Opening Round:

March 4th - Nippon Budokan (Tokyo, Japan)

- Yota Tsuji v. Yuji Nagata

- Hiroyoshi Tenzan v. Will Ospreay

Yota Tsuji v. Yuji Nagata

First-Ever Singles Match

Kicking off the New Japan Cup in Budokan, is a first-time singles encounter as both Yota Tsuji & Yuji Nagata will look to engage in a highly competitive battle. While these two may never have met in the squared circle in a traditional one-on-one matchup, they have indeed shared a ring dozens-upon-dozens of times, however that doesn't mean that tag team matchups have eluded them. Knowing that the Young Lion was at a clear disadvantage with much less experience than himself, he runs at his opposition, but is taken off guard as Tsuji lands a swift shot upon his opposition's leg! Clearly not expecting some quick-fire offense by the youngster, he falls down to one knee. Quick thinking by the 23 year old, has him leaping off the ropes as he looks for a running modified lariat, but is caught with a STIFF ENZIGURI! Nagata now asserting dominance for the first time in this contest, he begins to play with his opponent, laying multiple slaps on him, followed by him shouting to Tsuji "GET UP!". Backing up, letting his opposition reach his feet upon request, his cockiness seems to become his worst enemy for the time being.

This being proven as Tsuji quickly gets up to both feet and lands a huge dropkick. Now transitioning into a german suplex attempt, Nagata is able to escape and bring his opponent crashing down to the mat with a backdrop suplex! Quickly after executing the crucial maneuver, he goes for the cover...1...2...KICKOUT! He needs to calm down, re-concentrate, and realize that Tsuji shouldn't be overlooked. Upon comprehending this, he begins pounding on the young lion's face once more, but this time instead of slaps, they are just vicious punches to the tip of the forehead. Over-and-over again, each punch grows stronger, but once the flurry strikes ease up, Tsuji sends his boot right into Nagata's abdomen area! A little taken aback by this, the former falls back, which is what gives the latter a chance to lock in a boston crab... or so we thought, NAGATA SPINS OUT OF IT! Moments after the escape, he uses this momentum to land a shining wizard! NAGATA LOCK II LOCKED IN NOW! Fighting and struggling now, Tsuji is attempting to escape the second most damaging variant, but as Nagata keeps cranking on the foot of the young lion... TSUJI HAS NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO TAP OUT!

Yuji Nagata defeats Yota Tsuji (10:30)

Hiroyoshi Tenzan v. Will Ospreay

First-Ever Singles Match

Main event of the evening and it's another clash of generations. The 27 year old British Heavyweight Champion in the form of Will Ospreay is set to take on the near 50 year old veteran Hiroyoshi Tenzan. Ospreay makes his entrance accompanied by his girlfriend Bea Priestly, with Tenzan following him filled with a confident attitude. Ospreay has given the much older competitor troubles in the past, and the story clearly writes itself. The matchup begins with a lockup sequence, it wouldn't last long as Will uses his agility to his advantage, with a series of flips & cartwheels to throw one half of TenCozy off his game early on here. For his opposition, it is quite different, as Tenzan looks to use much simpler maneuvers, as it used to great effect as a belly-to-back suplex is quickly executed. Ospreay backs up into the corner, not expecting such fiery offense by the older competitor, shock arises upon his face as he uses his upper-body strength to lift himself back up to a vertical base. However, it wasn't quick enough to block a BULLDOZING LARIAT INTO THE CORNER! Looking to continue the offense now, Tenzan lands multiple headbutts to the noggin of his opposition, William now falling down head-first, not knowing exactly where he is at the moment.

The "Mōgyū" feeling like this is his opportunity to secure the victory, HE LEAPS OFF THE ROPES... ATTEMPTING A DIVING HEADBUTT, HE MISSES! Getting out of the way just in the nick of time, a boost of adrenaline pumps through the veins of "The Commonwealth Kingpin", HE SOARS THROUGH THE AIR AND LANDS A STANDING SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Backing up into the corner for the second time tonight, Ospreay lines up for the Hidden Blade, commonly known for transitioning into the finishing touches of the Stormbreaker, the attempt is reversed by Tenzan, which leads to a destructive headbutt. Ospreay now staggering, falling down to both of his knees from the impact, it prompts Bea Priestly to climb up on the apron. Visibly distracting Tenzan, which gives will the chance to recover and attack the knees of his opposition! Tenzan now down to both of his knees! OSPREAY SLIDES IN WITH A HIDDEN BLADE, FOLLOWED BY A STORM BREAKER... QUICKLY GOING FOR THE COVER...1...2...3...!

