With the first two competitors that will fill the New Japan Cup USA’s brackets, this episode of STRONG will see us find out the next two entrants. Lio Rush and Tom Lawlor already punched their tickets; who will this week? What additional qualifying matches be announced? Ever since the KENTA vs. Mox showdown three weeks ago, viewership for STRONG has been up. As a result, expect this string of awesome shows to continue as New Japan STRONG tries to build their base. With a shot at Jon Moxley’s IWGP United States Championship on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher for these qualifying matches. Whoever is victorious will enjoy a large international spotlight and a marquee program that could span across several promotions. This is NJPW STRONG for 3/12/21.
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Adrian Quest & Barrett Brown vs. The Riegel Twins (Logan & Sterling)
The night starts with an exciting tag match with four young up-and-comers. The Riegel Twins have recently became mentored by Brody King as well as aligning with his “Do0om Squad.” That, along with the obvious chemistry between the two twins, will make this an uphill battle for the team of Quest and Brown. All four men will be very hungry and motivated in this match-up. An impressive performance could very easily lead to more air-time on STRONG moving forward.
NJPW STRONG for 3/12/21
Jordan Clearwater vs. Hikuleo
(New Japan Cup USA Qualifying Match)
In our first tournament qualifier of the evening, look forward to the first Bullet Club stablemate possibly clinching a birth in the tournament. Hikuleo, fresh off his loss to Fred Rosser a couple of weeks ago, will take on newcomer Jordan Clearwater. This one looks like a clear mismatch on paper, but as we know, in pro wrestling, anything can happen. Clearwater has yet to taste victory on STRONG, so he has a lot to prove. On the other hand, Hikuleo is well aware that Rosser is also qualifying for the tournament. Revenge is sure to be on his mind. Expect a spirited effort from Clearwater. Regardless of the outcome, he will be sure to do everything possible to set himself apart from the other rookies.
NJPW STRONG for 3/12/21
Fred Rosser vs. JR Kratos
(New Japan Cup USA Qualifying Match)
Not only has Fred Rosser had issues with Hikuleo lately, he also has targeted Team Filthy, who JR Kratos is a member of. With Tom Lawlor having already clinched his spot, Rosser is sure to have his eyes set on a showdown. Nothing would improve Kratos’ standing in Team Filthy more than denying their opponent an opportunity at the Cup. This one should be a great, hard-hitting “hoss fight.” Kratos has the slight power advantage, but Rosser moves significantly quicker. After pulling the upset a couple weeks ago against Hikuleo, will Rosser continue his hot streak and punch his ticket?
As I said earlier, this is shaping up to be another excellent episode of NJPW STRONG, continuing the trend. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more consistently good hour of professional wrestling anywhere else. And like I mentioned last week, anyone that has been wanting to give STRONG a shot, now is your chance. Tournaments always seem to elevate talent, especially under the NJPW banner. With their recent exposure, and a shot at a major program with Jon Moxley at stake, everyone has something to prove. That can only result in great, competitive wrestling.
As always, let us know what matches you are excited to see, along with any potential match-ups you would like to have come to fruition in the tournament. Be sure to like and follow Pro Wrestling Post across any social media platform!
You can catch NJPW Strong every Friday at 10 pm EST on NJPW World for 999 yen (about $9.99 USD) a month.
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