NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING

NEWS

MAR.21.2023

#TOPICS

SANADA to Face Okada as New Japan Cup winner

Cold Skull takes first trophy, takes aim at Okada

The main event in Nagaoka on March 21 had the New Japan Cup on the line, a first time winner guranteed between SANADA and David Finlay. 

Watch the replay now!

A feeling out process opened proceedings, neither man wanting to be the first to make a mistake on such a big occasion, but Finlay landed the first major hit of the match with offence on the outside. Back in the ring he hammered fists down onto SANADA’s head, Finlay’s newfound arrogance on show as he hit a leg-drop for a pinfall attempt that the referee refused to count. The new BULLET CLUB man continued to wear SANADA down with a vice submission, but SANADA finally gained his first taste of momentum with a big backdrop, following up with his signature leapfrog dropkick and plancha to the outside to the delight of his hometown crowd. Eager to regain his footing, Finlay recklessly charged SANADA through the ropes, thrusting his opponent into the barrier twice before finally dropping his foe on the rough ring-apron.

Finlay unleashed a barrage of ugly crossface forearm blows across SANADA’s face, but as the Rebel argued with the referee, SANADA used the opportunity to land a TKO. Meeting in the middle of the ring the two men exchanged a series of European Uppercuts, but when Finlay sought to change his offence, SANADA was able to lock in Skull End. With the damage done, SANADA quickly headed to the top rope with ambitions of his moonsault but Finlay was able to get his knees up and avoid the danger; SANADA now winded, Finlay capitalised with a brutal Irish Curse Backbreaker and Dominator, but it would only earn him a two count. 

Finlay’s multiple attempts at Trash Panda were avoided and SANADA was able to hit a pop-up TKO and Tiger Suplex; quickly moving to the top rope again SANADA flew and this time successfully landed the moonsault, but Finlay refused to give in and kicked out at two. Finlay managed to get back into the game, countering SANADA’s Skull End into a cutter. Both men refused to allow the other to execute their gameplan, countering and avoiding everything attempted, until Finlay was finally able to land a stunning Blue Thunder Bomb and cutting spear, but SANADA stayed alive. A creative transition from SANADA had him lock Skull End in again, but his new modified DDT was countered into a German Suplex. Both men fought with a flurry of offence, from Finlay headbutts to SANADA rolling elbows, the heated exchange culminating in a Shining Wizard from SANADA allowing him the chance to execute his new modified DDT to earn the three count and win the New Japan Cup. 

SANADA was quick to state that he wasn’t satisfied with merely winning the Cup. He immediately called Kazuchika Okada to the ring, and offcially issued his challenge for April 8 at Sakura Genesis in Ryogoku. With a long history between the two men Okada would state ‘My rival- I’ve waited for you,’ before continuing ‘do you think changing your hair and your faction is really enough to beat me?’ promising to crush SANADA in Ryogoku, Okada sent a strong riposte, but ultimately left the final glory, at Cold Skull’s request, to SANADA.

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