The New Japan Cup tournament has already experienced some thrills and shocks in the first three nights, such as IWGP Intercontinental champion Tetsuya Naito being eliminated and Chase Owens defeating the current IWGP US champion Juice Robinson.
Thus far, Chase Owens, Yoshi-Hashi, Taichi, Tomohiro Ishii, Lance Archer, Mikey Nicholls, Will Ospreay, Kota Ibushi, Kazuchika Okada, Zack Sabre Jr., Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Ryusuke Taguchi have all advanced to the second round.
Joining them will be former multi-time IWGP Tag Team champion Sanada. The Los Ingobernables de Japon member could potentially be the dark horse of the tournament and walk out victorious in the end. Sanada has yet to win a singles title in New Japan - could the former Tag Team champion shock the world by becoming the next IWGP Heavyweight champion?
Minoru Suzuki also advanced to the second round by defeating Satoshi Kojima. The former IWGP Intercontinental champion is no stranger to fighting hard to earn his spot; however, the IWGP Heavyweight championship has eluded his grasp throughout his long career in the promotion.
Could this be the year he finally captures the big one in New Japan? Check out the full match results below:
Round One: Night Four
Toru Yano beat Davey Boy Smith Jr.
Colt Cabana over Togi Makabe
Minoru Suzuki beat Satoshi Kojima
Sanada defeated Hirooki Goto
That’s it for the first round match-ups and below is the confirmed second round bouts for the tournament:
Wednesday, March 13
Tomohiro Ishii vs. Taichi
YOSHI-HASHI vs. Chase Owens
Thursday, March 14
Kazuchika Okada vs. Mikey Nicholls
Will Ospreay vs. Lance Archer
Saturday, March 16
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
Kota Ibushi vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Sunday, March 17
SANADA vs. Minoru Suzuki
Colt Cabana vs. Toru Yano