6 Winners And 4 Losers From The New Japan Cup
1. Winner: EVIL
This is EVIL. Everything is EVIL.
The powerhouse of Los Ingobernables showed every aspect of his character and style in a dominating performance that made him the number one contender to the IWGP Double Championship. Kojima and Goto managed to take him to the limit, before he would go on to destroy YOSHI-HASHI. EVIL showed a relentless will to win, employing some dubious tactics to take down SANADA, before finally breaking through in a big way with his second win over Okada, claiming the cup trophy all to himself.
EVIL now joins a list of prolific names in NJPW's history of men who have won the cup, men like Okada, Nakamura, Tanahashi and his own boss, Naito. With these wins to his credit, EVIL is now a consistent hope to always be in the NJPW title picture, never looking the least bit out of place in a big match or in the finals of the G1 Climax.
The biggest development in all of this comes from the exchange of pleasantries with Naito. While Naito raised his fist for the typical LIJ salute, EVIL almost did the same before throwing up the too-sweet, slamming Naito and becoming Bullet Club's hottest member.
Naito won his first world title after winning the cup thanks to interference from LIJ. Now the tables have turned, and he faces those heelish tactics threatening his reign.