Will Ospreay def. Hiroyoshi Tenzan (14:04)

March 5th - Korakuen Hall (Tokyo, Japan)

- Gabriel Kidd v. Zack Sabre Jr.

- Toa Henare v. Jay White

- Tomohiro Ishii v. SANADA

Gabriel Kidd v. Zack Sabre Jr.

First-Ever Singles Match

Sabre & Kidd start off with some lovely back-and-forth wrestling, with the former edging ahead by using his well-regarded technical prowess. Grounding his opposition almost immediately, the wrenching of the arm would quickly begin. More specifically, the right arm being targeted, swinging it left-and-right, the agony shown upon Kidd's face is visibly shown, but is quickly into a wristlock. With the young lion now in firm control for the time being, frustrating the 2018 NJC Winner in the process, but this doesn't last too long, as Sabre transitions into a head scissors, tightening his legs around the neck of his opponent. Attempting to suffocate Gabriel, the aforementioned competitor desperately looks to escape, breathing quite heavily. Now squirming out of the common hold, he bridges over for a unique pinfall attempt...1...KICKOUT! Instead of letting Zack transition into his own pinfall attempt, he lifts him up for a soul-crushing NOTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX! Landing his arm in an awkward-looking position, Gabriel Kidd is unable to keep his shoulders up for the pinfall, and instead falls over to his stomach.

After a full 30-seconds of recovery time, the two begin to make it to their feet simultaneously with the sole intention to secure the opening round victory. Kidd running at his opposition, he is suddenly caught with several uppercuts to the tip of his chin. The young lion now being a little frustrated, visibly showing the aching pain that he is currently feeling, he runs at one half of the Dangerous Tekkers duo, but is found caught with a tornado DDT! Not falling down entirely as he's still sitting up... but slowly falls down to his back after a couple of moments pass by. Looking to seal the deal, Sabre locks in a Triangle Armbar, however it isn't able to be locked in fully, as Gabriel keeps both of his hands separated for the time being, using his power to lift his opposition into a fireman's carry position and send him straight into the nearest corner! Picking his opponent up now, looking to finish him off for good, an attempted Butterfly Suplex is thwarted Zack, which is turned into an ARTICLE 50! With Kidd having no other choice but to tap, he does just that.

Zack Sabre Jr. def. Gabriel Kidd (16:00)

Toa Henare v. Jay White

First-Ever Singles Match

With a big singles opportunity for Toa Henare up next, he looks to topple the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion in this opening round matchup. Having never broken the glass ceiling since his debut in 2017, a victory over Jay White would clearly accomplish that. While a victory for the latter would further prove he was hand-picked by Gedo to be the leader of Bullet Club, which should make for a highly competitive endeavor for both talented men. Early on in this contest, Henare tries to use his strength advantage over White, but is unsuccessful as White takes control. Executing a beautifully-put headlock, looking to keep his opponent grounded. Shoving Henare's face into the canvas, rubbing it side-to-side into the hard surface, this would continue for a minute or so until Henare begins to make his way to both of his knees, sending an elbow into White's abdomen area several times. With this repeating until Jay had no choice but to let go of the hold, staggering to the ropes, he quickly attempts for a lariat, but Henare ducks under and his opposition finds himself crushed in-half with a DEAFENING SPEAR!

White came into this contest quite confident, maybe a little too cocky aswell, he has quickly found first-hand how talented Henare truly is. Instead of heading for the pinfall, he throws White into the corner, looking for a lariat of his own but is quickly thwarted with a boot to the skull. Staggering upon impact, Henare backs up and attempts for the maneuver, but unsurprisingly is struck with another right boot, this time to the tip of his forehead. Growing a little bit desperate he places multiple Knife-Edge Chops against Henare's chest, now turning on his side from the pain, he grabs onto the targeted area, not knowing White is right behind him. "The Switchblade" grabs onto his opponent from behind, sending him down directly on his neck, with a SAITO SUPLEX! He isn't done there though, finally building up some momentum, and proceeding to look for the finish, an attempted Blade Runner is thwarted, as Henare runs against the ropes and looks for a spear! But upon attempting the well-known destructive maneuver, White moves out of the way just in the nick of time, sending his opposition down to the canvas with a URANAGE! Lifting him up once more as he calls for the finish, BLADE RUNNER EXECUTED IN THE CENTER OF THE RING! Taking his time, slowly going for the cover...1...2...3...!

