13 Ups & 4 Downs From NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13

1. Cody Vs. Juice Falls Short

The wrong match for the wrong crowd on the wrong show in the wrong building, Cody vs. Juice Robinson ticked none of the intended boxes.

This is surprising. While many would've had it among their least anticipated bouts of the night, few could've foreseen it being so miscalculated. They worked a turgid WWE-style lower-midcard plodder rife with smoke, mirrors, silly interference spots, distractions, a teased referee bump, and Robinson selling for a bad Brandi Rhodes spear. That isn't to fault their workrate, but they presented a pantomime to an audience that wanted an opera.

It wasn't even a good pantomime, either. Not nine minutes long, It was exactly the kind of nonsense-laden clanger we crucify WWE for every other week, though they at least chose the right winner. AEW-related considerations aside, the affable, fiery Juice is the right guy to help move NJPW's American expansion to its next phase, while the bulk of Cody's time will be spent elsewhere going forward. A satisfying destination at the end of an unsatisfying journey.

Cody's usually so fantastic in these sports entertainment-style environments, too. That's what's most frustrating.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.