Hiromu vs. Lio Rush title match set for NJPW New Japan Cup finals event

Hiromu Takahashi will defend the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against Lio Rush at the NJPW New Japan Cup finals event on March 21.

NJPW announced the title bout on Monday after Rush issued a challenge to Hiromu via video promo during Saturday’s The New Beginning in Osaka show. 

Prior to their title match on the 21st, Hiromu and Rush will be on opposite sides of a tag team bout at NJPW’s 51st anniversary show on March 6, where it will be Hiromu and BUSHI teaming against Rush and YOH. A pair of first round New Japan Cup matches are also set for that show, with Tomohiro Ishii taking on David Finlay, as well as Shota Umino facing Yujiro Takahashi. 

NJPW has revealed the bracket for the New Japan Cup 2023, with first round bouts set for March 5, March 6, and March 10. The second round will be held on March 11, March 12, March 13, and March 15. 

The New Japan Cup quarterfinals are set for March 17 and March 18, with the semifinals taking place on March 19. 

The New Japan Cup winner will receive a shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Sakura Genesis on April 8.