Jay White def. Toa Henare (9:00)

Tomohiro Ishii v. SANADA

Head-to-Head Record: 2-1

With this being the fourth time these two have met one-on-one, and with all the prior matches being in tournaments, it certainly sets the landscape for a highly physical main event. Before locking up, the two circle the ring, trying to feel eachother out. After a few moments of doing so, Ishii lifts up both of his arms, requesting a test of strength early on in this contest, SANADA immediately complies and locks his hands with his opponent's. It seems that the strength advantage goes to Ishii, as he transitions into wrenching the arm of SANADA, attempting to bring him down to one knee. However, upon attempting to do so, the "Cold Skull" showcases his agility, as he rolls out of the maneuver, the slick-like escape frustrates Ishii. Running at his opponent now, Ishii finds a wild lariat to be a no-go, as SANADA ducks under and connects with an absolutely beautiful-looking dropkick. He rolls out of the ring, a smart move by the 17-year veteran, but the breather wouldn't last too long as SANADA meets him on the outside aswell. For the first time tonight, we find a tournament match taking to the outside, as both men leave quite a few stiff chops/strikes.

This continues until exhaustion settles in for both, both competitor's chests being bright red, they drop to their knees as they showcase how much this tournament truly means to both of them. The assigned referee for this contest begins, it gets to the count of a late 18 before both men enter the ring together. 30 seconds of recovery is seen, before they both reach their feet, SANADA attempting for a saito suplex once he is fully up, but Ishii is able to use his firm knees to block the maneuver, he tries for it again, but it's blocked again! With a firm grip still on his waist, the 2019 NJC finalist isn't trying to let go of the hold, but a few elbows to the gut gives him no other choice but to do so. Once it's let go, he attempts for a lariat but Ishii dodges, and lands a LARIAT OF HIS OWN! Now setting SANADA up in a seated position, transitioning into a SEATED LARIAT! Upon executing this maneuver, he holds onto on of his opposition's legs, as the count officially begins...1...2...KICKOUT! The adrenaline beginning to pump for the 45 year old, as he yells for his opponent to reach his feet, and upon doing so, Ishii strikes with an astounding enzuigiri, but it doesn't do too much damage as SANADA fires back with a SAITO SUPLEX!

The third time is the charm I suppose, finally successfully executing the maneuver, both men are now on their backs. Ishii now grabbing his right hip, currently in tons of pain, SANADA follows up with a beautiful standing moonsault! Ishii's ribs now being targeted, he stomps on the abdomen area and then onto the side of his opposition, over-and-over again. With Ishii now weakened, he goes behind as SANADA looks to lift his opponent up, and once he is on a vertical base, he falls right back down with a german suplex. Still holding onto the waist of his opposition, both of Ishii's shoulders currently still up in the air, as the count begins once more in this contest...1...2...KICKOUT! Amongst the kickout, the disbelief upon his face is visibly shown, as he falls to his back with his eyes rolled in the back of his head. Ishii sensing this, he slowly makes his way to his feet, SANADA looks for a sliding attack on his opposition's left knee, but Ishii dodges and attempts for a brainbuster. However, he sneakily escapes and locks in a Skull End... swinging Ishii around the ring... as he falls down to the canvas unconscious once SANADA lets go of the maneuver. Realizing this is now his moment, he heads up to the rope... connecting with a MOONSAULT PRESS...1....2...3...!

