Second set of qualifying matches as Strong Style Evolved continues
Strong Style Evolved continues Friday on NJPW STRONG. After Tom Lawlor and Lio Rush qualified for the eight man tournament on Friday night, two more will advance on this week’s episode. Who will it be?
Watch NJPW STRONG Fridays at 10/9c on NJPW World!
Main event: New Japan Cup USA Qualifier- Fred Rosser vs JR Kratos
Our main event Friday sees Fred Rosser collide with JR Kratos with a spot in New Japan Cup USA at stake. Rosser has had issues with Team Filthy ever since the group started to make themselves known on NJPW STRONG, and with Tom Lawlor already in the tournament, the Suntan Superman will aim to potentially meet him in the cup. Yet to do so, he’ll have to get past a formidable Team Filthy representative in JR Kratos. This super heavyweight clash is sure to be violent and hard fought; Kratos is likely to have a power edge over Rosser, but after Mr. No Days Off managed to surprise Hikuleo during New Beginning USA, will he prove to be resourceful enough to force his opponent out of the cup?
2nd Match: New Japan Cup USA Qualifier- Hikuleo vs Jordan Clearwater
Also aiming to qualify will be Hikuleo this week as he faces Jordan Clearwater. After Hikuleo lost to a backslide and handful of hair to Fred Rosser just a couple of weeks ago, BULLET CLUB’s Young Gun is likely hoping for a Rosser win and a quick chance of revenge should the brackets work out, but to get in that position, he has to prevent an upset from Clearwater.
The ‘Golden Child’ has been anything but a firm investment on NJPW STRONG, and is yet to pick up a victory. Yet with progression in every match, it wouldn’t be out of the question for Clearwater to shock the world, and a single elimination tournament is just the place for a huge upset. Could Clearwater make the elite eight?
1st Match: Adrian Quest & Barrett Brown vs The Riegel Twins (Logan & Sterling)
The night’s action will start with the Riegel Twins taking on Barrett Brown and Adrian Quest. All four men in this match are looking to step up their presence on NJPW STRONG in 2021, and Brown is particularly hungry for a win. With no major victory, he will want to take the lead against his opponents tonight, but the Riegels will be hard to beat in tag competition. Under the guidance of Brody King, the Riegels have embraced a position in King’s ‘Do0om Squad’ and will bring an added level of aggression to this opener tonight.
