7 Ups & 3 Downs From NJPW Royal Quest

5. The Golden Star Shines

What an ovation Kota Ibushi and Juice Robinson got as they strode out for Royal Quest's second match - a tag team bout vs. Bullet Club's Hikuleo and Yujiro Takahashi. It's a shame that NJPW could find something between for the G1 Climax winner and his charismatic partner to do on this show, as stacked as the card was.

Regardless, the FITE.tv stream remained plagued by issues as the bout started, with no sign of commentary and constant cutouts during the ring entrances. Finally, Gino Gambino's voice came in as the first bell rang - though there was still no sign of Kevin Kelly.

Action-wise, the match was about what should've been expected: a fun, straightforward clash designed to highlight the babyfaces as they conquered two lower-tier heels. Hikuleo and Takahashi were fine. Neither is a particularly advanced performer but their heat segments generated support for Ibushi and Robinson, which is always the goal. Juice's hot tag got a big pop, and yes, Bullet Club were only ever there to take the loss, but there was nothing wrong with the execution.

Ibushi scored the victory with a Kamigoye knee on Hikuleo. The bout concluded exactly as it should have. Fine.

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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.