NJPW: White beats Finlay for fifth straight time

Jay White continues to build momentum in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), picking up his fifth straight win over rival David Finlay.

Finlay, the son of former United States Champion Fit Finlay, took the fight to White in the opening contest of tonight’s NJPW New Japan Cup event, broadcast live on NJPW World from Aomori, Japan.

Both men favoured the Boston crab when attempting to submit their opponent, but White ultimately won the match after surviving a submission attempt from Finlay.

The 23-year-old, originally from Auckland, drew on a move popularised by another New Zealander, former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Pat O’Connor, when he dragged Finlay to the mat with an O’Connor Roll.

White locked in a single-leg Boston crab and watched as Finlay crawled toward the ropes before dragging him back to the centre of the ring. White hooked Finlay’s other leg to apply a full Boston crab and knelt on the back of his adversary’s head to apply extra pressure.

The referee checked with Finlay and quickly called for a stop to the match, handing White his fifth consecutive win over Finlay in singles competition.