5 takeaways from New Japan Cup 2018
NJPW's New Japan Cup has always been overshadowed by the G1 Climax, but it has proven time and again that it's a platform to set up future stars.
Despite not considered as prestigious as the G1 Climax, the New Japan Cup has a legacy of its own. Wrestlers who won the tournament have gone on to become the IWGP Champion, like Yuji Nagata in 2007 and "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada in 2013, or The IWGP Intercontinental Champion, like Shinsuke Nakamura.
The tournament has played an important role in some wrestlers' career such as solidifying Hirooki Goto as a prominent member of the roster or giving some wrestlers the boost that they desperately needed, like Ibushi and Naito in 2015 and 2016 respectively
The New Japan Cup 2018 concluded recently, and the tournament earned the plaudits of NJPW's loyal fans. Here are 5 takeaways from New Japan Cup 2018!
#5 The Stone Pitbull still leashed
Arguably one of the most underrated wrestlers in the world, Ishii was expected to shine in this year's New Japan Cup. Though he was never the favourite to win the whole thing, nobody expected his departure in the first round.
Ishii fell victim to Michael Elgin after a gruelling brawl, which left many fans of the Stone Pitbull disappointed. He was featured during the rest of the tour, teaming up with Toru Yano, but what is next for him? Only time will tell.