed as he appeared to be more focused. Nakamura took the fight to Ishii with a combination of strikes and an enzuigiri, but an early attempt at a running knee was ducked as Ishii snagged Nakamura for a Backdrop Hold and nearly got a three out of it. Both men slowly staggered to their feet as Ishii threw headbutts Nakamura's way, but Nakamura was able to hit a surprise knee to the forehead that dropped both competitors again. The even nature of the matchup persisted for a bit longer, but Nakamura's athleticism soon began to shine again as he rolled out of the way of a cannonball into the corner by Ishii. A running dropkick to the upside-down Ishii's head then opened him up for Nakamura to drop Ishii with a Landslide and then lock in a Cross Armbar. Despite his valiant efforts throughout the match, Ishii had to tap out to the submission. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Shinsuke Nakamura by submission in 18:29. Shinsuke Nakamura retains the IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship. (Defense #1) RATING: 68</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship' Minoru Tanaka © vs. Koji Kanemoto 60-minute time limit <img alt="iyuWuMv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iyuWuMv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <img alt="rJwO4A7.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rJwO4A7.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="roYoh6x.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/roYoh6x.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The former tag team partners delighted with their athletic performance in this one with a quick-paced amateur wrestling duel kicking off the match for its first several minutes. Each man then went towards targeting the other's ankles as each wrestling takedown would feature an Ankle Lock attempt. Neither competitor was able to keep the other down long enough to fully lock in the submission as the two soon faced off to applause from the audience. The pace of the match slowed down a bit as both began to utilize their technical skills with Tanaka gaining the advantage on that front. Said advantage would only last so long though as the more experienced Kanemoto would successfully navigate his way out of each of Tanaka's holds to slap on an equal one in return. As the match progressed back to an upright contest between both men, the two traded strikes and slams/drops against each other, but a superkick from Tanaka eventually started tipping the match towards his favor. Tanaka started to implement his signature offense and appeared to be headed towards finishing off his tag team partner for yet another title defense. Kanemoto was soon able to begin fighting back, however, as he was able to surprise the champion with a Falcon Arrow and then followed that up with a Moonsault attempt that ended up missing. As Kanemoto recovered to his feet, Tanaka grabbed his former partner and dropped him with a brainbuster. With Kanemoto in a sitting position, Tanaka drilled him with a stiff kick to the chest and then locked in an armbar. Kanemoto's hopes for a fifth reign with the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship were soon dashed as he tapped out to the hold. With that, Tanaka's record-breaking reign rolled on. <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Minoru Tanaka by submission in 15:59. Minoru Tanaka retains the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. (Defense #14) RATING: 78</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">'New Japan Cup Final' (#1) Masahiro Chono vs. (#3) Hiroshi Tanahashi 60-minute time limit <img alt="8OmhnWN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8OmhnWN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="RtHQ1Pf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RtHQ1Pf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div> The match started even between both competitors with your standard lockup with wrestling takedown/light submission hold rinse/repeat affair leading it off. Chono soon started to fake takedowns directly towards Tanahashi's knee to try to get in the mind of his younger opponent, but Tanahashi wasn't fazed as he soon began to take control of the matchup against the #1 seed. Tanahashi was able to evade Chono's attacks with his agile dodges and soon dropped the former IWGP Heavyweight champion with a shining wizard. Tanahashi faked a move to the top rope for an early High Fly Flow, but thought better of it and continued to work on Chono on the ground. Eventually, Tanahashi began to target Chono's knees - perhaps as a response to Chono's taunts from the lead-up to the Final. Chono soon was able to fend off Tanahashi's attacks and would throw him to the mat with an STO from the corner. From there, Chono then began his assault on the knee of Tanahashi's. Tanahashi was able to escape from Chono's attacks however and slid outside of the ring to heal up for a little bit. Chono soon caught up to Tanahashi on the outside and weakened him with a kick to the back of the knee before rolling him back into the ring. Chono took the opportunity to attempt a Shining Yakuza Kick, but Tanahashi rolled behind the attacker for a roll up that nearly gave him the win. Chono again was able to quickly get up to his feet and went for a second attempt at his finisher, but Tanahashi again rolled out of the way and dropped Chono with a backcracker. Tanahashi then moved to lock in a Texas Cloverleaf on Chono, but Chono kicked Tanahashi again in the back of the knee and then dropped his opponent with an inverted DDT. Chono kicked away at the worn knee as Tanahashi lay on the mat and then picked Tanahashi up to his feet. Several slaps from Chono softened up Tanahashi as Chono then dropped Tanahashi with an STO and then locked in an STF. Tanahashi struggled around for a rope and was close to being yet another loser to a submission on the night's event, but he managed to reach a rope as Chono pounced on him again by stomping on the knee again. Chono went for a second STO, but Tanahashi shoved him away and then hit his signature flying forearm on Chono. Tanahashi then climbed to the top turnbuckle and lined Chono up before launching off and connecting with a High Fly Flow on his downed opponent! Tanahashi transitioned right into a pin cover! <div style="text-align:center;">1... 