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Post by henriquesser on Sept 29, 2021 15:31:16 GMT 1
March 17th 2006, Yokohama Buntai
New Japan Cup - Day 1
Naofumi Yamamoto, Daisuke Sekimoto and Karl Anderson vs KAMIKAZE, El Samurai and Akiya Anzawa
RISE (Tomohiro Ishii, Ryusuke Taguchi and CIMA) vs Tatsutoshi Goto, Masayuki Naruse and Shiro Koshinaka
Shinjiro Otani vs KENTA (New Japan Cup First Round)
Giant Bernard vs Takahi Iizuka (New Japan Cup First Round)
Shinsuke Nakamura vs Riki Choshu (New Japan Cup First Round)
Togi Makabe vs Masahiro Chono (New Japan Cup First Round)
March 18th 2006, Yokohama Buntai
New Japan Cup - Day 2
CTU (Jushin Liger, Minoru Tanaka, Gedo and Jado) vs Takashi Uwano, Hiroshi Nagao, Mitsuhide Hirasawa and Yoshihito Sasaki
BLACK (Black Tiger, Ryoji Sai and Ryushi Yanagisawa) vs Yutaka Yoshie, Wataru Inoue and Tiger Mask
Takao Omori vs Yuji Nagata (New Japan Cup First Round)
Akebono vs Manabu Nakanishi (New Japan Cup First Round)
Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Toru Yano (New Japan Cup First Round)
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kenzo Suzuki (New Japan Cup First Round)
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Post by Asaemon on Sept 29, 2021 18:27:42 GMT 1
Naofumi Yamamoto, Daisuke Sekimoto and Karl Anderson vs KAMIKAZE, El Samurai and Akiya Anzawa
RISE (Tomohiro Ishii, Ryusuke Taguchi and CIMA) vs Tatsutoshi Goto, Masayuki Naruse and Shiro Koshinaka
Shinjiro Otani vs KENTA (New Japan Cup First Round)
Giant Bernard vs Takahi Iizuka (New Japan Cup First Round)
Shinsuke Nakamura vs Riki Choshu (New Japan Cup First Round)
Togi Makabe vs Masahiro Chono (New Japan Cup First Round)
CTU (Jushin Liger, Minoru Tanaka, Gedo and Jado) vs Takashi Uwano, Hiroshi Nagao, Mitsuhide Hirasawa and Yoshihito Sasaki
BLACK (Black Tiger, Ryoji Sai and Ryushi Yanagisawa) vs Yutaka Yoshie, Wataru Inoue and Tiger Mask
Takao Omori vs Yuji Nagata (New Japan Cup First Round)
Akebono vs Manabu Nakanishi (New Japan Cup First Round)
Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Toru Yano (New Japan Cup First Round)
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kenzo Suzuki (New Japan Cup First Round)
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Post by henriquesser on Oct 1, 2021 21:16:30 GMT 1
2006 New Japan Cup Preview by Tokyo Sports, March 17th
Today the second annual New Japan Cup begins, and it once again features a 16 man field, with single elimination rules. The main difference from last year, however, is that the winner will earn a title match against the current IWGP Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar on April 23rd at Sakura Genesis. There's a lot of changes to the roster that took part in last year's tournament.with only 6 men being repeat participants.
One of them is last year's winner, Hiroshi Tanahashi, who is also the IWGP U-30 Openweight Champion. His first round opponent will be a man that he's very familiar with, and one of the company's newest signees in Kenzo Suzuki, who made his return to NJPW at the New Beginning. The two have interacted since, with Suzuki coming out to congratulate Tanahashi after a successful title defence and they even teamed together at the Aniiversary show, reuniting the Kings of the Hill. But even if they're friends you can't expect either man to pull any punches with so much on the line. Along with the title opportunity, Tanahashi has a reputation to maintain as both a current champion and the former cup winner, and Suzuki will want to kickstart his comeback with a good showing. This interesting matchup will main event Day 2.
Some other issues are bubbling up in the background and adding more fuel to these matches, and one of those is the feud between the newly formed RISE and some of the NJPW veterans. This tension will reach it's boiling point in the main event of Day 1, pitting Shinsuke Nakamura against Riki Choshu, and in the very first match of the tournament where KENTA will face Shinjiro Otani. The members of RISE have had the upper hand so far, but what started as simple competition has developed into a more personal gripe, as the veterans have precieved the youngster's attitudes as cocky and disrespectful, and Chono and Otani will be trying to teach them a lesson and prove that they're still capable of achieving success in NJPW. Meanwhile, Nakamura and KENTA will look to continue RISE's momentum, and the former seems to have some extra motivation to win the cup as he was ultimately embarassed by Lesnar 2 months ago. As for KENTA he's looking to get his NJPW career to a good start, as the RISE faction has promised to change the face of NJPW.
Another feud coming to a head in the tournament is the seemingly unavoidable war between Cho-Ten and the Most Violent Players over the IWGP Tag Team Championship. In the first round Masahiro Chono will face Togi Makabe and Hiroyoshi Tenzan will face Toru Yano, on the semi main events of Days 1 and 2. Makabe and Yano have been calling out the champs ever since Toukon Shidou, but have seemingly been ignored, and they're getting angrier each time they don't get a response. Adding to the two first round matches Tag Team title match between the two teams is sure to be coming soon. and there's also the possibility of a meeting between two of these individuals in the semi final, should they be able to reach it. Also, with the Cho-Ten led BLACK faction trying to establish dominance lately, there's always a question of whether or not they'll be involved in this, and if so, will the MVPs have a trick up their sleeve to deal with them?
Speaking of BLACK, one of their new members will also take part in the tournament, as Akebono will have last year's runner up Manabu Nakanishi as his first round opponent. The issue between them actually started with Akebono joining the faction, when he split up with his partner Yutaka Yoshie in less than friendly ways. The two of them had a match at the Anniversary Show which Akebono won decisively, but he would attempt to cause further damage on Yoshie after the bell. Nakanishi came out to protect his protegé, and the two had a very tense face off. Now, will Akebono build from his dominant preformance and get the win or will Nakanishi manage to avenge his friend, while also trying to make up for the loss in last year's final.
