Top 5 New Japan Cup 2022 MVPs

4. Tetsuya Naito

One of the tournament favourites going into the matches was Tetsuya Naito. Although he lost to Okada only a few weeks prior, it motivated the Ungovernable One to do even better. With his desire to main event Wrestle Kingdom in 2023, he needed another shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight title.

Naito had to beat off some sneaky Bullet Club opponents in the first two matches, including former tag team partner Yujiro. He got through those quickly and fans loved that his third-round opponent was Hiroshi Tanahashi, with whom he has a long history. This match, alongside his bout with jeff Cobb, certified why Naito is one of the world’s best and most charismatic wrestlers.

The most impressive part of Naito’s run in the tournament was that he managed to win by roll-up each time. Although some might see it as anti-climactic, it was the perfect attitude for the New Japan Cup. Wrestlers don’t get any advantage by how they win, just whether they do or not. Naito managed to win with as little effort as he could use in the matches themselves.

It might have been another loss for Naito in the tournament, but he didn’t come away empty-handed. This is the furthest Naito has come in the New Japan Cup in a long time. Also, after beating Okada, Naito has earnt himself a title opportunity. In particular, after a tough few years, Naito has regained some momentum which will be vital in the upcoming months.

• New Japan Cup
• Zack Sabre Jr
• Kazuchika Okada
• NJPW

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