2... Chono got a shoulder up!</div> Grimacing at the near fall, Tanahashi looked to inflict more punishment on Chono and finally put him away as he grabbed his legs and then locked in a Texas Cloverleaf! Chono struggled around for the hold and attempted to get to a rope, but Tanahashi was successful in dragging him away. With his knee holding up, Tanahashi appeared to be on his way to a submission victory! But, Chono had other plans. A trip up to Tanahashi put the youngster on his face in the mat as Chono sloppily scrambled over and again locked in an STF. Tanahashi's will kept him in the match though as he refused to tap out to the hold. Chono then shoved Tanahashi's head down to the mat and then crouched in the corner, waiting for him to stand. Once Tanahashi finally recovered to his feet, he stumbled around for his balance but was met with a Shining Yakuza Kick! Cover! <div style="text-align:center;">1... 2... 3!!</div> <div style="text-align:center;">WINNER: Masahiro Chono by pinfall in 30:31. Masahiro Chono wins the inaugural New Japan Cup. Chono earns a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. RATING: 81</div> After recovering some of his strength, Chono then slowly gets to his feet as gold and yellow confetti begin to fall inside of the arena. Tanahashi is helped out of the ring and is able to walk away just fine as he heads straight to the back. Chono poses with the trophy and then grabs a microphone. He says that he called his shot when he said he was going to win the Cup and that him following through wasn't a promise, but a guarantee. He says as Scott Norton and Manabu Nakanishi proved earlier, Black New Japan is a force to be reckoned with in New Japan and that his ascension to the #1 contendership re-inforces that belief. He then issues a warning to Hiroyoshi Tenzan that his time as champion is drawing to a close as he'll beat him at next month's big show. <div style="text-align:center;">RATING: 89</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">SHOW RATING: 82</div> <div style="text-align:center;">PPV: 0.57 (289,960 Buys)</div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Post-Match Press Conference Highlights</div> <ul><li>Hiroshi Tanahashi stated that while he was disappointed that he came short of winning the New Japan Cup, he feels that he proved that he can hang with the top faces of the company. With that, he says he'll focus on working his way back up the card and will soon challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship himself. He says that he needs to take whatever opportunities he can get to prove his worth. </li><li>Minoru Tanaka re-iterated the fact that he is the most dominant IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion of all time and the statistic of tonight's defense being his 14th is a testament to that fact. He jokes that he's starting to run out of challengers and that he might not have anyone left after his May defense. With that, he officially names Black New Japan's Magnum TOKYO as his challenger for May's event. Tanaka guarantees victory at next month's show and says that he'll follow that up with a victory in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament the following month. </li><li>Shinsuke Nakamura stated that while he was presented with a worthy challenger tonight in the form of Tomohiro Ishii, Ishii just wasn't able to keep up with him. Nakamura says that his eyes are on the big prize - the IWGP Heavyweight Championship - and says that his sight is set on proving himself against competitors outside of the U-30 division as well. </li><li>Negro Casas and Felino merely mocked the Japanese press and New Japan officials for not having a Spanish translator present. Translated quote from Casas: "I guess this means New Japan has written us off, huh? Well, send their best our way, and we'll show them." </li><li>Brock Lesnar: "I go from decimating one of the stars of New Japan to give you all something to write about and I get the opening match of this month's pay-per-view against an unproven rookie. I was the biggest wrestling star in America and I get the opening match of a New Japan Pro-Wrestling pay-per-view against a rookie. If you all want me to destroy your undercard, I'll destroy your undercard. F**k it." </li></ul></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>CobheadJake: 6/7 DGenerationMC: 6/7 Jon The GOAT: 6/7 Kijar: 5/7</div></blockquote> The one time I actually forgot the Match of the Night tiebreaker. Heh. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Hashasheen" data-cite="Hashasheen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Also, maybe tag up Blue Wolf and Stone Pitbull?</div></blockquote> Interesting idea. I never considered it before, but I might try that pairing out on the upcoming tour I have planned for the next month.