Continuing on the subject of dominant preformances, one man than has personified that has been Giant Bernard. He's been undefeated ever since arriving in NJPW at the beginning of the year, and it's not just the wins that have been impressive, but also the way he's won, with unrelenting dominance and brutality. However, he's going to face his toughest opponent so far in Takashi Iizuka. The long time NJPW wrestler is one of the best technicians around, and while he's been more accomplished as a tag team wrestler, his experience in the NJPW ring and ability to adapt play to his favor in this match. A interesting match against Akebono or Nakanishi in the second round is what follows for the winner of this, and considering the similarities that Bernard shares with both of them or the friendship between Nakanishi and Iizuka, whatever happens will make for an interesting match in the next round too.
Last but not least, there's the first cup match on Day 2 between Yuji Nagata and Takao Omori. "Blue Justice" has been pointed out as the heart of NJPW, and has been finding some good form lately which makes him one of the early favorites to win the tournament. Meanwhile, Omori has been struggling ever since coming to NJPW. While he seems to have all the tools to be a success, he just hasn't really found himself in the NJPW ring yet, and his poor results hae been consistent with that. He did manage to get a couple of wins, and those were enough to get him a spot in the tournament but still, the pressure is on for Omori and his match up is anything but easy. This is looking like the most unbalanced match of the first round due to the current standing of both competitors, but it will be interesting to see whether Omori can really be, as he said, "the best version of himself".
New Japan Cup schedule: Day 1 - First Round - March 17th, Yokohama Buntai Day 2 - First Round - March 18th, Yokohama Buntai Day 3 - Quarter Finals - March 24th, Aichi Perfectural Gymnasium Day 4 - Quarter Finals - March 25th, Aichi Perfectural Gymnasium Day 5 - Semi Final 1 - March 31st, Nagoya Rainbow Hall Day 6 - Semi Final 2 - April 1st, Nagoya Rainbow Halll Day 7 - Final - April 2nd, Nagoya Rainbow Hall
I'm thinking about doing these little preview newspaper article things for the tournaments, and maybe for the major shows as well. Predictions very much welcomed, whether you want to do the whole NJ Cup bracket or just the 2 fully announced shows. |
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Post by JoeyOhCanada on Oct 2, 2021 17:52:50 GMT 1
New Japan Cup - Day 1
Naofumi Yamamoto, Daisuke Sekimoto and Karl Anderson vs KAMIKAZE, El Samurai and Akiya Anzawa
RISE (Tomohiro Ishii, Ryusuke Taguchi and CIMA) vs Tatsutoshi Goto, Masayuki Naruse and Shiro Koshinaka
Shinjiro Otani vs KENTA (New Japan Cup First Round)
Giant Bernard vs Takahi Iizuka (New Japan Cup First Round)
Shinsuke Nakamura vs Riki Choshu (New Japan Cup First Round)
Togi Makabe vs Masahiro Chono (New Japan Cup First Round)
New Japan Cup - Day 2
CTU (Jushin Liger, Minoru Tanaka, Gedo and Jado) vs Takashi Uwano, Hiroshi Nagao, Mitsuhide Hirasawa and Yoshihito Sasaki
BLACK (Black Tiger, Ryoji Sai and Ryushi Yanagisawa) vs Yutaka Yoshie, Wataru Inoue and Tiger Mask
Takao Omori vs Yuji Nagata (New Japan Cup First Round)
Akebono vs Manabu Nakanishi (New Japan Cup First Round)
Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Toru Yano (New Japan Cup First Round)
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kenzo Suzuki (New Japan Cup First Round)
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Post by henriquesser on Oct 4, 2021 20:20:14 GMT 1
New Japan Cup
Day 1 17/3/2006,Yokohama Buntai Attendance: 5 000 (SOLD OUT)
Naofumi Yamamoto, Daisuke Sekimoto and Karl Anderson vs KAMIKAZE, El Samurai and Akiya Anzawa
The opener for the night sees an interesting mix of wrestlers match up, with the very young team of Yamamoto, Sekimoto and Anderson up against high flying heavyweight KAMIKAZE, junior heavyweight legend El Samurai and young lion Anzawa. Unsurprisingly it ended up being competitive with everyone getting some offence in. It was an unspectacular bout but good enough to warm up the crowd, while the wrestlers got to show their skills. Yamamoto would be the one to pick up a rare pinfall win. after catching an incoming Anzawa with a stiff-looking Roundhouse Kick.
Time: 7:32
Winners: Naofumi Yamamoto, Daisuke Sekimoto and Karl Anderson RISE (Tomohiro Ishii, Ryusuke Taguchi and CIMA) vs Tatsutoshi Goto, Masayuki Naruse and Shiro Koshinaka
All members of the RISE faction are in action tonight, as Nakamura and KENTA were scheduled to wrestle in cup matches later. This match saw the other three members. Ishii, Taguchi and CIMA team up to face veteran heavyweight Goto and two former junior heavyweight champions in Naruse and Koshinaka. Koshinaka was the ace for his team, as already seemed quite used to his opponents and managed to find some nice counters, Naruse utilized his stiff strikes and MMA influenced submissions to good effect and Goto was kinda just there, getting in for short bits of offence. The RISE guys continued their momentum, with Ishii standing out for his fighting spirit and vicious offence, having a particularly intense exchange with Naruse. CIMA stood out for his incredibly crisp and fast offence. Taguchi would be the one to get the win as for once, Koshinaka's offence was turned against him, when Taguchhi was able to roll out of a German Suplex attempt, which he swiftly followed up with Dodon.
