Last week it was reported that David Finlay had unfortunately been pulled from the upcoming New Japan Cup, due to a shoulder injury sustained during the recent Honor Rising tour.
Former two-time IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion and six-time IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champion Ryusuke Taguchi will be taking Finlay’s place in the tournament, according to a new report from the official NJPW English website.
Taguchi will be squaring off against Hiroyoshi Tenzan in the first round of the annual single elimination tournament, and if he wins the match would advance to face either Hiroshi Tanahashi or Shota Umino. As noted, the winner of this year’s New Japan Cup faces “Switchblade” Jay White for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at G1 Supercard at Madison Square Garden.
Check out the full 2019 New Japan Cup bracket here.