SANADA def. Tomohiro Ishii (23:00)

March 6th - Ota City General Gymnasium (Tokyo, Japan)

- YOSHI-HASHI v. Yujiro Takahashi

- David Finlay v. Chase Owens

- Kazuchika Okada v. Shingo Takagi

YOSHI-HASHI v. Yujiro Takahashi

Head-to-Head Record: 2-1

Kicking off the third night of tournament action in Tokyo, both YOSHI-HASHI & Yujiro Takahashi look to do battle, both having competed in the latest G1 Climax tournament, the experience is already there for them. But due to the former being regarded n a higher spot than his opposition in recent years, he is certainly the favorite walking into this opening contest. As expected, Yujiro uses his usual undermined tactics to gain an advantage early on, luring his opposition to his Bullet-Club buddies that are standing by ringside to cheer their ally on, which leads to Yujiro attacking YOSHI-HASHI from behind! Upon falling down face-first to the canvas, he continues to beat-down one-third of the current NEVER Openweight Champions. On one of his last stomp attempts, he is caught mid-action, as HASHI leg sweeps his opponent. Upon picking him up, the offense for the "Head Hunter" doesn't last too long, as Yujiro lands a *Intercollege Slam... WAIT NO HE'S CAUGHT IN A ROLL-UP...*1...2...3...! YOSHI-HASHI DOES IT! Getting a bit cocky, Takahashi slips up and the CHAOS member advances to the next round.

YOSHI-HASHI def. Yujiro Takahashi (12:00)

David Finlay v. Chase Owens

Head-to-Head Record: 1-1

Only meeting twice in singles encounters, both David Finlay & Chase Owens aren't completely familiar with eachother, which makes for a quite unpredictable encounter. It begins with a lock-up, where Finlay gains control, knocking down Owens with a series of chops and shoulder blocks, but is quickly knocked down himself with a dropkick by Chase. Following this, a headlock is forcefully executed by Owens as he tries to cut off his opposition's ability to breath in-and-out. However, Finlay is able to rally some comebacks after escaping the hold promptly, clattering Cobb with a series of running european uppercuts, Chase falling back into the nearest corner. Upon running at Owens, an elbow is shoved into the skull of his opposition, and as he goes for the vintage flipping neckbreaker, but Finaly blocks and picks him up for a Uranage Backbreaker. Feeling as this may be a perfect chance to close the deal in this opening round contest, he heads for the cover almost immediately...1...2...OWENS KICKS OUT!

Upon the rise to his feet, Finlay makes sure his opposition stays down, as he lands a unique-looking seated european uppercut! Falling right back down to the canvas, it seems as Owens doesn't know exactly where he's at, until he trips Finlay down face-first into the canvas as he looked for another running attack. Proceeding to now lock in a double-leg boston crab, seated on the lower-part of his opponent's spine, wrenching on both of his legs aswell. Currently in pain, it shows as David screams in agony, waving his arms in the air, as he attempts to crawl to the ropes. After several moments of struggling in the hold, he manages to place his fingertips upon the middle rope! A sense of disbelief arises upon Owens' face, and as he looks to bring his opponent back to the center of the ring for yet another submission attempt, he is struck by Finlay, upon the impact he falls to his back once again. Now realizing that this could be his final attempt in making it to the next round, he picks up Owens and lands a AIR RAID CRASH...FOLLOWED UP BY A PRIMA NOCTA! Tucking in both legs once the cover is executed, the count begins officially...1...2...3...!

David Finlay def. Chase Owens (11:00)

Kazuchika Okada v. Shingo Takagi

Head-to-Head Record: 1-0

Now for the much anticipated main event of the night, these two last meeting in the most recent G1 Climax tournament, which Kazuchika Okada ended up prevailing by making Takagi pass out with a Money Clip. Now with both men recently coming off of high-profile victories at WrestleKingdom 15, the outcome could be a completely different story this time around. This contest begins with the two circling around the ring, trying to figure out eachother's gameplans heading into this big clash. Upon this occuring, Okada tells his opposition to bring it on, and so does Shingo, the competitive nature between the two being on full display already. Quickly after this, they engage in a nasty-looking lock-up, which leads to Shingo transitioning into a heavy attack on Okada's arm, similar to their last encounter the prevention of the Rainmaker is key. Wrenching it in several directions, Okada struggles to get free, but instead Takagi leaves a shoulder block onto Okada's left arm, as he falls to one knee, Takagi goes for yet another shoulder attack, but is thwarted as his opponent rolls over and breaks free, quickly landing a neckbreaker on Takagi.

