New Japan Cup 2021, Night 9 and 10 Tournament Matches Predictions

 

The first of half of round 2 has come and gone and we move on to the second half.  There was a big surprise once again, and I have a question, why would O-Khan beat Naito in round one only to lose to Yano in round two, that doesn't make much sense at all does it?  Regardless we got some big matches in night 9 and 10 so let's get right into the matches and check out the updated bracket.

Night 9, Round 2

Yuji Nagata vs. Sanada

These two have only met in singles competition twice and the record is even, 1-1.  Their most recent meeting was weeks ago in the build to the Castle Attack event where Sanada won.  With that said, there's no reason Nagata should win here, Sanada is the future of this company and has the most upside while Nagata is in the twilight of his career.  As I've mentioned before I'm surprised the likes of Nagata, Tenzan, and Kojima were even in this tournament and not any top Junior division talents but that's besides the point.  Sanada should win this easily and move on to the next round where he'd face the winner of the next match.

Winner: Sanada

Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Will Ospreay

These two have a rich history against one another in five different wrestling federations, in four different countries, on three different continents, dating back seven years.  With the most recent taking place last February in Rev Pro which was won by Ospreay.  As far as overall record goes, Sabre Jr. has the advantage 8-5.  Right now, Ospreay needs the win a lot more, The Empire has not been getting over like they had hoped and Ospreay continuing to move on in this tournament is a step in the right direction.  You could argue that Zack should keep the momentum here but Ospreay definitely needs it more.  So I'm picking Ospreay to win this one and move on to face Sanada which will be a freaking classic for sure.

Winner: Will Ospreay

Night 10, Round 2

David Finlay vs. YOSHI-HASHI

This is only the second time these two will ever face one on one.  The last time was over five years ago when Finlay was still a young lion.  This match is pretty hard to call, because I don't see either one of them going much farther then this round especially with who they would face in the next round.  For the sake of having to pick someone here I'm gonna go with YOSHI-HASHI.  I can't stand him still being in these tournaments because he never really does anything or goes anywhere, Finlay won't be a singles star for some time but he will flourish as a tag team guy for years to come.  So anyway YOSHI-HASHI wins here.

Winner: YOSHI-HASHI

Jay White vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Hiroshi Tanahashi got a first round bye just like EVIL I think for being the NEVER Openweight champion, Tanahashi is entering his twelfth New Japan Cup, and his seventh consecutive, and he's won it twice in 2005 and 2008.  These two haven't faced each other in almost two years but Jay White has won the last two meetings and has and has the advantage 3-2.  Every time these two get in the ring together it is a classic and it's very tough to call this one because it could go either way but, I think Jay is gonna win because I can see him going to the finals possibly.  Tanahashi is still very good despite his recent run of injuries and such, but he is the NEVER Openweight champion at the moment and I'm sure that even if Jay doesn't win this tournament they will face again for this belt when Jay beats him here.  So Jay White moves on to the not so exciting match up against YOSHI HASHI.

Winner: Jay White

So that's gonna do it for me, again I hope everyone has enjoyed the tournament to this point and is enjoying these articles and me giving my thoughts on each of the matches as they occur.  Surprises keep happening and I'm sure there will be more to come, as the tournament roles on.  Thanks again for reading.