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

3. Make It Rain

Kazuchika Okada New Japan Cup
NJPW

The 2019 New Japan Cup final between SANADA and Kazuchika Okada was worked to the company's classic main event formula, with a 30+ minute runtime opening with careful, exploratory changes unfolding slowly with a gradual escalation of spots and moments, leading to a thrilling closing stretch.

If you like this style, you'll love the match. It was textbook Okada. Hiroshi Tanahashi is his only rival when it comes to telling these kinds of in-ring stories, and his victory is a surefire sign that the 'Rainmaker' is back to his best.

Okada was the right man to win the New Japan Cup. Madison Square Garden sold out in under 30 minutes, so NJPW didn't necessarily need a draw for the show. What they did need, however, was somebody capable of giving Jay White a fantastic match. These American NJPW shows need to start feeling essential, particularly after the visa debacle earlier this year. Fans need to feel like they're getting their money's worth; otherwise, people are going to start turning on the product, and now, in New York City, they'll get to see the promotion's star against its cocky heel champion. It's impossible to fault this booking.

Credit to SANADA, too, who undoubtedly enhanced his position throughout this surprise NJ Cup run. He benefitted from working in front of near-hometown crowds, and his calm charisma still doesn't always connect, but mechanically, the guy's a sublime wrestler. This could well be the year he breaks into true Intercontinental/Heavyweight Title contention. For now, though, he must wait.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.