Okada now in control, with Shingo instigating a lot of the aggression in this match thus far, but still wary that Okada has been at his very best ever since toppling Will Ospreay in the Tokyo Dome, Okada begins to lift up his opposition in an attempt to continue his new-found offense, irish whipping him into the corner, he runs in for a huge splash, but finds that no-one is home as Shingo moves out of the way. Attempting to connect with a massive lariat, Okada ducks under and executes a lovely DDT to the rough canvas. Quick to act on this execution, he goes for the pinfall...1...KICKOUT! Obviously needing to do much more to put down "The Dragon", he heads up to the top rope. Takagi still grabbing his neck after a fabulous DDT, he attempts for a diving elbow drop, BUT THE KNEES ARE UP! His arm crashing on Shingo's knees, the pain writhing throughout Okada's veins, Shingo takes advantage by rising to his feet, placing a dangerously-looking lariat to the tip of Okada's chest, then proceeding to land a devastating DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Shingo screams to the fans in attendance, he picks Okada up once more, running off from the nearest rope and landing a PUMPING BOMBER... NO OKADA DUCKS UNDER AND LANDS A DROPKICK!

Now doing his usual gesture, Okada places his arms mid-way up in the air, as the camera-view zooms out like it usually does. He now locks in the crucial Money Clip submission hold, this being able to put away "The Dragon" in October, he looks to do it again. Takagi struggles for a whole minute, his eyes rolling in the back of his head, as Shingo looks to be fading. Red Shoes makes sure Shingo isn't out by lifting up his arm, if it falls he's done for. The arm is now lifted... it goes down...WAIT NO IT'S UP, SHINGO IS STILL ALIVE! Fighting out of the hold, he jams multiple elbows into his opponent's abdomen area, as he makes it to both of his knees, he lifts up his opponent for yet another DEATH VALLEY DRIVER... WAIT NO OKADA WIGGLES HIS WAY OUT OF IT AND LIFTS UP SHINGO FOR A TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER! This maneuver usually transitions into the iconic Rainmaker, which tonight would be no different. Hoisting Takagi up for an attempted finish, he turns his opposition quickly around, swinging his arm in the direction of Shingo's chest, but he ducks under and lifts Okada up for MADE IN JAPAN... BUT OKADA SNEAKILY ESCAPES AND CONNECTS WITH THE RAINMAKER! OKADA ADVANCES AFTER A THREE COUNT!

Kazuchika Okada def. Shingo Takagi (26:06)

March 7th - Aimesse Yamanashi (Yamanashi, Japan)

- Tomoaki Honma v. Minoru Suzuki

- Hirooki Goto v. Taichi

- Juice Robinson v. KENTA

Tomoaki Honma v. Minoru Suzuki

First-Ever Singles Match

With how long these two have shared a ring and been involved in the same company, it's quite surprising that Minoru Suzuki & Tomoaki Honma have never met one-on-one. But tonight in our opening match they will, the contest begins with both middle-aged men running at eachother, as they partake in a clash of forearms. One after another, the fiery offense between these two competitors is nothing short of admirable, this continuing until Suzuki pushes his opponent off and lands a destructive big boot. Minoru goes wild, proceeding to repeatedly slap the crap out of Honma, each slap growing stronger, until both of Honma's cheeks become bright red. The offence only being disrupted when Honma dodges one, Suzuki goes for another one, but the 44 year old dodges once again. Minoru is becoming quite frustrated, this costing him as frustrations turns into laziness, which results to him being laid down for the time being after a forearm sends him down to the mat. Upon realizing this, the former deathmatch expert lands a FLYING HEADBUTT FOR GOOD MEASURE! The precision from Honma is absolutely incredible, Red Shoes begins the count once the legs are hooked...1...2...KICKOUT!

