16 Ups & 9 Downs For NJPW In 2018

2. The Golden Lovers' Reunion

Kenny Omega Kota Ibushi
Tokyo Sport

No 2018 wrestling storyline was as heartwarming, uplifting, and downright joyous as the Golden Lovers' reunion, which was something Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi had been building to for years.

This Twitter thread does an outstanding job of outlining the decade of history that brought them to this point. Fast forward to 2018, and after months of subtle teases, Omega leapt to Ibushi's defence on the New Year Dash show, saving 'The Golden Star' from a Cody Rhodes beatdown. Bullet Club were splintered. A Cody-led subgroup split off, effectively declaring war on 'The Best Bout Machine,' before Kota returned his former partner's favour at The New Beginning in Sapporo, rescuing Kenny from Rhodes and Hangman Page.

Omega turned babyface. He and Kota hugged. Confetti rained from the ceiling. Tears were shed among the fans and competitors. It was a beautiful, beautiful moment.

Ibushi's importance to Kenny can't be understated, and it wasn't until reconciling with his Golden Lover that 'The Cleaner' was finally able to topple IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada. The belt was partly responsible for tearing them apart in the first place, and may well be again, but it played into Omega's greatest triumph at Dominion 6.9. It's sublime storytelling. Omega, Ibushi, and NJPW deserve immense credit for bringing it to life.

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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.