Rogue · March 16, 2018

... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Wrestling News from April</div> Title Changes WWE: Spike Dudley def. Nunzio for the WWE Cruiserweight Title at Backlash. CMLL: The CMLL World Heavyweight Title was vacated at the beginning of the month and stayed that way through the entirety of April. CMLL: Emilio Charles Jr. def. Negro Casas and Brazo de Platino to win the CMLL World Middleweight Title. It is Charles Jr's third reign with the title. ECWA: Petey Williams def. John Walters to win the Super 8 Tournament. IWS: Cloudy and Tomassino def. Kenny the Bastard and Takao to win the IWS Tag Team Titles. K-Dojo: The UWA World Middleweight was vacated midway through April and was won by YOSHIYA over DJ Nira at the end of the month. UPW: Tom Howard and Phoenix Star def. Al Katrazz and Aaron Aguilera to win the UPW Tag Team Titles. Top 10 Matches 1. WWE - Shawn Michaels went to a no contest with Ric Flair - WWE Raw - 96 2. WWE - Triple H went to a no contest with Chris Benoit - WWE Raw - 92 3. WWE - Big Show def. Kurt Angle - WWE Smackdown - 90 4. WWE - Shawn Michaels def. Ric Flair - WWE Raw - 89 5. AJPW - Keiji Mutoh and CIMA def. Toshiaki Kawada and D'Lo Brown - AJPW Lashing Out Tour - 89 6. AJPW - CIMA def. Ikuto Hidaka to retain the AJPW World Junior Heavyweight Championship - AJPW Champion Carnival 2005 - 86 7. AAA - El Hijo del Santo, Nicho and Pirata Morgan def. L.A. Park, La Parka and Vampiro - AAA Malo Ido Buenas Épocas - 86 8. WWE - Undertaker and Kurt Angle def. Eddie Guerrero and Booker T - WWE Smackdown - 85 9. WWE - Booker T and Big Show went to a no contest with John Cena and Kurt Angle - WWE Smackdown - 85 10. WWE - John Bradshaw Layfield def. Booker T to retain the WWE Heavyweight Championship - WWE Backlash - 84 Company News Chaotic Wrestling: Fell to Local Size. ECWA/ROH: Both companies have entered into a working relationship with each other. WLW-USA: Fell to Local Size. Major Personnel News WWE: Re-signed both Kane and Rhino. TNA: Has lured away Booker T from WWE and has signed him to a written contract with a main event push. Also has re-signed Michael Shane and Sandman to written contracts and David Young, James Storm and Konnan to pay-per-appearance contract extensions. CMLL: Signed manager Fernando Tonos to a pay-per-appearance contract. Re-signed Explosivo, Mephisto and Apolo Dantes to PPA extensions. NOAH: The company has let Akira Taue's contract expire. No other companies have made an offer to Taue. Company has signed Steve Corino, Low-Ki, Brian Kendrick, Super Crazy and Ultimo Dragon up for their next tour. AJPW: Re-signed Gran Hamada to a written extension. Hamada's currently pushed as a Midcarder and won the Real World Tag League with Masanobu Fuchi in January. Also signed away rookie KAZMA under a written deal from K-Dojo . DDT: Signed NOAH main eventer Jun Akiyama to a pay-per-appearance deal. CSWF: Michael Shane left the company. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44669" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">New Japan Pro-Wrestling News</div> - The company has scouted and brought in young rookie Kazuchika Okada to the roster. Trained by Ultimo Dragon, the rookie has been pointed out by many to have a lot of promise and will be one to keep an eye on for the future. - Signing non-exclusive contract extensions with the company are Jado, Kendo Kashin, Dick Togo, Negro Casas and Kensuke Sasaki. - As mentioned before, Minoru Suzuki's contract expired just after his match against Brock Lesnar in the opening round of the New Japan Cup. Efforts have already been made to sign Suzuki back to complete their summer tour that lasts through the G1 Climax, but Suzuki has told New Japan officials he's not interested in returning at the moment. Interestingly enough, he hasn't signed with any other promotion since having his deal expire. - For the month of May, New Japan will undergo a seven-date tour of smaller cities with the name of the tour being Destruction. Five dates of the tour are expected to be shown on TV Asahi. Besides that, one 'Road To' event will be held prior to the month's pay-per-view event scheduled to be held at the end of the month. New Japan Pro-Wrestling have officially announced that they will be bringing back the Wrestling Dontaku event, however, it's highly unlikely that it'll be held in the Fukuoka Dome what with the Japanese economy being in the state it is and given the country's lack of interest in professional wrestling at the moment.</div></blockquote>

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NJPW 2005: Dark Days are Over?

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