Tsuji vs Naito April 6 at Sakura Genesis
March 20 in Aore Nagaoka, the final of the New Japan Cup for 2024 saw three time winner Goto seek the trophy for the first time in 12 years against first time finalist, Yota Tsuji.
Taut lock-ups marked the start of this important match, neither man able to gain an edge as they exchanged holds and shoulder tackles, until Goto finally broke the deadlock thanks to his inimitable experience in the New Japan Cup; this marking his seventh time reaching the final. A big boot from Tsuji would send Goto toppling outside the ring, Tsuji swiftly taking advantage with a perfect dive through the middle rope. Tsuji retained control back in the ring, leaving his handprint across Goto’s chest with a thunderous chop before locking in a tight leg scissors to wear down his veteran opponent.
Back on his feet Goto retaliated with a lariat and spinning heel kick to level the field, his offence culminating in a lofty backdrop suplex. Goto’s command of the match would be short lived, Tsuji’s signature combo crushing Goto with a cruel curbstomp and soaring splash. A superkick seemed to have Tsuji primed for further attack, but Goto quickly responded with a definitive ushigoroshi; the two men then meeting in the centre of the ring to exchange unrelenting forearm strikes, a battle between the old guard and the new generation in full force.
At the 15 minute mark Goto would win the generational battle with a reverse GTR and GTW, but his GTR follow up was wisely avoided by Tsuji and was answered with an impressive deadlift Falcon Arrow. Dragging his lifeless opponent to the corner, Tsuji dazzled with his impressive step-up curb stomp that has earned him victory previously in the tournament, but Goto refused to keep his shoulders down for the three count. Urgency rife, Goto locked in an unyielding sleeper hold that left Tsuji weakened enough for a stinging PK, but as the GTR was attempted yet again Tsuji made sure to avoid the death sentence with a headbutt.
Tsuji’s singular headbutt would be met ten-fold, however, as Goto rained down several of his own before hoisting Tsuji up to deliver Shoten-Kai, the same move that won him the New Japan Cup in 2012, but now it was Tsuji’s time to show his spirit as he kicked out before the three count. A ferocious exchange quickly saw Goto land another stern kick, only for Tsuji to instantly and desperately respond with a flying knee.
Tsuji took aim and charged with intentions of Gene Blaster, instead finding himself almost headless from Goto’s awaiting lariat. Paying homage to his former CHAOS mate, Goto sought to unleash his own Rainmaker but Tsuji expertly countered with a splitting short-range Gene Blaster, and the victory seemed guaranteed, if not for Goto refusing to quit in this final again. The end was imminent, though, Tsuji stampeding out of the corner to land the full impact of Gene Blaster and inevitably defeat Goto to win the New Japan Cup.
Post-match, Tsuji declared himself the face of the new era before calling Tetsuya Naito into the ring and making his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship challenge official at Sakura Genesis.
