NJPW crowns New Japan Cup winner, Sakura Genesis main event set

David Finlay is heading to Sakura Genesis with a chance to win the first IWGP World Championship of his career.

Finlay was crowned the winner of New Japan Cup 2025 on Thursday, prevailing over Shota Umino in the tournament finals. The victory has earned Finlay an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship shot against Hirooki Goto in the main event of NJPW Sakura Genesis on Saturday, April 5.

In a post-match promo, Finlay promised to end Goto’s “Cinderella run” as champion. The two had a face-to-face confrontation before Finlay celebrated with his stablemates in Bullet Club War Dogs.

“I am the Savage King. I am coming for my crown, so your fairytale is over,” the 31-year-old Finlay declared. “I am taking your title — because hate always finds a way.”

This is Finlay’s first time winning a major NJPW tournament as a singles wrestler. During his New Japan Cup run, he had victories against EVIL, Yuya Uemura, Zack Sabre Jr., and Umino.

Goto, a veteran of the NJPW roster for more than 20 years, began his first reign as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion by dethroning Sabre last month. He’s already made title defenses against Hiroshi Tanahashi and Yuji Nagata.

Sakura Genesis will air live on New Japan World from Sumo Hall in Tokyo on April 5.