"The King" still in this one, Honma knows that he has to attempt the same maneuver once more, which he indeed tries to but is found to be unsuccessful as Suzuki rolls out of the way. Once he makes it to his feet, he begins to slap his face over-and-over again, as he is feeling the momentum now shifting in his favor. With Honma still face-first, he does the exact same thing to his face, slapping him as hard as possible just like we saw in the beginning of this contest. Not wanting to take this assault, Honma attempts a Shalimar Tea, but is thwarted with an excellently placed running low-angle dropkick! He backs into the corner upon the impact, not knowing exactly where to go from here, but from the corner of his eye, he sees Suzuki running at him with a charging knee strike. Managing to escaping the dangerous scenario, he attempts to lock in the Honma Clutch, but not having the strength to do so... SUZUKI REVERSES AND EXECUTES A GOTCH PILEDRIVER! With Suzuki having enough strength rather, he hooks both legs...1...2...3...!

Minoru Suzuki def. Tomoaki Honma (9:10)

Hirooki Goto v. Taichi

Head-to-Head Record: 2-2

Continuing on with the evening, one of the more anticipated matches of the tournament is set to take place here, as one third of the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions go head-to-head against Suzuki-Gun's own, Taichi. With this being their third singles encounter thus far, both of these talented competitors are looking to bring home the victory for their respective stables. With Goto making his entrance first, he observes his surroundings and makes his way down the ramp until...CRACK! Taichi appears from behind, dropping his opponent down WITH A MICROPHONE STICK! Seeking to secure the early advantage in this contest, he pumbles Goto with a series of stomps, kicks, & punches to various parts of his body. After causing immense amount of damage to Goto's abdomen area, he lifts him up and sends him into the guardrail! Goto screaming in pain upon impact! He proceeds to then send his opponent into the ring, looking for the early victory...1...2...KICKOUT! Knowing he has to continue the attack, he lifts up Goto and LANDS AN AXE BOMBER, GOTO SENT DOWN TO HIS BACK ONCE AGAIN!

He proceeds to grab both of his opposition's legs, attempting to bring him over to the nearest corner, but a sudden spark of energy gives Goto an opportunity sweep Taichi's legs, which turns into a Tokko Lariat once he makes it to his feet. A PK/USHIGOROSHI COMBO FOLLOWS, AS THE GEARS OF THIS MATCHUP HAVE QUICKLY SHIFTED, JUST LIKE THAT! A pinfall attempt would follow, and with Red Shoes in position, the count begins...1...2...KICKOUT! Some recovery time is needed for both men, but once they both reach their feet several seconds later, they begin to trade lariats with eachother, both wanting to send the other down for good, this not coming to a conclusion until an attempted lariat from Goto leads to an attempted bridging german suplex, but is thwarted by Goto! His veteran instincts now kicking in, sending Taichi crashing down with a GERMAN SUPLEX OF HIS OWN! Which ultimately leads to the GTR being beautifully executed by the "Aramusha". The count following...1...2...3...!

Hiroki Goto def. Taichi (15:00)

KENTA v. Juice Robinson

First-Ever Singles Match

Our main event of the evening sees the matchup that was originally slated for WrestleKingdom, but due to an unfortunate fractured orbital bone injury for one Juice Robinson. Now with him being fully healed at this current point in time, this match can indeed now happen. To begin this first-ever singles contest, KENTA isn't rushing to get started, while Robinson is anxious to get this going already, which eventually leads to the two squaring off with a lock-up prompted by the latter. Not wanting any part of this, KENTA squirms out of the hold, pushing Robinson out of his way, and leaving the ring through the middle rope. The former United States briefcase holder looks to recalculate his gameplan, but Juice still not wanting to wait for the fight he's been eagerly waiting for, for over two months, he rolls out of the ring and begins chasing his opposition! They circle outside the ring, as they run around the majority of the area, KENTA smartly enters the ring once again and once Juice does the same, HE ATTACKS! Stomping a mudhole onto his opponent, he keeps him down for the time being. KENTA gloats to the fans, knowing they aren't able to respond, he gestures for them to boo.

While he is distracted though, Juice begins to make it to his feet, proceeding to run at his opponent, but out of the corner of his eye, KENTA witnesses the running attack and moves out of the way in the nick of time, as he begins to lay on multiple forearms, quite close to the once injured orbital bone aswell. With Juice knowing that this is the gameplan, he ducks under once another attempted forearm comes at him, as he begins to do the same, not letting up for quite sometime. That being until a huge knee is driven into his abdomen area, with the pain coursing through his entire body, he has no choice but to ease up and back up a bit. Giving KENTA some space turned out to be quite detrimental honestly, as after the knee is excecuted, a DDT would follow. Instead of going for the pinfall like he usually does, he begins to place the tip of his left boot onto Juice's forehead, intending to be disrespectful while doing so. This just simply infuriates the opponent, as Juice begins to make his way to his feet, getting in the face of the 2020 NJC USA winner, as the fiery offense from Robinson begins. Eventually grabbing onto his opposition's waist, landing a huge SPINEBUSTER!

