AEW Alumnus Confirmed For NJPW New Japan Cup 2022

NJPW just unveiled its full 48-man field for the New Japan Cup 2022.

by Andy H Murray
Cima NJPW
NJPW/AEW

NJPW just unveiled the full 48-man lineup for this year's New Japan Cup, with CIMA the only outsider in the field.

The STRONGHEARTS leader takes his place on the left-hand side of the bracket. He faces TAKA Michinoku in the first round, with the winner meeting Suzuki-gun's Yoshinobu Kanemaru, who has a bye, at the second stage.

See below for full details on the 2022 New Japan Cup:-

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This will be CIMA's third NJPW appearance of 2022, having previously shown up in the New Japan Rambo at Wrestle Kingdom 16 on 4 January, advancing to the following night's King of Pro-Wrestling Title match after finishing in the final four. Minoru Suzuki won that clash, besting CIMA, Toru Yano, and Chase Owens.

American wrestling fans may know CIMA best for his AEW sojourns in 2019 and 2020. The former Dragongate pillar made several appearances in AEW's first few months, most notably working a singles match with Kenny Omega at the original Fight for the Fallen, though he and STRONGHEARTS allies El Lindaman and T-Hawk haven't appeared since the COVID-19 pandemic's onset in early 2020.

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STRONGHEARTS have also been confirmed for NJPW's 50th Anniversary show on 1 March, where they face el Desperado, Kanemaru, and DOUKI.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.