NJPW announces New Japan Cup 2021 tournament

NJPW has announced the return of the New Japan Cup tournament for this March.

The company’s website announced this evening that the tournament will kick off on March 5, a day after their 49th anniversary show in Budokan Hall. The first show will take place at Korakuen Hall.

The finals will take place on March 20 and 21, where the company will make their debut at the Xebio Arena Sendai in Miyagi. The winner of the tournament usually challenges for the IWGP Heavyweight title, which is currently held by Kota Ibushi.

Last year’s New Japan Cup was originally scheduled for March 4, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. NJPW resumed running shows in June, starting the tournament on June 16. EVIL ended up winning, defeating Kazuchika Okada in the finals on July 11. The following day, EVIL went on to defeat Tetsuya Naito for both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles at Dominion.