NJPW New Japan Cup Night Three: Results and Analysis
Tetsuya Naito (Los Ingobernables de Japon) vs. Zack Sabre Jr. (Suzuki-gun) w/ Taka Michinoku
Taka introduced Zack Sabre Jr. again in this one, as he is definitely becoming the hype man for him. Naito came out in a full suit, looking entirely tranquilo. He took his time getting ready to start the match. This is classic Naito as he refused to work on any one else’s schedule and removed his entrance gear slowly. Sabre did not take kindly to this, which was exactly Naito’s point.
Early on, Sabre Jr. started to tear apart the arm of Naito with stomps, kicks, and submissions. The first part of this match saw Naito getting his right arm worked over continuously. Any time Naito would show a little fire and get on the offensive, ZSJ would tie him up and go right to the arm. Finally, after minutes of this, Naito hit a tornado DDT. However, because of his injuries, he was unable to capitalize, giving time to Sabre Jr. to recover. Zack locked in a series of submissions that I have no idea how to name, and Naito barely made it to the ropes.
Sabre hit a penalty kick, but Naito kicked out. However, Naito was not out of danger, as Sabre grabbed Naito’s leg as he kicked out and locked in a knee bar. Naito writhed in pain and screamed as he tried to make it to the ropes. Naito managed to escape and hit an enzuguri. Then Naito went for Destino, but Sabre locked Naito in a wild submission. Naito tried to get to the ropes, but just couldn’t get there! Naito submitted! Holy cow!
Result: Zack Sabre Jr. (4/6 on my first round predictions)
Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5
This was a very unexpected finish. NJPW wanted to surprise us all and give us an upset. Naito didn’t really get much offense in this match at all. Zack Sabre Jr. tied him up and kept him in vulnerable positions for essentially the whole match. This was a great finish too, as it made Sabre Jr. look very strong. When NJPW decides to move someone up the card, they do not go halfway. Naito losing here is remarkable, as he is easily the number 2 star in NJPW. This is a very big deal, and means NJPW has big plans for Zack Sabre Jr. He might win this whole thing.
Next: PROGRESS Chapter 64 Review
Final Thoughts
Show rating: 4 stars out of 5
The opening tags were a bit weak at the start of the show, but the final two matches more than made up for that with two excellent showings. The shocking finish will add to the memorability of this one. Zack Sabre Jr. is a total beast, and Kota Ibushi could have a good match with no opponent (which he has done in DDT, if I recall correctly). All in all, a very fun show for Night Three! I’ll be back tomorrow with my recap of NJPW New Japan Cup Night Four!