10 Biggest Stories From NJPW's Destruction Events (And What They Mean Going Forward)
5. Kushida Advances To Junior Heavyweight Final
Due to a severe neck injury suffered at the hands of Dragon Lee during a match in San Francisco, Hiromu Takahashi was forced to vacate his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. As such, New Japan announced a four-man tournament to be held in order to determine a new champion in Takahashi's absence. The first of these matches took place during Destruction in Kobe, as former five-time champion Kushida defeated Los Ingobernables member Bushi.
It was a thrilling bout as both men fought valiantly for their shot at the gold. At one point, Bushi dove through the ropes to the outside but was in mid-air by Kushida who transitioned into an armbar on the floor. Bushi nearly stole the victory after spraying black mist into his opponent's face but was felled after two Back To The Futures by Kushida who became the first competitor to advance to the championship final at next month's King of Pro-Wrestling.
Will Ospreay and Marty Scurll will battle to determine Kushida's opponent for the gold in just five days time at New Japan's next American event, Fighting Spirit Unleashed in Long Beach, CA.