10 Reasons To Get Into NJPW In 2019
7. Lovers Tiff
The long-awaited coming-together of The Golden Lovers was one of 2018's most luxurious long-term storyline payoffs, helped in part by the superlative matches the pair had put on before, during and after their emotional reunion.
Though NJPW probably didn't fit enough doubles matches in before Omega claimed Kazuchika Okada's IWGP Heavyweight Championship at June's Dominion pay-per-view and subsequently couldn't afterwards, their complete cohesion and unity was credited for the 'Best Bout Machine's ability to overcome mental and physical hurdles needed to defeat his storied rival.
It was on that night Kota held his Lover aloft, but as he paraded him to the crowd, was he pointing at Omega, or the belt around his waist? As that question was being posed by Twitter detectives, NJPW intensified the speculation by announcing them as B Block rivals in the 2018 G1 Climax. Kota defeated Kenny en route to a Final loss, but only received his earned title shot in a triple threat that also featured the bothersome presence of Cody. Kota took the fall, but Omega could barely cope with the pain of inflicting the punishment.
Ibushi's also been forced to apologetically look the other way during Kenny's war with Hiroshi Tanahashi. Torn between his love for his partner and respect for 'The Ace', Kota's loyalties haven't yet been put to the test. An ongoing feud and/or increase in his own self-worth could see 'The Golden Star' aspiring to sit atop the tree himself in 2018. Yet again, spectacular matches featuring the two should ensure that the programme soars.