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

1. Naito & Ibushi Tear It Up

Herein lies the dilemma of the modern New Japan fan: Kota Ibushi and Tetsuya Naito undoubtedly shortened each other's career's during their gratuitous head-drop fest, but holy sh*t, was it a great match.

There's a degree of guilt in consuming bouts like this. You know they aren't working smart, but the drama these risks create is undeniable. Their clash was, at points, like watching a horror movie unfold. Those of certain dispositions likely found themselves watching its grislier moments through their fingers. When Naito tombstoned Ibushi on the apron, it was impossible not to cringe, and that Tiger Driver? Let's just say it made your writer's neck hurt, nevermind Naito's.

Ghoulish as it was, the violence suited the story. This was Ibushi's first big singles clash since Will Ospreay concussed him at Wrestle Kingdom. Thus, Naito targeted his head. In kayfabe terms, that's smart, and Ibushi, that lunatic, responded in kind, though he spent much of the bout on the backfoot, absorbing some of the IWGP Intercontinental Champion's biggest bombs.

A wrestler can only work so many bouts like this throughout their career. We've seen Naito and Ibushi wrestle several of them now. All safety concerns are valid, and while skipping this bout because of its head-droppery is understandable, those with the stomach for it will be rewarded with one of the year's most exciting and dramatic clashes so far.