We get on the Road to New Japan Cup USA Friday

The lineup is complete for New Japan Cup USA, with eight doing battle in single elimination competition over the coming weeks on NJPW STRONG. Before that though, big matches Friday will see key previews of the tournament ahead, with a huge main event and big news to come. 

Watch NJPW STRONG Friday at 10/9c!

Main event: Brody King, Logan Riegel & Sterling Riegel vs Team Filthy (Tom Lawlor, Chris Dickinson & JR Kratos)

New Japan Cup USA will see some fascinating and hard hitting matchups in round one alone, as Tom Lawlor meets Ren Narita, Lio Rush battles Clark Connors, Fred Rosser takes on Hikuleo, and Brody King meets Chris Dickinson. Tonight, a preview of that fourth matchup between King and Dickinson; a fascinating matchup on paper alone, but this time with added wrinkles working their way into our preview tag. 

Last weekend at ROH’s Anniversary event, King and Dickinson seemed to join forces in a wild brawl at the end of the evening. Does this present a conflict of interests for the Dirty Daddy when it comes to Team Filthy tonight? In the tournament proper, there are no allies, and every match is of critical importance. But will Lawlor be expecting a show of loyalty from Dickinson tonight as Team Filthy stand opposite Brody and the Riegel Twins?

2nd Match: TJP & Alex Coughlin vs Misterioso & Jordan Clearwater

One of the biggest surprises of the New Japan Cup USA qualifying rounds was Clark Connors advancing at the expense of mentor TJP. The Fil-Am Flash had to begrudgingly accept the loss against the LA Dojo’s former captain, and will now look to refocus, teaming with the Dojo’s current captain Coughlin in Connors’ stead. They have tough competition as they face Misterioso and Clearwater, who also want to find new focus in the wake of qualifying match defeats. 

1st Match: Rocky Romero vs Kevin Knight

Singles action will kick us off tonight, as Rocky Romero takes on Kevin Knight one on one. Knight has shown consistent progress since starting with the LA Dojo and making his debut over the winter. Yet will he be able to stay competitive against the submission mastery of Mr. Azucar? Find out in our opener. 

Plus, with the tournament action now complete, the balance of power is set to shift on Friday nights as LEC Presents New Japan Cup USA 2021. Make sure you do not miss the last NJPW STRONG before the tournament this week as the very shape of STRONG will change forever!