Time: 10:31
Winners: Tomohiro Ishii, Ryusuke Taguchi and CIMA
Shinjiro Otani vs KENTA
The New Japan Cup kicked off with this intense matchup, pitting two pretty tough guys against eachother. KENTA is widely regarded as one of the stiffest wrestlers around, and while Otani is more regarded as an innovator, there's no doubt he can get nasty when prompted. And so it started that kind of match up, with the two wrestlers exchanging a lot of strikes in the early going. It almost felt like a shoot fight at the start, with the amount of vicious kicks being thrown and both guys trying to prove who's tougher. Seemingly evenly matched when it came to striking, they moved on to measuring their skill levels too, going for quick chain wrestling and trying to gain an advantage, while mixing in some strikes. A chance finally appears when Kenta lands a stiff forearm that makes Otani stumble, he retreats all the way to the corner but KENTA diesn't let up and runs at him with a big boot, followed by the Hesitation Dropkick! He calls for the GTS, lifts Otani up but he elbows out of it. Otani follows back to a corner and KENTA once again follows after him, but this time it was baited as Otani gets a boot up to stagger him. Otani climbs to the recond rope and hits a Missile Dropkick for the 1... 2... KENTA kicks out. Onani puts his opponent in position for the Spiral Bomb, but KENTA picks the ankle and tries to go for the STF, but Otani kicks him off. KENTA is unrelenting, goes for a Lariat but Otani ducks, gains some speed and hits an amazing Tilt-a-world DDT. 1...2... KENTA kicks out at 2 and a half! Otani feels the momentum and gets on the apron, he's thinking Springboard Dropkick aaand... he nails it! A big shot and KENTA looks just about done as Otani signals for the Dragon Suplex. KENTA staggers up, Otani locks the Full Nelson bu it's a great counter as KENTA slips out of it and locks in Game Over! Otani tries to get out of it but there's so much pressure, is he gonna tap? Noooo he managed to get to the ropes! KENTA breaks the hold but as Otani is getting up he nails him with a big kick right to the shoulder! Otani slides out of the ring in pain as KENTA taunts him and then follows after him. They brawl outside for a bit until Otani pushes KENTA head first into the ring post! KENTA is out and it's a big chance for Otani! He slides him back in the ring and immediately goes for Spiral Bomb. He struggles to lift KENTA with the bad shoulder but eventually Otani does power through it and hits a Spiral Bomb for the 1... 2... KENTA kicks out! Otani can't believe it! Maybe he held back because of he shoulder. He goes for the apron, he's looking for that deadly Springboard Dropkick again! But KENTA staggers to his feet and he's going after Otani again! Otani creates separation again with a stiff elbow that buckes KENTA, he goes for the Springboard... but KENTA rushes him with a boot, Otani falls to the outside and lands hard against the ringside barricade! This is KENTA's opening! He takes a bit to recover but then throws Otani back in the ring. He signals for the GTS, Otani is up... but he counters it again, this time slipping from behind, and he goes for the Cobra Clutch! But with the bad shoulder again, he's struggling to fully lock it in! KENTA fights back with elbows to the ribd but Otani doesn't give up... though his grip loosens up! KENTA gets close to a corner and uses the pad to flip out of the hold... BUISAKU KNEE! A huge shot from KENTA! He gets Otani up... GTS! 1... 2... 3! KENTA goes through in a fantastic match!
Time: 23:28
Winner: KENTA
Giant Bernard vs Takashi Iizuka
Much different from the match before it, veteran Iizuka tried to put a stop to the undefeated Giant Bernard in this one. It started slower, with Iizuka being cautious and not really trying to match power, feeling Bernard out to find his weak points and taking him to the match. The big man seemed incerasingly frustrated by this, unable to really make the most out of his power game this way. After a bit an annoyed Bernard rolls out of the ring, with a confident Iizuka taunting him and getting cheers. Bernard gets back in the ring and Iizuka immediately grabs him in a front facelock, but Bernard powers out of it and then hits a big shoulder tackle that sends Iizuka flying. He picks him up for a Running Powerslam but Iizuka slips from behind and clips the knee! Bernard buckles and Iizuka then sends him down with a Dragon Screw. Giant Bernard is in pain, he slowly gets back on his feet only for Iizuka to grab his foot again for another Dragon Screw... and this time he hangs on to the foot and transitions right into an Ankle Lock! Is Iizuka gonna make him tap? Bernard is struggling, but after a while he manages to roll out, and the sheer momentum sends Iizuka flying to the outside. But Bernard is limping and Iizuka gets straight back into the ring, going right to the leg again. But Bernard grabs the ropes in desperation, and as Iizuka lets go he hits him with a big headbutt, following by his signature Argentine Backbreaker. Bernard signals for the Bicycle kick, runs at Iizuka but his foot gets caught! Iizuka hits an awesome Exploder Suplex on the big man! 1..2... kick out by Giant Bernard! Iizuka follows up with a German Suplex! 1..2... another kick out! Giant Bernard is in big trouble... Iizuka goes for the Crossface Chickenwing! But Bernard is still on his feet,trying to hit him with headbutts even as Iizuka locks in a bodyscissors! Eventually the knee buckles, Giant Bernard is down to one knee and he might pass out! But no, as the referee checks his pulse he gets back up and rams Iizuka into a corner! Iizuka holds on still, but is forced to drop the hold once Bernard just drops down, sandwiching Iizuka between the mat and his 300 pound frame. Bernard follows it up with a big Senton and Iizuka looks hurt. Bernard picks him up... Baldo Bomb! 1..2... Iizuka kicks out just barely! But Bernard is undeterred and he signals for the end, what's he gonna do? Ooooh he hits a ring rattling Last Ride Sitout Powerbomb! 1...2...3! Giant Bernard just crushed a very game Takashi Iizuka!
Time: 12:33
Winner: Giant Bernard
Shinsuke Nakamura vs Riki Choshu
The Otani vs KENTA match was already intense and it mirrored the bad blood between RISE and the veterans, but this match doubled down on it. A pissed of Choshu was taunted by Nakamura as he entered the ring, and had to be restrained to not attack him even before the bell rang. This anger would actually serve Choshu well at the very beginning as he took Nakamura to a corner and opened up on him with heavy strikes, being immedately warned by the referee. Nakamura would respond in turn and the match would just turn nasty, Elbows and kicks were flying, and there was fear of injury when Nakamura ran into a big kitchen sink and immediately went down clutching his ribs. Choshu would go for the Scorpion Lock but Nakamura would counter it with nasty kicks to the face that would make Choshu let go. Nakamura got up and connected with a big knee to the stomach to create some separation, but as he ran at Choshu his opponent would duck and take him down with a Backdrop. A confident Choshu signaled the end with a Riki Lariat... but Nakamura counters at the last second with the Rolling Armbar! He locks it in tight, gets Choshu's arm fully extended... and Choshu taps out! In a violent, intense 5 minute war, Nakamura moves on!
