2017 New Japan Cup Winner Crowned

Sean Ross SappMarch 20, 2017, 4:56 pm

After a nearly two week tournament, Katsuyori Shibata is the winner of the New Japan Cup.

Shibata was able to topple Bullet Club member Bad Luck Fale in the New Japan Cup finals March 20, in a battle that lasted nearly 19 minutes. The night before, Shibata managed to submit Tomohiro Ishii. Earlier tournament matches saw Shibata defeat Juice Robinson and Minoru Suzuki.

Shibata will now go on to face off against his choice of IWGP Heavyweight, Intercontinental or NEVER Openweight Champion at this year's Sakura Genesis show. Shibata would subsequently choose to face Heavyweight Champ Okada. New Japan Cup winners traditionally haven't had great luck in their title matches, as they're currently 4-7.

Fightful will have full, live coverage of Sakura Genesis on April 9.