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

2. Spectacular Semis (Night 11)

The final 10 minutes of Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kazuchika Okada were as good as anything else you'll see in a wrestling ring all year.

It was the kind of emotional action only Ishii can produce, as the 'Stone Pitbull' somehow convinced the crowd that despite all logic, despite New Japan needing a guy like Okada - not a stout, scruffy brawler like Tommy - to headline the G1 Supercard, he could fell the mighty 'Rainmaker' and reach the finals. The near-falls were proper heart-in-mouth stuff. Ishii's avalanche Brainbuster was particularly beautiful, and the sliding Lariat that followed Okada's kickout produced the kind of almost-three-count that the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has made a trademark.

Reversing the Rainmaker into a surprise armbar gave Ishii his biggest moment, turning any remaining Okada supporters to his side. As usual, though, the night wasn't his. Okada's ability to escape multiple Brainbuster attempts won him the bout. His last, decisive Rainmaker broke Ishii's heart and those of everyone in attendance, putting an exclamation mark on this near-***** banger.

The Cup's best night or pure tournament action concluded with SANADA vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi. The main event wasn't as attritional or war-like as Ishii/Okada, following a more conventional back-and-forth blueprint, but it was almost as exciting. Tana, once again, played a subtle heel. SANADA was wrestling an hour from his hometown. The crowd was behind him, and with several nods to The Great Muta (SANADA's mentor, and one of Tanahashi's big influences), they were as sharp, slick, and professional as you'd expect. with 'Cold Skull's' submission of the Ace a significant upset.