Time: 5:04
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
Togi Makabe vs Masahiro Chono
The issue between Cho-Ten and the Most Violent Players has been bubbling for a while, but this is the first time there's been some kind of face to face interaction. Chono would be accompanied by Strong Machine for this match, and Yano, who is in action tomorrow, would be on Makabe's corner. An interesting moment would happen even before the match, as Makabe would go outside after he made his entrance and lift up Chono's title belt, It was probably not only a signal of intent but a way to get in his opponent's head too, but Chono seemed unfazed and just smirked. The match itself started pretty slowly, with both men seemingly aware that this match, and the tag title rivalry, isn't exactly going to be a sprint. Chono went for a more technical start, as he has the advantage there, and Makabe would try to counter this with his brawling. But as much as Makabe tried to turn this into a slugfest, Chono remained focused and the biggest opening of the match happened when Makabe went for a Lariat and got caught with the Manhattan drop, after which Chono simply locked in the Butterfly Lock. Makabe looked in trouble but was able to get to the ropes. That's when Yano would stare Chono down, and the little distraction was enough for Makabe to take advantage with a rollup, but Chono would kick ot as 2. That's the moment when we saw Chono get a bit angrier, pushing Makabe off and immediately going for Yano, booting him off the apron. A bit of commotion happened as an angry Yano tried to get back in the ring but was stopped by Strong Machine and they both scuffled up the ramp. In the ring Chono would turn into a stiff Lariat from Makabe for the 1...2... kick out! The two close calls for Chono made him lose his cool and te match then turned into a slugfest... just like Makabe wanted. His brute force just overpowered Chono for a while, a the tag champion just seemed unable to match his opponent's physicality. But Makabe would make a big mistake when he charged at Chono for another Lariat, getting caught with a Kenka Kick for the 1...2... Makabe gets a toot on the rope! Chono gets even more angry, screaming at the referee, and Makabe once again takes advantage with a German Suplex! 1...2... kick out! Makabe goes for another Lariat... Chono doesn't go down! Chono goes for a Kenka Kick... Makabe doesn't go down! Big strikes exchanged and Makabe gets the better of Chono. he goes for a Lariat... Backdrop! 1..2... Makabe kicks out! Chono just slaps Makabe hard in the back of the head... and Makabe absorbs it! Kenka Kick... Makabe doesn't even flich! Another Kenka Kick... Makabe catches Chono's leg, lifts him up... Kneeling Powerbomb! Makabe goes up... King Kong Kneedrop! 1..2..3! It's an upset! Makabe just pinned Chono! Makabe pins he tag champion to go through and the Most Violent Players have a legitimate claim at the gold now!
Time: 20:58
Winner: Togi Makabe
Predictions:
Asaemon - 5/6
JoeyOhCanada - 5/6 |
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Post by henriquesser on Jan 4, 2022 17:29:19 GMT 1
New Japan Cup
Day 2
18/3/2006, Yokohama Buntai Attendance: 5 000 (SOLD OUT)
CTU (Jushin Liger, Minoru Tanaka, Gedo and Jado) vs Takashi Uwano, Hiroshi Nagao, Mitsuhide Hirasawa and Yoshihito Sasaki
The opening match was only ever going to go one way, as CTU used their speed, experience and teamwork to easily handle the young lions, who did at least try their best. All the CTU members seemed pretty comfortable, and Liger would be the one to get the win, following a Liger Bomb on Hirasawa.
Time:9:07
Winners: Jushin Liger, Minoru Tanaka, Gedo and Jado
BLACK (Black Tiger, Ryoji Sai and Ryushi Yanagisawa) vs Yutaka Yoshie, Wataru Inoue and Tiger Mask
This match had a personal edge to it, as Yutaka Yoshie turned his animosity to the BLACK faction following the breakup of his tag team with Akebono. And Yoshie used that extra aggression to his advantage, overwhelming the opposing team in the beginning of the match. Eventually things would turn more competitive, with everyone getting in on the action. But the match would pick up a notch once Tiger Mask and Black Tiger got in the ring at the same time, this being the first time they wrestle eachother since their instant classic at the Tokyo Dome. Once again they would light up the crowd with some fluid wrestling, but they would remain pretty evenfor the most part. Black Tiger would eventually get some momentum over his eternal rival when he caught a flying Tiger Mask with a big Dropkick, but as he set up for the follow Yanagisawa would tag himself in. This would lead to a brief stare down between the team mates, folowing which Tiger Mask would catch an aloof Yanagisawa with a cradle that was enough for a pretty long 2 count. The BLACK member would eventually regain control, and Yanagisawa and Sai would proceed to take turns punishing Tiger Mask, but would be unable to keep the former Junior Heavyweight Champion down for the 3 count. A missed Double Foot Stomp from Sai would open up a window, and following a Tilt-a-world DDT Tiger Mask would manage to tag in a fired up Yoshie, who would then lay out all his anger on BLACK. Lariats and suplexes were reserved for all 3 members, and then a big Running Powerslam to Sai! 1..2… Black Tiger breaks it up! Yoshie goes after him, but runs into a kick from Yanagisawa, and then the Enzuigiri from Sai! He tumbles to one knee, and Sai gets a facelock in, can he lift Yoshie up for the Jackhammer? Noooo he’s too big, Yoshie fights out of it with a big forearm, Sai answers and Yoshie falls back to the corner, Sai runs after him… but he gets caught! Inoue tags himself in as Yoshie holds Sai up… Missile Dropkick and Spinebuster combo! 1…2… Sai kicks out! Inoue immediately tries to lock in the Octopus… reversed and Sai hits a Backdrop! Sai goes up again, looking for the double footstomp… but Yoshie pushes him off to the canvas! Black Tiger goes after Yoshie with a big kick that takes him to the outsider… but gets immediately taken out with a hurracanrana from Tiger Mask. Now Inoue measures up Sai for the Spear…but Sai avoids it and throws Inoue into a boot from Yanagisawa! Sai sets Inoue up… Jackhammer! 1… 2… 3! It’s BLACK that takes the win!
