New Japan Cup Night Two (3.9.25): Winners, Losers & Takeaways
Welcome to the Squared Cirlce Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!
The second night of the 2025 New Japan Cup delivered hard-hitting action, surprising moments, and plenty of discussions about the state of the tournament. Here, we break down the key matches, highlight standout performances, and explore areas of improvement for some of the competitors.
Match Highlights & Analysis
Bolton Oleg vs. Badluck Fale
Oleg, a recently graduated Young Lion, picked up a solid win over Fale. The match itself was a showcase of power, but the question remains: is Bolton Oleg truly the next big thing? While he has the size and strength, there’s still work to be done in crafting a character that fans can connect with.
Great O-Khan vs. El Phantasmo
This match showcased technical wrestling, with Great O-Khan controlling the pace. His stiff strikes and submission work made for a compelling bout, ultimately securing his victory with the Eliminator. This match further cemented Great O-Khan’s role as a dominant force in NJPW.
Ishii vs. Drilla Maloney
Drilla Maloney continues his rise in New Japan, securing a hard-fought victory over Ishii. While the match was intense, the length and repeated “fighting spirit” no-sells may have overstayed their welcome. Regardless, Drilla is proving to be a must-watch competitor with a growing presence.
Main Event: Naito vs. Callum Newman
Naito faced Callum Newman in a match that highlighted both Newman’s strengths and weaknesses. Newman, known as the “Prince of Pace,” brings high-speed offense, but the match revealed an over-reliance on his mentor Will Ospreay’s style.
Naito methodically targeted Newman’s previously injured knee, controlling the match’s flow. Newman’s biggest weakness was his inability to sell the injury effectively. At times, he abandoned selling his knee altogether, immediately bouncing up for high-impact moves, which hurt the story being told in the ring.
Tape Study Takeaways on Callum Newman
Newman has the tools, but refinement is needed. Here are a few key pointers:
Character Development: Who is Callum Newman beyond “Prince of Pace”? He needs a deeper identity beyond his nickname.
Match Psychology: Selling is crucial. If an opponent works the knee, there should be consistency in his movements and offense.
Crowd Engagement: Newman should work on interacting with the audience more, making his presence felt.
Ditch the Ospreay Mannerisms: While influenced by Ospreay, he needs to develop his own unique arsenal.Looking Ahead
With Bolton Oleg, Great O-Khan, Drilla Maloney, and Naito advancing, the tournament is shaping up to be an intriguing one. Can Newman evolve? Will Drilla’s momentum continue? These are key questions to follow in the coming rounds.
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