Falling into the cover, the count begins for the first time in this contest...1...2...KICKOUT! Following the kickout, both of the competitors back up into their individual corners, staring eachother down aswell. Both reaching their feet, KENTA gets the early start, looking for a Sakura Knee Strike, but it's thwarted by Juice, as he lands throat thrust, the impact making KENTA fall back to the corner he once was sitting in once again. Which gives Robinson the incentive to run at him and execute a CANNONBALL IN THE CORNER! KENTA's eyes rolling in the back of his head, Juice picks him up and attempts for a Pulp Friction... KENTA escapes and pushes him off, lifting Juice up for a possible GTS... NO JUICE GETS OUT OF IT, AND A PULP FRICTION IS EXECUTED! Following the impact of them both crashing down on the canvas, Robinson can't secure the cover, which gives KENTA enough time to recover, and after a full minute of recovery, and eventually a Sakura Knee Strike is connected once Juice makes it to his feet, from there he picks him up and follows with a GTS...A THREE COUNT FOLLOWS...KENTA ADVANCES...BULLET CLUB 4-4-4-LIFE!

March 10th - Sandan-ike Park Gymnasium (Kyoto, Japan)

- Toru Yano v. Bad Luck Fale

- Satoshi Kojima v. Jeff Cobb

- Tetsuya Naito v. Great-O-Khan

Toru Yano v. Bad Luck Fale

Head-to-Head Record: 4-1

In a KOPW 2020 rematch, Bad Luck Fale is accompanied by the gorgeous Pieter, whom Toru Yano attempts to sell his well-known merchandise for. This aggravates the big man, which sets the landscape for this contest, Fale lands a huge big boot to begin the matchup! Dominating the KOPW 2021 holder, Fale sends Toru Yano from one side of the ring to the other, strike-after-strike, the hope for Yano advancing to the Round Of 16 portion of the tournament is beginning to diminish. especially after a failed powerbomb attempt turns into a raking of the eyes by the 42 year old. Upon having Fale distracted, he beings to take the padding of the nearest corner, red shoes not having any of it he takes it from him, which gives Yano the opportunity to place a LOW-BLOW ON HIS OPPOSITION...ROLLING HIM UP NOW...1...2...3...YANO DOES IT! "The True Ace" rolls out of the ring, a sense of disbelief shown through his face expressions, as he hands a DVD to Pieter before running off to the back!

Toru Yano def. Bad Luck Fale (3:03)

Jeff Cobb v. Satoshi Kojima

Head-to-Head Record: 1-0

This is the second time these two have faced eachother in singles competition, with Jeff Cobb finding success the last time around, more specifically on the New Beginning USA 2020 tour. Unlike last time, there is a prize on the line this time around, both looking for a world title shot to their name, a victory here takes them one step closer to that goal. Cobb comes out with 2/3 of The Empire by his side, as both Will Ospreay & Bea Priestly are by his side, Kojima is out next, if his clash against KENTA at this year's WrestleKingdom is any inclination on how tonight may go, Cobb should be worried. The two begin this contest with a test of strength, this easily going to Cobb, who is just simply the stronger one out of the two, sending his opposition into the corner, which is followed up by a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Kojima being crushed in the corner, Cobb transitions into a gutwrench suplex, as the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is sent to the other side of the ring, Jeff wipes the sweat from the tip of his forehead, as he warms up in this one. Heading to the corner that Kojima unfortunately finds himself in, Cobb is met with a stiff forearm, and another one! Staggered now, he looks for a delayed vertical... BUT KOJIMA ESCAPED AND ATTACKED THE BACK OF COBB'S LEG!