Time: 14:39
Winners: Black Tiger, Ryoji Sai and Ryushi Yanagisawa
Akebono vs Manabu Nakanishi
It’s another match involving the BLACK faction here, and this one should be a hoss fight as new member Akebono is up against veteran Manabu Nakanishi. The issue between them extends all the way to Akebono joining BLACK and his subsequent violent war with former partner Yutaka Yoshie at the anniversary show, where Nakanishi stopped Akebono’s post match assault against his protegé. The match was slow though, which wasn’t really a surprise given the two guys involved. It started with strikes and a lot of staredowns, with the bigger Akebono eventually getting the advantage. Clubbing blows and slams kept Nakanishi down but not out, and the favorite would catch an oncoming Akebono with a powerslam for a 2 count in his first offensive move of the match. Nakanishi would quickly follow this up with a huge suplex that almost made the arena shake for the 1…2… Akebono kicks out! Nakanishi has the momentum now and hits a big Lariat, but Akebono doesn’t go down… a second Lariat and Akebono staggers to the ropes… and a third Lariat sends him out of the ring. Nakanishi climbs the turnbuckles… Diving Chop and Akebono is down! Nakanishi follows this up with a German Suplex on the outside and gets back in the ring slowly… can he win by countout? The referee is at 14… 15… 16… 17… 18… 19… Akebono gets back in! Nakanishi immediately pounces on his enemy, goes for a Suplex but Akebono pushes him off. Nakanishi runs at him but Akebono catches him for a slam… but Nakanishi slips out from behind and hits a big Lariat right to the back of his head! Nakanishi tries to get him up for the Torture Rack but Akebono is too heavy and blocks it. Nakanishi answers with a big strike… followed by another Lariat to the back of the head! Nakanishi gets Akebono up on the Torture Rack position… and he falls down, almost like an Olympic Slam, but he can’t capitalize! Nakanishi almost hit the Hercules Cutter! Nakanishi slowly gets up, he’s signaling for it again... he tries to get Akebono up… but he doesn’t have enough left, and Akebono hits a big elbow to the back oh his head! And he follows it up with the Musou! Nakanishi looks done as Akebono climbs the turnbuckle… look out… it’s the big Splash from the top! 1..2..3! Akebono goes through and he’s facing Giant Bernard in the quarter finals!
Time: 8:12
Winner: Akebono
Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Toru Yano
BLACK look to go 3-0 on the night as Tenzan is up against the “Most Violent Player” Toru Yano, but it is worth noting that Yano’s partner Togi Makabe did beat Masahiro Chono last night. And Yano did have a role in that defeat, so Tenzan is looking at some extra vengeance, with a possible future IWGP Tag Team title match being thrown in the mix here. However, Yano came to the ring alone tonight, with Tenzan being accompanied by Strong Machine. Much like yesterday’s match between their tag partners, Yano and Tenzan had a pretty cautious, technique based start, this being the first time they’ve wrestled eachother in some time. While Tenzan is one of the top tier wrestlers in NJPW, Yano has a great amateur background and was able to not be overwhelmed against his more experienced rival. Much like yesterday’s match it was also a battle of patience, with Yano taking every oportunity available to frustrate Tenzan by using a lot of evading and rope breaks, not really letting Tenzan pick up significant momentum. But after yesterday’s display it seems like Tenzan expected this so he didn’t really get
caught in the mind games. But Yano is very resourceful, and eventually managed to rake Tenzan’s eyes to gain the advantage which allowed him to ramp up his aggressiveness. But Tenzan is no common man and after taking some punishment he would catch an incoming Yano with a Headbutt, following it up with the Diving Headbutt for the 1...2... Yano kicks out! Tenzan is going for the Piledriver now, Yano slips out and pushes Tenzan into the referee who is down now! Tenzan and Hattori clonked heads and Yano capitalizes with a Lariat. He knows very well what he's done, and he quickly goes outside to grab a chair. But he forgot about Strong Machine, who takes out Yano as he gets back in the ring. Yano rolls outside and Strong Machine goes straight after him, but gets thrown right into the barricade quickly. Meanwhile Tenzan gets up and... turns straight into a chairshot from Makabe! Where the hell did he come from?! Makabe throws Tiger Hattori back in the ring and Yano goes for the cover... 1... 2... 3! The Most Violent Players have stolen one this time! And they're not done yet, as Makabe holds up a bloody Tenzan while Yano takes the chair... but Chono quickly runs out to stop them! Things are suddenly a lot more personal now between Cho-Ten and the Most Violent Players! But now Yano and Makabe look into the next round.
