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.