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NJPW's New Japan Cup has always been overshadowed by the G1 Climax, but it has proven time and again that it's a platform to set up future stars.
Despite not considered as prestigious as the G1 Climax, the New Japan Cup has a legacy of its own. Wrestlers who won the tournament have gone on to become the IWGP Champion, like Yuji Nagata in 2007 and "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada in 2013, or The IWGP Intercontinental Champion, like Shinsuke Nakamura.
The tournament has played an important role in some wrestlers' career such as solidifying Hirooki Goto as a prominent member of the roster or giving some wrestlers the boost that they desperately needed, like Ibushi and Naito in 2015 and 2016 respectively
The New Japan Cup 2018 concluded recently, and the tournament earned the plaudits of NJPW's loyal fans. Here are 5 takeaways from New Japan Cup 2018!
#5 The Stone Pitbull still leashed
Arguably one of the most underrated wrestlers in the world, Ishii was expected to shine in this year's New Japan Cup. Though he was never the favourite to win the whole thing, nobody expected his departure in the first round.
Ishii fell victim to Michael Elgin after a gruelling brawl, which left many fans of the Stone Pitbull disappointed. He was featured during the rest of the tour, teaming up with Toru Yano, but what is next for him? Only time will tell.
#4 LIJ vs Suzuki-gun
The New Japan factions are at an interesting juncture, with the Bullet Club dealing with internal conflicts between Team Cody and Team Kenny, and Chaos is concerned about Okada, leaving the other two factions (Suzuki-gun and LIJ) ripe for a feud.
The feud was heightened during the first round match between Zack Sabre Jr. and Tetsuya Naito; ZSJ's slow tactical technical style complements Suzuki-gun's rash heelish way of operations, resulting in a stellar match which Zack ultimately won.
The faction war was slowly built up during the rest of the tournament even though EVIL was missing due to an orbital bone injury. I think this feud will heat up during the Sakura Genesis event.
#3 Still the Ace
The event was built on the comeback of the Ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and he lived up to his moniker.
Arguably still the biggest babyface in the company, the crowd popped whenever the Ace pulled out his Air Guitar!
Whether it be the classic David vs Goliath style match against Bad Luck Fale or the technical masterpiece in the tournament finals against ZSJ, The Ace's popularity was shining throughout.
When Tanahashi's fingertips were near the ring ropes, the crowd cheered for him to reach it, and erupted for every Slingblade or High Fly Flows, which goes to show that the Ace is still over with the audience.
#2 Opportunities galore!
NJPW is the land of opportunities, despite what a certain blue brand may tell you; this event saw many such opportunists seize the opportunity.
Be it Chucky T constantly teaming with Okada throughout the tour, or the transition of Taichi from the Juniorweight division to the Heavyweight division.
But the biggest story has been that of the ultra-popular Juice Robinson, defeating the 'Tokyo Pimp' Yujiro Takahashi in the first round, going over Elgin in the second but ultimately falling victim to the Ace in the semifinals after a wonderful match.
But that was not all, on the final day he defeated Hirooki Goto which puts him next in the line for a shot at the NEVER Openweight Championship.
#1 You just tap out!
The main story coming out of the New Japan Cup 2018 is the technical Wizard's Tale, a Cinderella story executed to perfection!
A man leaner than the Tokyo Pimp's girls and a man who can give Bryan Danielson a run for his money. With Taka Michinoku as his mouthpiece, who can deliver great promos and scream catchphrases in broken English, Zack Sabre Jr. has become a complete package, ripe and ready for a main event run.
He made fan favourites such as Tetsuya Naito and Kota Ibushi submit on his way to the semi-finals and outmaneuvering SANADA in the semi-finals.
The final match between Hiroshi Tanahashi and ZSJ (which I would rate as the match of the tournament) had a clear story to tell.
From the beginning of the match, Tana tried to outwrestle ZSJ but failed every time, Tanahashi did not gain an upper hand until he started his fast-paced attacks, which showed that no one can out-wrestle the technical wizard, be it the Uncontrollable Charisma, the Golden Star or even the ace himself!
As Taka puts it clearly, when you battle the man of infinite holds, you just tap out!
It remains to be seen whether the Sakura Event will be the culmination of the Wizard's Tale or the Genesis of a new champion.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
