1. New Japan Cup – Round 2: YOSHI-HASHI vs. BUSHI
YOSHI-HASHI and BUSHI show up a couple times a year – here, against each other, they did not. YOSHI hobbled around for a bit en route to a boring victory. 1/2*
2. New Japan Cup – Round 2: SANADA vs. SHO
This wasn’t the slobberknocker I thought it’d be and was more just one of those straightforward, solid matches. You don’t need to see it, but if you do you might appreciate it. I was actually surprised when I saw it went 15 minutes, as it felt like under 10. SHO basically fought to do his signature power moves the entire time to moderate success, while SANADA fought to trap him in the Skull End. Eventually, one of those power moves failed and the Skull End won. Not great, but sometimes it’s just nice to watch something that makes sense. SANADA’s German suplex hold counter of SANADA’s double leapfrog was awesome too. **3/4
3. Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano & Yota Tsuji vs. Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi & Hiromu Takahashi
In this match Yota Tsuji knocked down Shingo, dropkicked Naito, and deadlifted Hiromu by the throat – that’s a night of WORK. Otherwise this was the usual. Naito really really extra did not give a shit. I’m going to take a wild guess and say Ishii vs. Hiromu will be good. **
4. New Japan Cup – Round 2: Kota Ibushi vs. Taichi
Taichi being a legitimately great wrestler is still not something I fully understand. He has some of the most compelling strike and fighting spirit exchanges in NEW JAPAN, and there may be a moment or two that feels off but the charm of this goofball pulling off a dramatic match that both pays tribute to and makes fun of King’s Road style is unmatched.
There was a lot of brawling and interference stuff throughout, with Tanahashi and ZSJ accompanying their partners to the ring and of course getting physically involved whenever the moment called for it and sometimes when it didn’t. That gave Taichi an out though, the credibility to go with Ibushi, and they made the most of it.
Big highlights included Ibushi collapsing like a legend off a gamengiri in the corner, an epic kick exchange that might’ve broke the sound barrier, and an awesome spot where Ibushi lifted Taichi for the Last Ride and Taichi fought so frantically to get out that I’m still not sure if Ibushi lost his footing and Taichi was covering for him or not. They pulled off some great near falls at the end before that bastard Taichi stole the victory. ****
5. New Japan Cup – Round 2: Hirooki Goto vs. EVIL
This pairing is a no-brainer, filled with a seriousness and physicality that will hopefully never not work in professional wrestling. EVIL kicked off the match standing in front of Goto’s entry to the ring, calling for a shoulder tackle right there on the floor. Goto obliged and they didn’t really let up, doing all the guardrail whipping and elbow throwing you’d expect. EVIL got a legitimate near fall off a stomp to the nuts too. They closed it up with some great counters before EVIL advanced with an incredibly confident cover. ***1/2
Happy Thoughts: The evening started slow, but closed strong. New Japan Cup continues a streak of delivering 1-2 actually great empty arena matches a show. 7/10
