14 Ups & 4 Downs From NJPW's New Japan Cup 2019

9. You're A Wizard, Zachary (Night 7)

Zack Sabre Jr Kota Ibushi
NJPW

There isn’t a better technical wrestler working today than Zack Sabre Jr., whose mat wizardry makes him as compelling in 30-40 minute chess battles as he is in compact sprint-like bouts.

Night seven’s bout with Kota Ibushi fell into the latter category. It was the kind of match that makes a mockery of the idea that technical wrestling is “boring,” with both wrestlers constantly working to advance position, deal damage, and, crucially, finish the bout. ZSJ is the kind of grappler who can end a match from any situation, with any hold. Emphasised by Kevin Kelly on commentary, this brought a sense of urgency as Zack ground down on Ibushi’s legs to prevent the ‘Golden Star’ from executing much of his power-based offensive arsenal, leading to Orienteering With Napalm Death (what next, Sabre? “A Lovely Weekend In Skegness With Behemoth?”) and the surprise victory.

Hiroshi Tanahashi overcame Ryusuke Taguchi in the preceding bout, with the unfancied Taguchi Japan leader (a substitute for the injured David Finlay) pushing The Ace to dive deep into his bag of heel tricks. Korakuen were electric for the former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion as a result, though overcoming Tanahashi was too big a task for NJPW’s king of arse-based offence.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.