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The Week That was in Pro Wrestling: tournaments, tournaments everywhere

By JP Abcede

MANILA--I apologize that I missed the previous two weeks as a lot of wrestling action occurred at that time. First, there was Philippine Wrestling Revolution's Path of Gold and Art of War Wrestling's debut event titled Genesis from two weeks ago. Then, the WWE broke the internet last week with the "Ultimate Deletion" on Raw and the announcement of Daniel Bryan getting cleared for in-ring competition.

However, I would like to focus on the numerous tournaments in various major promotions that are either going on or have already wrapped up.

Zack Sabre, Jr wins New Japan Cup, challenges Okada for IWGP belt

Sabre passed through the proverbial eye of the needle, as he went the gamut of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's deep roster to win the 2018 New Japan Cup and call out Okada Kazuchika for the International Wrestling Grand Prix heavyweight championship.

The British submission specialist defeated Naitō Tetsuya in the first round, followed by a stoppage over Ibushi Kōta the following round.

In the semifinals, he went up against SANADA and went on to score the victory after 26 and a half minutes.

Finally, Sabre beat air guitar-playing Tanahashi Hiroshi in the finals on March 21 before announcing that he would battle Okada for NJPW's most prestigious belt.

Roode/Flair join Awe-ska in Mixed Match Challenge finals

The WWE MMC draws to a conclusion next week as The Miz and Asuka would take on Bobby Roode and Charlotte Flair, who defeated second chance poll winners Finn Bálor and Sasha Banks in the second semifinal match this week.

Becky Lynch took over as Roode's partner for the night as the SmackDown Live women's champion called in sick after undergoing dental surgery.

It is worth noting that Asuka and Flair would once again face each other at WrestleMania with the latter's title on the line.

Authors of Pain shoot for second Dusty Rhodes tourney win

Another WWE tournament set to finish next week is the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic over on NXT.

2016 victors Authors of Pain would like to win it again, as they face Moustache Mountain replacements Roderick Strong and UK champion Pete Dunne.

The winner here would challenge for the NXT tag belts against The Undisputed Era at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans a day before WrestleMania

It's Alexander vs Ali for WWE cruiserweight championship

Speaking of WrestleMania, the refurbished WWE cruiserweight division would crown its new champion on that event with Cedric Alexander battling Mustafa Ali for the top prize. Regardless who wins, it would be the first time either would get to hold the belt.

Women of Honor bracket reaches the semis round

Before proceeding, be warned for possible spoilers.

Former WWE talent Tenille Dashwood remains to be the most recognizable name as she faces Japanese veteran Sakai Sumie in the semifinal of the tournament for Ring of Honor's first women's title holder. The other pairing pits ROH regular Kelly Klein and up and comer Iwatani Mayu.

Follow him on Twitter: @jpabcede