New Japan Announces Super J Cup 2016
Classic junior heavyweight tournament's return coincides with WWE's Global Cruiserweight series.
Earlier today, New Japan Pro Wrestling announced the return of the Super J Cup tournament after a seven-year absence. The reintroduction of the classic event can only be seen as a response to WWE's upcoming Global Cruiserweight Series tournament. First held in 1994, the Super J Cup is traditionally a one-night, single elimination tournament involving the best junior heavyweights from New Japan and a variety of affiliated promotions. The inaugural event was won by Wild Pegasus (Chris Benoit) and is widely considered one of the best wrestling shows in history. Since that time, there have been four subsequent Super J Cups, with the legendary Jushin Liger winning in 1995 and 2000, and current NOAH star Naomichi Marufuji winning in 2004 and 2009. No competitors have been announced for the tournament yet, but a host of the world's best wrestling promotions will be sending talent. In addition to New Japan, the Super J Cup will see participation from Ring of Honor, Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, Dragon Gate, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Kaientai Dojo, Pro Wrestling Zero1, and Ryukyu Dragon Pro Wrestling. The 2016 Super J Cup will begin on August 21.