NJPW Strong
Episode 3
New Japan Cup 2020 in the USA Finals
#njpwstrong
Original Air Date: August 21, 2020
Event Date: August 21, 2020 (unconfirmed)
(uploaded to NJPW World)
City: Port Hueneme, CA (unconfirmed)
Venue: Oceanview Pavilion (empty arena) (unconfirmed)
Commentary (English): Kevin Kelly, Alex Koslov
Ring Announcer: Kimihiko Ozaki (remotely?), Adnan Kureishy (ringside)
Ring Area
Kevin Kelly and Alex Koslov talk about tonight’s show.
Intro Video
Match 1
The DKC & Danny Limelight vs Adrian Quest & Rocky Romero
(referee: Julio Rodriguez)
Result: Rocky Romero pins The DKC after a running shiranui
Time: 9:58
Match Thoughts
Very good match. The biggest story here communicated by the commentators, was that Rocky Romero has his eyes on Danny Limelight. After Limelight’s performance against Misterioso during Lion’s Break Collision, Rocky has been thinking of giving Limelight some sort of opportunity if he could impress Rocky in this match tonight. So Rocky and Limelight started the match against each other, and every interaction they had was a lot of fun. This was a fast-paced match of jr. heavyweights, and everyone had at least a moment or two in the spotlight. Limelight and Rocky really shined though.
Match 2
Flip Gordon & Brody King vs Chase Owens & Jay White
(referee: Sparky Ballard)
Result: Brody King pins Chase Owens after the Gonzo Bomb
Time: 8:44
Match Thoughts
Very good match. Owens and White definitely had better teamwork tonight, but Gordon and King had a good plan. Gordon fought most of the match on his own, then whenever he got into trouble King would come in and demolish everything. That would reset the match in Gordon’s favor, so he would pick back up from where he was before. It was an effective strategy, and it made for a fun match.
Ring Area
After the match, Jay White attempts to hit Flip Gordon with Blade Runner. Gordon avoids the move, but using the distraction, Hikuleo slides into the ring and attacks Brody King. Hikuleo beats up King before leaving the ring with Jay White.
Intermission
The ring is cleaned and sanitized during a brief intermission.
Video
Starting next week is the Fighting Spirit Unleashed 2020 tour.
Video
A look at David Finlay heading into the New Japan Cup 2020 in the USA final match.
Match 3
New Japan Cup in the USA Final Match
KENTA vs David Finlay
(referee: Justin Borden)
Result: KENTA wins via pinfall after Go 2 Sleep
Time: 13:35
Match Thoughts
Very good match. Finlay and KENTA took it slow at first and built up to the bigger moves towards the end of the match. Finlay looked like he might start going after KENTA’s taped-up shoulder, but really it seemed like he was just trying to wear down KENTA overall. KENTA’s attacks started to come together a bit quicker than Finlay’s, so KENTA started to take control of the match more as it went along. By the end, KENTA maybe wasn’t totally dominant, but he was definitely in the lead. Still, a few bursts of offense from Finlay shook the foundation that KENTA had built. This was a very entertaining match, and it was a fine finish to the New Japan Cup in the USA tournament.
Ring Area
After the match, KENTA receives his trophy and contract for the IWGP US Heavyweight Championship. KENTA wonders where Jon Moxley (the current US CHamp) is and what he’s been doing. As KENTA speaks, Jeff Cobb runs out and attacks KENTA from behind. KENTA escapes, but he leaves his trophy and contract in the ring. Cobb picks up the contract, thereby challenging KENTA for the US Title rights contract.
Show Impressions
This was a very good show. I’m really enjoying there NJPW Strong shows, and I’m glad they’re going to continue even though the NEW Japan Cup in the USA has concluded. The stories they’re building are interesting, and I like that they’re maintaining interest in the IWGP US Title even though it hasn’t been defended in a very long time, and probably won’t be defended again for another very long time. I also enjoy that these USA shows have different formats than the Japanese NJPW shows. It gives them a different feel, but it still feels like NJPW. Plus, I’m getting to see a lot of wrestlers that otherwise wouldn’t be highlighted as strongly as they are on these shows.
Match of the Night
KENTA vs David Finlay
I liked this a lot. KENTA’s great, but I think this whole tournament really raised David Finlay’s stock as a singles wrestler. I’d like to see him in more one on one matches.
Official Results: https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/77916?showResult=1