New Japan Cup USA (2021) is a single-elimination tournament produced by New Japan Pro-Wrestling's sub-brand New Japan Pro-Wrestling of America (NJoA). The tournament will start on April 2, 2021. The New Japan Cup USA is a spin-off of NJPW's annual New Japan Cup, with the 2020 version being the inaugural edition. The winner receives an opportunity at the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship. The tournament matches will be contested through NJPW's weekly television show, NJPW Strong series.
Since 2005, NJPW began holding the New Japan Cup, becoming NJPW's second most prominent tournament, after the G1 Climax, which is held in a round-robin format, being held usually in March or April. Since 2006, the winner, receives an opportunity at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. On March 10, 2020, NJPW announced that the remainder of the tournament would be canceled as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, under the recommendations of the Japanese Ministry of Health. On July 31, during an online press conference, NJPW of America CEO Takami Obari announced the New Japan Cup USA, the American version of the New Japan Cup, to be held between August 7 and August 21, featuring the foreign talent working in NJPW, with the winner receiving an opportunity for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship. KENTA would win the inaugural tournament with him unsuccessfully challenging Jon Moxley. On February 28, NJPW announced the the second year of the tournament, with the tournament qualifying matches taking place during the month of March.
Qualifying Matches
Road to Strong Style Evolved - March 5 (Oceanville Pavillion - Port Hueneme, California, U.S.)