Time: 12:46
Winner: Toru Yano
Takao Omori vs Yuji Nagata
This match featured two wrestlers in a very different stage of their respective careers. Nagata is a celebrated NJPW star with a fantastic career that has established him as one of the top guys in the promotion. Omori is a recent arrival in the company, despite having been a recognizable face elsewhere, and has had a very hard time in trying to make na impact, to the point where his presence in the tournament was severely at risk. So both guys had a chip on their shoulder, and a statement to make in this match. And that was evident from the beginning, because the match started with some intensity, snug strikes and tight holds being exchanged. Omori held his own, but Yuji Nagata had the most of this early exchange as predicted. Unable to match his opponent for now, Omori switched strategy and now tried using his advantage in raw power, but Nagata is used to fighting bigger opposition so he wasn't too affected by this, trying to keep the match mostly on the mat. Omori was determined to not make this an easy night for Nagata however, and the chip on his shoulder got bigger as Nagata had the upper hand. Omori got fired up, and the match turned into a strike exchange, with Omori's elbows and uppercuts vs Nagata's kicks. Eventually Nagata would start targetting Omori's right arm with his strikes, which gave him more of an advantage again. He would go for the Fujiwara Armbar, but Omori would quickly hook the bottom rope before the hold was completed as he's starting to get worn down. Nagata would answer with confident kicks to a downed Omori... but that seems to rile him up more as he immediately gets up and confronts Nagata! And now they're beating the hell out of eachother until the referee separates them! Nagata runs back at Omori... gets caught by a Big Boot! 1..2... kick out! Omori stays on him with an incredible running dropkick that makes Nagata tumble to the outside... Omori runs at the ropes... big suicide dive! He immediately throws Nagata back in the ring and hits a Full Nelson Slam, climbs the turnbuckle... big Elbow Drop! 1...2... Nagata kicks out! Omori hits a sequence of big european uppercuts... he's gonna go for the finish now, goes for the Axe Bomber... no! Nagata rushes him with the boot, and then hits a big Enzuigiri. Nagata is going for a Backdrop, but Omori fights out of it with elbows to the head! Omori foes for a Dragon Suplex now! gets the bridge... 1...2... another kick out from Nagata! Omori is close to a huge win now, and he signals for a superkick... but Nagata counters with a dropkick to the knee! And goes back to the arm with the Fujiwara Armbar, is Omori gonna tap? But Omori doesn't go down though... he's trying to get back up while in the hold... but Nagata transitions into a Cross Armbar that does send Omori down! Omori has to tap now... but no! He stays in it, makes Nagata break the hold with a Powerbomb! But he can't capitalize as he's too hurt. Both guys get back up into another srtike exchange... but Omori now uses his left arm... Nagata has him staggered goes for a running kick... but eats a Spinning Heel Kick instead from Omori! What a great counter! And he hollows it up with a Half Nelson Suplex... but he holds on... hooks the other arm and hit's a Full Nelson Suplex... holds on for another Full Nelson Suplex! Omori crawls into the pin... 1...2... Nagata kicks out! Omori is throwing everything at Nagata, but what's it gonna take to put away Blue Justice? Omori signals for the Axe Bomber again... he goes for it... but he's his face kicked in by a Nagata boot! Exploder from Nagata! Omori gets up right away! Into another Exploder! ...1! ...2! Omori kicks out! The crowd is roaring for Omori! Nagata can't believe he kicked out! Omori staggers to the corner... but that's not a good place to be against Nagata, he goes for the Shining Wizard... but Omori moves out... runs the ropes... AXE BOMBER! But again Omori can't capitalize on it, the pain on his arm is too much and he's down! Nagata staggers up... Shining Wizard! He picks Omori up... Backdrop... with the Hold! ..1! KICK OUT! Omori kicks out at 1! Nagata with a stiff elbow to the face now... Wrist Clutch Exploder! He quickly goes to the Crossface... and then hooks the injured right arm! Nagata Lock III! And Omori taps out! What a fight! Omori was unbelievable tonight, but it's Yuji Nagata that gets the big win!
Time: 25:31
Winner: Yuji Nagata
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kenzo Suzuki
Despite his return happening only a month ago, Kenzo Suzuki has had a very eventful time in NJPW so far. He immediately aligned himself with Tanahashi once again and they reunited the Kings of the Hill at the anniversary show, but this time they are opponents. The match started respectful, with both guys testing eachother. Suzuki has the size and power advantage while Tanahashi made good use his superior technique and savvy. They know eachother well, and the start is even because of it. But Tanahashi already has some experience in big time matches in New Japan, and would gain an edge because of it, making this very much a Tanahashi match. Kenzo is maybe a little overwhelmed by this as he makes a few mistakes that the U-30 Champion capitalizes on, but without really kicking things up a gear. And this might've made Suzuki slighty pissed, as he slaps Tanahashi after getting a rope break. The unexpected strike caused a bit of a change in momentum, but it also made Tanahashi realize that he was in for a tough night as he started wrestling with a bit more urgency. This fell somewhat into Suzuki's plan, as he knows this Tanahashi very well and was able to counter a lot of his big moves, despite getting caught with a couple Dragon Screws in the process. But what he didn't see coming was a big reversal from Tanahashi, as he blocked a brainbuster attempt to quickly hit his signature Swinging Neckbreaker! Tana goes for the pin... 1... 2... kick out! Now Tanahashi looks to build up some momentum as he looks for Sling Blade... caught with a High Knee by Kenzo. Tanahashi smartly rolls to the apron, giving him some separation as Kenzo goes after him... but Tana caught hit leg and hits a vicious Dragon Screw on the rope! Tanahashi now climbs the turnbuckle, is he going for High Fly Flow? Kenzo sees it coming and rolls to the outside... but Tanahashi goes for a huge Aces High instead! Both guys are down on the outside but Tana has the upper hand as he's the first one to get back into the ring. He sees Suzuki stirring... and he goes for a Suicide Dive... but no! Kenzo dodges it and Tana collides with the barricade... and then he takes him down with a huge Spear on the outside! Kenzo rolls him back in the ring... 1... 2... Tanahashi kicks out at 2.5! Suzuki is frustrated as he stomps Tanahashi and hits a double knee drop right to his gut... he's gonna follow it up... Springboard Moonsault... but Tanahashi gets his knees up! Suzuki is winded and Tanahashi hits a German Suplex... with the bridge... 1...2... kick out! Tana goes for the Dragon Suplex now but Suzuki slips out with a victory roll... 1... 2.. kick out! Suzuki immediately follows up with with a palm strike to to Tanahashi now! Tana answers back... but misses... and Suzuki hits the STO! 1.. 2... kick out again at the last second! Kenzo Suzuki can't believe it as he furiously stomps Tanahashi in frustration and picks him up for a Backdrop! Kenzo now has Tanahashi set up for a second Spear... countered into a Sling Blade out of nowhere! Tanahashi climbs the turnbuckles quickly as Kenzo gets up... Aces High! Tana goes up again... High! Fly! Flowwwww! ...1! ...2! ...3! Tanahashi beats his partner and goes through to the next round! But as Tanahashi celebrates, an upset Kenzo Suzuki shoves him... but as they staredown he goes for a hug instead to congratulate Tanahashi. It'll be Tanahashi vs KENTA in the second round!
Time: 19:55
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi
I've had this show on the backburner for a while, but got stuck in a couple matches and got too busy to finish it. But hope it was worth the wait! I'll announce the card for the quarter finals shows in the next post.