Upon doing so, the big man is down to one knee, now grabbing onto the ankle... LOCKING IN AN ANKLE LOCK! Cobb screaming in pain, his face expressing an immense amount of pain, as he attempts to make it to the nearest rope. Very close to doing so, Kojima brings his opponent back to the center of the ring, but upon doing so, Cobb is able to turn himself around, and places multiple rough-looking kicks to Cobb's noggin, which leaves Kojima falling to the canvas upon the impact. Cobb then gets up, lifting up his opposition and begins the traditional three Bam-Bam's, over-and-over again, Kojima falls on his left hip, which a POP-UP SIT-OUT POWERBOMB FOLLOWS IN SUIT...NO KOJIMA ESCAPES AND LOCKS IN A COZY MAX HOLD! With the modified seated arm-bar now locked in, he wrenches the arm quite tightly and recklessly, and with it not fully locked in due to Cobb's large mass, he lifts up his opposition, TRANSITIONING INTO A TOUR OF THE ISLANDS FOR THE VICTORY! JEFF COBB ADVANCES TO THE NEXT ROUND, EMPIRE NOW BEING 2-0 THUS FAR!

Jeff Cobb def. Satoshi Kojima (11:23)

Tetsuya Naito v. Great-O-Khan

First-Ever Singles Match

"The Dominator" stomps to the ring, staring at the former double champion quite intensely. Upon entering the ring, O-Khan rushes through the middle rope and the two engage in a fiery battle with some of the stiffest forearms we've seen in this tournament thus far. The strength factor quickly comes into play, as O-Khan's attacks are much more powerful, while Naito staggers from his opposition's offense, it barely phases the other. Which swiftly leads to a side headlock, grounding Naito now, using his almighty strength to keep Naito in the center of the ring for the time being, the United Empire member transitions to Naito's left leg, damaging it with a elbow to the same body part! Rolling out of the ring by the bottom rope, grabbing onto the leg once again, SMASHING IT INTO THE RING POST! Over-and-over again, it's smashed into it, with Naito screaming in utter agony. Entering the squared circle once more, Great-O-Khan lifts up Naito and looks to inflict even more damage, attempting a Mongolian Chop, but finds no-one home as the LIJ leader ducks under and makes it to the ropes for a sudden Combinacion Cabrón!

Naito has lost both his IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships this year, and losing to Great-O-Khan here tonight would only add to his decreasing self-confidence, but that is exactly what might happen tonight as Naito begins to limp from the damage done to not just his leg, but his knee aswell. Trying to pick up O-Khan, he can't do it, which gives his opposition enough time to make it to his feet and land a damaging pump kick, Naito falling quickly down to the canvas. He backs up into the corner once again, which O-Khan sees from the corner of his eye, he proceeds to walk over to that corner and begin a brutal attack - consisting of Mongolian Chops. His chest hurting, Naito is beginning to feel numb on the targeted area, as he attempts for the highly-regarded Gloria, but his opponent once again uses his weight to his advantage, keeping his legs on the ground and bending his knees promptly, screaming at the top of his lungs once he escapes, he jumps quite high up in the air, looking for yet another Mongolian Chop... NAITO DUCKS UNDER AND JAMS MULTIPLE ELBOWS INTO O-KHAN'S NECK...GLORIA IS CONNECTING THIS TIME!

Feeling as this is now his moment, he calls for the Destino, O-Khan slowly makes it to his feet and is met with a Short Destino, this usually being the setup for the full maneuver. Picking his opposition now as he looks for it, but is quickly thwarted by the bigger man, as a huge but highly effective bicycle kick is landed, which is looking to be followed up with an Eliminator. Upon being picked up in the air, Naito escapes, falling to the side and landing an enzuigiri, O-Khan not willing to fall down however, he strikes back with a lariat! Both men now down as they attempt to recover now, after a few seconds of them doing so pass by, they begin to simultaneously make it to their feet, with both men now staring at eachother now, it's all up to them to make the first move. Great-O-Khan tries to do so, as he begins to strangle Naito with a Iron Claw Hold, but multiple elbows helps the favorite to escape. A missle drop follows this, his opponent now staggering, as he doesn't know exactly where he is...running at his opponent now, DESTINOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! This concludes this contest, as Tetsuya Naito is able to advance to the next round, the United Empire going 2-1 in the opening round unluckily.

Tetsuya Naito def. Great-O-Khan (17:31)