In Nagoako, Niigata, Japan’s City Hall Plaza Aore today (March 21), New Japan Pro-Wrestling held the finals of their annual New Japan Cup single-elimination tournament. It came down to United Empire leader Callum Newman and Yuya Uemura.
The two waged a 25-minute war that ended with the 23-year-old Newman becoming the youngest-ever New Japan Cup winner.
It took multiple brainbusters, a lariat, and his Make Way finisher, but the English heel was finally able to put away his 31-year-old opponent.
Newman will now challenge Yota Tsuji for the IWGP Heavyweight title Sakura Genesis on April 4. After receiving the tournament’s trophy from NJPW president Hiroshi Tanahashi, the Cup-winner declared that not only was Will Ospreay’s old faction his — New Japan is too. That brought out the champ for a staredown. United Empire hit the ring to surround Tsuji, but their boss waved them off. After Tsuji left, Newman told the crowd to make way for the prince, and to get ready to kiss the crown.
With talent like David Finlay and EVIL continuing the exodus of established New Japan stars for North American promotions, the company has been featuring new names and younger talent. Newman is young even by standards of this youth moment, however. Tsuji, for instance, is 31. Shota Umino, another newer name NJPW is hoping will carry them into the future and who seems headed for a showdown with Konosuke Takashita after Takeshita’s successful New Japan TV title defense today.
Like the direction NJPW seems to be headed, puroresu-loving Cagesiders?