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

13. Played For Laughs (Night 8)

Colt Cabana Toru Yano
NJPW

The problems with the two-tournament-bouts-per-show format came to the forefront on night eight. This wasn’t a bad show, and both contests were serviceable, but getting to them was a slog, and receiving two decent-to-good clashes at the end of a mediocre night felt like a scant reward.

Toru Yano vs. Colt Cabana is a dream comedy match, and the tournament’s most divisive bout. That’s what happens when wrestling is played for laughs. Nothing in the sport is more subjective, and while watching Colt trying to out-banter Yano tickled some, those who prefer their wrestling straight-forward and serious will want to give this one a wide berth.

Said fans will have found more entertainment in SANADA vs. Minoru Suzuki, which was solid without ever threatening to become spectacular. ‘Cold Skull’ is often criticized for his perceived lack of charisma, but he had the building hotter than hell as he fought against Suzuki’s ruthlessness, despite this being one of the tournament’s slower main events. The Moonsault put ‘The King’ away following a lengthy period on the backfoot.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.