Predictions:Asaemon - 5/6
JoeyOhCanada - 5/6 |
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Post by henriquesser on Jan 4, 2022 18:43:34 GMT 1
March 25th, Aichi Perfectural Gymnasuim New Japan Cup - Day 3Apache Army (Tetsuhiro Kuroda, Kintaro Kanemura, GENTARO and BABDBOY Hido) vs Mitsuhide Hirasawa, Akyia Anzawa, Yoshihito Sasaki and Takashi Uwano
RISE (Tomohiro Ishii, CIMA and Ryusuke Taguchi) vs Kenzo Suzuki, Koji Kanemoto and Tiger Mask
Manabu Nakanishi and Takashi Iizuka vs Takao Omori and Karl Anderson
Giant Bernard vs Akebono (New Japan Cup Quarter Finals)
KENTA vs Hiroshi Tanahashi (New Japan Cup Quarter Finals)
March 26th, Aichi Perfectural Gymnasuim New Japan Cup - Day 4
Naofumi Yamamoto, Wataru Inoue and Masayuki Naruse vs KAMIKAZE, Tatsutoshi Goto and Hiroshi Nagao
Shiro Koshinaka, Tatsuhiko Taikawa and El Samurai vs CTU (Jushin Liger, Jado and Gedo)
Riki Choshu, Shinjiro Otani and Daisuke Sekimoto vs BLACK (Masahiro Chono, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Black Strong Machine)
Toru Yano vs Shinsuke Nakamura (New Japan Cup Quarter Finals)
Yuji Nagata vs Togi Makabe (New Japan Cup Quarter Finals) |
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Post by Asaemon on Jan 4, 2022 19:30:19 GMT 1
New Japan Cup - Day 3
Apache Army (Tetsuhiro Kuroda, Kintaro Kanemura, GENTARO and BABDBOY Hido) vs Mitsuhide Hirasawa, Akyia Anzawa, Yoshihito Sasaki and Takashi Uwano
RISE (Tomohiro Ishii, CIMA and Ryusuke Taguchi) vs Kenzo Suzuki, Koji Kanemoto and Tiger Mask
Manabu Nakanishi and Takashi Iizuka vs Takao Omori and Karl Anderson
Giant Bernard vs Akebono (New Japan Cup Quarter Finals)
KENTA vs Hiroshi Tanahashi (New Japan Cup Quarter Finals)
New Japan Cup - Day 4
Naofumi Yamamoto, Wataru Inoue and Masayuki Naruse vs KAMIKAZE, Tatsutoshi Goto and Hiroshi Nagao
Shiro Koshinaka, Tatsuhiko Taikawa and El Samurai vs CTU (Jushin Liger, Jado and Gedo)
Riki Choshu, Shinjiro Otani and Daisuke Sekimoto vs BLACK (Masahiro Chono, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Black Strong Machine)
Toru Yano vs Shinsuke Nakamura (New Japan Cup Quarter Finals)
Yuji Nagata vs Togi Makabe (New Japan Cup Quarter Finals)
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Post by Moore on Jan 4, 2022 23:54:12 GMT 1
March 25th, Aichi Perfectural Gymnasuim New Japan Cup - Day 3 Apache Army (Tetsuhiro Kuroda, Kintaro Kanemura, GENTARO and BABDBOY Hido) vs Mitsuhide Hirasawa, Akyia Anzawa, Yoshihito Sasaki and Takashi Uwano RISE (Tomohiro Ishii, CIMA and Ryusuke Taguchi) vs Kenzo Suzuki, Koji Kanemoto and Tiger MaskManabu Nakanishi and Takashi Iizuka vs Takao Omori and Karl AndersonGiant Bernard vs Akebono (New Japan Cup Quarter Finals) KENTA vs Hiroshi Tanahashi (New Japan Cup Quarter Finals) March 26th, Aichi Perfectural Gymnasuim New Japan Cup - Day 4 Naofumi Yamamoto, Wataru Inoue and Masayuki Naruse vs KAMIKAZE, Tatsutoshi Goto and Hiroshi Nagao Shiro Koshinaka, Tatsuhiko Taikawa and El Samurai vs CTU (Jushin Liger, Jado and Gedo)Riki Choshu, Shinjiro Otani and Daisuke Sekimoto vs BLACK (Masahiro Chono, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Black Strong Machine)Toru Yano vs Shinsuke Nakamura (New Japan Cup Quarter Finals) Yuji Nagata vs Togi Makabe (New Japan Cup Quarter Finals) Cheers pelo diário. Vou começar a seguir  |
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Post by henriquesser on Feb 4, 2022 16:47:48 GMT 1
New Japan Cup Day 3 26/3/2006, Aichi Perfectural Gymnasium Attendance: 7 515 (SOLD OUT) Apache Army (Tetsuhiro Kuroda, Kintaro Kanemura, GENTARO and BABDBOY Hido) vs Mitsuhide Hirasawa, Akyia Anzawa, Yoshihito Sasaki and Takashi UwanoThis is Apache Army’s first match in NJPW since the New Beginning tour, but their violent streak was the same as always. They worked cohesively together to beat down their opponents, with the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Kuroda and Kanemura looking especially dominant. Apache Army would pick up an easy win following a Blast Yama Special from Kanemura to Sasaki. Time: 7:14 Winners: Tetsuhiro Kuroda, Kintaro Kanemura, GENTARO and BABDBOY Hido RISE (Tomohiro Ishii, CIMA and Ryusuke Taguchi) vs Kenzo Suzuki, Koji Kanemoto and Tiger Mask
The RISE faction has been on a high since coming together earlier this year, and have a lot of momentum right now. But they faced what was probably their toughest challenge to date, with new arrival Kenzo Suzuki teaming up with top tier junior heavyweight Tiger Mask and junior heavyweight champion Koji Kanemoto. It ended up being a pretty back and forth match, with Ishii and Suzuki having a fiery brawl and the junior heavyweights lightning up the match, in an exciting display for the upcoming Best of the Super Juniors tournament. The outcome of the match saw RISE picking up their first defeat, with Kanemoto getting the pin on Taguchi following a Moonsault. Time: 13:51 Winners: Kenzo Suzuki, Koji Kanemoto and Tiger Mask Manabu Nakanishi and Takashi Iizuka vs Takao Omori and Karl AndersonThis special tag match featured three of the wrestlers that got eliminated in the first round, with regular partners Nakanishi and Iizuka teaming up against Omori and the young lion Karl Anderson. While all three men lost their previous match, they did look impressive against tough competition. Omori in particular was surprising, having a fantastic display against cup favorite Yuji Nagata in what was one of the best matches of the first round. Iizuka and Nakanishi come off matches against two dominant wrestlers in Giant Bernard and Akebono (who will meet later tonight), but they both gave them a hard fight and could’ve walked out with the win. So this match was important for all three men to pick up some momentum, while the rookie Anderson was looking at another chance to get in the ring against established NJPW