[Results] New Japan, 3/22/09

Hirooki Goto today moved one step closer to the top, following up on his shocking G1 Climax win last August by capturing the fifth annual New Japan Cup. A hot crowd in Amagasaki saw Goto do the seemingly impossible and beat two of New Japan's upper tier. Before that, Giant Bernard ended Yutaka Yoshie's good run in the tournament, cradling him to reach his third NJC final. The other semi final then saw Goto avenge his Sumo Hall loss with a huge win over Nagata, using the modified armlock he has been favouring recently for the win.
This set up the final of Goto vs. Bernard, a match with history as you might recall, AFTER Goto won the G1 last year, Bernard scored two successive wins over him in what remained of the year. Goto again had trouble with the bigger and stronger gaijin ace, but his improving submission techniques made a big difference, as he got Bernard in a cross armbreaker and transitioned into the same modified armlock for the tap and win! Goto has now earned a shot against the winner of Tanahashi vs. Angle for the IWGP Heavyweight Title on May 3rd at the Fukuoka International Center. Tanahashi, ahead of his match with Angle, defeated another American star in the form of former WWE Intercontinental Champion, Val Venis, landing the High Fly Flow in this non-title match.