Field of eight now complete after competitive STRONG matchups

With the final two qualifying bouts taking place this week on NJPW STRONG, the field of eight is now set for New Japan Cup USA. 

First on the night to book his place in the Cup was Clark Connors, who scored a shocking win over mentor TJP. Hungry for a win to truly establish himself as having moved beyond Young Lion status, Connors exploded out of the blocks at the Fil-Am Flash, but TJP was able to take advantage of his experience edge, sending Connors to the floor where he was met with a plancha. 

Working over the leg of Connors, TJP would often bait his younger opponent in simply to deal more damage, but the Lion’s Break Crown winner was able to get some space with a big powerslam at the five minute mark of the match. Connors was then able to connect with his signature pounce to get a nearfall, but TJP would respond by negotiating a knee bar. As Connors struggled and screamed in pain, he was somehow able to stand and force his weight onto the shoulders of TJP, scoring a shock pinfall victory and securing his place in the tournament. 

Filling out the bracket will be Chris Dickinson, who defeated Blake Christian to earn his spot in the lineup. Trying to counter Christian’s speed with some of his own, Dickinson targeted his opponent fast and early, but paid for his impatience. ‘All Heart’ flowed effortlessly from move to move on Dickinson, but a dropkick out of midair from the Dirty Daddy swung control of the match his way. Finding a target in Christian’s right leg, Dickinson was vicious, but Blake went high risk to strike back.

Christian would score with a springboard dropkick and a tope con giro, but in the end, Christian’s heart wasn’t enough to defeat Dickinson’s sheer strength. A brutal powerbomb and half and half suplex would be followed by his Kill or Cripple Piledriver to complete the New Japan Cup USA lineup. 

The eight confirmed entrants for New Japan Cup USA 2021 are:

Tom Lawlor

Lio Rush

Hikuleo

Fred Rosser

Ren Narita 

Brody King (2nd entry, 2nd consecutive)

Clark Connors

Chris Dickinson

The Road to New Japan Cup hits NJPW STRONG next Friday night at 10/9c on NJPW World!