talents, which is always valuable experience this early on in his career. But predictably, he’s not at the same level as the other three yet, and that was the difference maker tonight. Despite a good display, with Omori once again being intense and outing up a great fight, the team of Omori and Anderson lost when Iizuka hit the Blizzard Suplex on Anderson, picking up an important win. Time: 10:44 Winners: Manabu Nakanishi and Takashi Iizuka Giant Bernard vs AkebonoThe first match from the New Japan Cup quarter finals pits two of the most dominant wrestlers on the roster against each other, with the undefeated Giant Bernard facing BLACK’s Monster, Akebono. It looked like a case of “immovable object vs immovable object”, and the crowd seemed excited to see the two big meaty men slapping meat. We started with a stalemate, with nether man managing to knock the other down or lift each other, so they moved on to strikes and clubbing blows. Eventually Bernard is the first to fall, after Akebono lifts him for a suplex that wows the crowd. And the gargantuan Akebono is in control now, wearing down the undefeated Giant Bernard, but unable to put him away. Akebono finally goes for Musou… but Giant Bernard counters with elbows… and then a vicious short arm Lariat. Akebono staggers… and Bernard pulls him into a huge Baldo Bomb! 1… 2… Akebono kicks out! I think that move took as much out of Giant Bernard than it did to his opponent! But he gets back on his feet, signals for the Bernard Bomb… but Akebono counters with a big Back Body Drop. Akebono is looking to follow on this swiftly… it’s a ring rattling Musou! 1…2… Bernard kicks out! Akebono is undeterred, he climbs the turnbuckle… he’s gonna go for that huge Splash and squash Giant Bernard! He dives… but Bernard moves out of the way! And he follows up with a big Bicycle Kick! Akebono looks knocked out! 1…2… Kick out! Bernard picks up Akebono, that’s a lot of dead weight, he’s going for a second Baldo Bomb… oooh but Akebono with a big headbutt! Bernard is rattled as he looks to leave the ring… but Akebono catches him! Akebono has Giant Bernard set up… is he going for a Musou off the apron? No, Bernard rakes his eyes desperately and escapes, tumbling down to the floor. Akebono goes after him as they trade some shots and then a big knee to the gut from Akebono! That can break a rib! Akebono picks Bernard up, going for a powerslam… but Bernard slips out and throws Akebono head first against the ring post! Akebono is dazed now, trying to lean on the ringside railing… and big Bicycle Kick from Giant Bernard sends Akebono to the first row! The referee is still counting and Bernard slides back into the ring… 16… 17… 18… 19… 20! Akebono gets counted out, and Giant Bernard moves on to the semifinal! Time: 11:36 Winner: Giant Bernard KENTA vs Hiroshi TanahashiThere was a lot of anticipation for this main event, a first time ever between two of the brightest young stars in the Japanese wrestling scene. It’s also a clash of styles, with Tanahashi preferring a more technical style and KENTA favoring strong style. Each man tried to enforce their own brand of wrestling and that made for a very unique match, depending on who had the advantage. KENTA used his trademark stiff strikes and Tanahashi was glassy eyed a bunch of times. Meanwhile Tana used his ring savvy and took advantage of openings to hit his moves on KENTA and take control. It’s a big opening for Tanahashi when KENTA goes for a big Roundhouse Kick… but he misses and Tana hits a Straightjacket German out of nowhere! 1..2.. kick out! Tanahashi goes for the Sling Blade… but KENTA counters into a vicious German Suplex! KENTA is signaling for the end… he picks up Tana for the GTS! Noooo… Tana catches the leg and hits a Dragon Screw! And Tanahashi follows up with the Cloverleaf! KENTA struggles, pain building in his knees and back! But he gets to the rope to enforce a break! Tanahashi breaks the hold as KENTA stumbles to the outside… but Tanahashi climbs the turnbuckles… Aces High! He throws KENTA back in the ring and goes for High Fly Flow… but KENTA hurries up the turnbuckle as well… and they trade shots on the top rope! KENTA has Tanahashi stunned… Falcon Arrow from the top! 1… 2… Tanahashi kicks out! Ooooh and KENTA provokes Tanahashi, with Facewashes as he’s stirring up. Tana gets up pissed too, and now he’s trading strikes with KENTA! But KENTA hits harder and has the advantage… but Tana hits a dropkick to the hyperextended knee, KENTA drops… and Tanahashi runs at him with Sling Blade! He climbs the turnbuckle, this could be it… High! Fly! Noooooo, KENTA moves out of the way and Tanahashi crashes and burns! KENTA has him locked in now… Buisaku Knee! 1…2… Tanahashi somehow kicks out! Tanahashi crawls to the corner to get some separation… but you shouldn’t be going there against KENTA! Big knee strike on the corner, and he follows it up with… Hesitation Dropkick! Now it’s KENTA who climbs to the top rope… Diving Foot Stomp… no, Tana moves away and KENTA lands hard on the leg that Tanahashi worked over! And Tana goes after it, with an Inverted Dragon Screw! He’s going for the Cloverleaf again, but KENTA kicks him off. A kick to the face frustrates Tanahashi! And now it’s Tanahashi that is provoking him, he’s the one kicking KENTA while he’s down! But KENTA has enough, he slaps the mat and gets right in Tana’s face… and a flurry of strikes from both men follows! But KENTA gets the better of it with stiff slaps and kicks as Tanahashi stumbles to his knees… and a big Buzzsaw kick from KENTA! Tana is out cold! KENTA picks up Tanahashi’s dead weight… GTS! 1..2..3! KENTA beats Tanahashi in violent fashion, and goes through to the semi final! Time: 24:20 Winner: KENTA
Predictions: Asaemon - 4/5 Moore - 3/5 |
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