3/5 New Japan Cup Results: Day One – First Round Matches Complete

TOURNAMENT MATCH

Toru Yano vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Yano tries to take the turnbuckle padding off, but gets attacked from behind. He distracts the referee and hits a low blow, then almost rolls up Tanahashi for a ridiculously close two-and-a-half count. Both trade roll-ups for nearfalls, until Yano actually picks up the biggest upset of his entire career, and pins Tanahashi. 

Winner: Toru Yano

TOURNAMENT MATCH

Kazuchika Okada vs. Bad Luck Fale

Okada spends the first few minutes trying to chop down the big man. Fale misses a leg drop, but throws his opponent over the ropes into the barricade. Tama Tonga joins in the attack to double team Okada on the floor. The beatdown continues for several minutes; so far they’re booking this exactly like the other two “David vs. Goliath” Bullet Club matches. Fale misses a splash to give another opening, and Okada takes advantage with a DDT. He clotheslines the big man over the top rope and takes a breather. He sends him over the barricade and tries for a suicide dive, but Fale catches him and hits a powerslam onto the floor. He barely answers the 20-count. Fale sets up for a powerbomb but Okada manages to throw him over. He starts throwing elbows that have little effect, but neither do Fale’s. Okada with a running dropkick to take him off his feet, followed by a diving elbow. He calls for the finish, but Fale counters the Rainmaker with a Samoan Drop for two. He connects with a massive spear, but Okada kicks out. Another powerbomb attempt gets countered into a neckbreaker. Okada attempts to get him up for a Tombstone, but settles for a dropkick. He hits yet another dropkick, counters a chokeslam with ANOTHER dropkick, but runs into a lariat. Fale connects with a Samoa Spike for two. Fale connects with a top rope splash for two. He hits the Bad Luck Fall and finally picks up three. 

Winner: Bad Luck Fale


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