J-CUP v. 3.0

Since I'm unable to attend this year's J-Cup, I've decided to make some preliminary picks for the prestigious tournament and will step out to name who will go on to win it all.

ROUND ONE
(Round one has already been selected, as seen on JCW's site.)
American Dragon v. Supreme Lee Great: Sorry SLG, but there is no way you're getting past last year's Super 8 runner-up American Dragon.  Dragon has also been building up his skill at APW in California and is getting MAJOR recognition for his ability.

Dixie v. Dave Greco: How could Greco get past JAPW's recent Triple Crown Champion (even though recently lost his TV Title)?  Dixie has the potential to go EXTREMELY far in this business and will go to the J-Cup's second round.

Mark Briscoe v. Billy Fives:  This one is going to be a tough call.  But I think by a narrow margin, Billy Fives will stick his head out as the victor in this one.

Jason Rumble v. Scoot Andrews:  "The Black Nature" Boy Scoot Andrews is another standout who would do well with a J-Cup victory.  I think Rumble will crumble (collective sign from the bad alliteration) to Andrews.

Colt Cabana v. Damian Dragon:  Not even a contest.  Cabana is not only going to win this match, but is a high favorite to BE this year's J-Cup victor.

A.J. Styles v. Queenan Creed:  Style, all the way.  His name is growing by leaps and bounds and is another deserving athlete who could be listed as the J-Cup winner.

Judas Young v. C.M. Punk:  I think Young's injury, which has required him to receive shoulder surgery recently, will be too much of a disadvantage in his first match back to defeat Punk.  My choice: the Pepsi lovin' Punk.

Insane Dragon v. Reckless Youth:  Dragon has a lot of talent and potential, but Reckless' ability is WAY over that of Dragon's.  No doubt this will be an intense match-up, but the more experienced Reckless is my choice by far.

QUARTER FINALS (From here on, selections picked by Nate Stein)
American Dragon v. Dixie:  I think Dixie will have his hands full with this one.  Again though, I think the ability and higher potential of American Dragon will take him one step closer to the J-Cup prize.

Billy Fives v. Scoot Andrews:  I think Scoot Andrews will cut off Fives' in-ring performance.  Scoot is a tough customer and will be too much for Billy.

Colt Cabana v. A.J. Styles:  This one could be worth the price of admission alone!  My original pick of Cabana to win this tournament is going to have his hands full.  But I see the highly praised Styles going over against the superstar that Cabana is turning out to be.

C.M. Punk v. Reckless Youth:  For those who saw The Black T-Shirt Squad (Mike Quackenbush, Don Montoya, and Reckless) v. The Goldbond Mafia (Cabana, Chris Hero, and Punk) at Chikara got their eyes on a virtual wrestling clinic.  Reckless v. Punk will be no different.  But, Youth is also recovering from a horrendous back injury.  My pick - C.M. Punk.

SEMI-FINALS
American Dragon v. Scoot Andrews:  At first, I didn't see Dragon making this much of an impact on the tournament, but I don't think Scoot will be able to stand-up to him.  Thus, Dragon goes on to the finals.

A.J. Styles v. C.M. Punk:  This is incredible tough and another probably match of the night.  But, I think there's something that's pulling me towards Styles' outstanding ring ability to put him over the top.

FINALS
American Dragon v. A.J. Styles
There'll be a lot of flying in this one.  A lot of pulling out all the stops.  Again, another INCREDIBLY hard one to call.  A.J. has certainly made a name for himself and American Dragon has definitely worked hard this past year to even TOP his Super 8 appearance from last year.  I think American Dragon is going to catch the prize for this one to finally receive some very deserved recognition.