Top 10 best NJPW matches of 2021 so far

#6 Will Ospreay vs. Shingo Takagi in the New Japan Cup 2021 Finals (NJPW New Japan Cup 2021 Finals)

Shaken but undeterred, Shingo Takagi and Will Ospreay emerge as New Japan Cup finalists in Sendai. New Japan CUPdate:https://t.co/f4EEBP3mN2#njpw #njcup pic.twitter.com/vPWbOuIUf1

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) March 20, 2021

From the bloodiest encounter of the NJPW New Japan Cup 2021, let's look back on the finals of the tournament. Will Ospreay and Shingo Takagi put together one of the greatest series of matches in recent memory. Their Best of Super Juniors 26 Finals contest was the 2019 Match of the Year for many fans, while their G1 Climax 30 bout was one of the best in the tournament.

In the New Japan Cup 2021, these were two different competitors than fans had seen in their two previous classics. Will Ospreay had turned his back on his CHAOS stable and the NJPW fans, while Shingo Takagi had become the most reliable performer for the promotion. Takagi had also taken a tougher road to the finals than Ospreay.

Will Ospreay had a focused attack on the injured back of his opponent. There were stiff strikes to the back and back suplexes on the guardrail. Despite that, Takagi wouldn't quit. There were many highlights in the fight, including one of the best sequences seen in NJPW and the business this year.

How did Shingo Takagi react to a mid event earthquake during the New Japan Cup? What was behind his choice of entrance weaponry opposite Will Ospreay? Check out the interview!https://t.co/rsc67hJWWu#njpw #njdontaku pic.twitter.com/IjsEbCcJZG

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) April 15, 2021

Ospreay flipped out of Shingo's Pumping Bomber and immediately ran to the ropes to hit an Os-Cutter for a nearfall. Another highlight saw Ospreay hit a 450 Splash from the top rope on Takagi through the table. It was tremendous action that had the NJPW audience on the edge of their seats.

In the closing moments, Ospreay hit the Hidden Blade and followed it with the Stormbreaker to win the 2021 New Japan Cup. It's a crime that many fans of NJPW feel Will Ospreay turning on his girlfriend Bea Priestley after the match overshadowed this contest because it should be considered one of the year's best.