Kota Ibushi, Hideo Itami Forming Dream Team for WWE NXT Tournament

Kota Ibushi is returning to NXT to compete in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, but with a special partner.

Kota Ibushi became the star of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic as he put on a high-quality match in each performance. His road to the finals got thwarted, however, by TJ Perkins, who won the tournament. It’s possible that The Golden Star didn’t advance because he’s not going to be part of Raw’s cruiserweight division.

Before Ibushi’s elimination, he took part in an NXT match, against Buddy Murphy and won. It seemed like a one-off appearance for the former NJPW star, but it seems that’s not the case.

On Thursday afternoon, the WWE NXT Twitter account announced that Ibushi will team with Hideo Itami in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.

Not to take the 1992 United States men’s Olympic basketball team’s moniker, or what Vince Young had labeled the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles, but one could call Itami and Ibushi a dream team.

These Japanese stars are two of the stiffest workers in WWE. Their kicks are loud and leave a powerful impact in matches. Every time they’re heard, the crowds always react wildly. Pairing these two together should double the excitement and fun as they join the tournament together.

The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic’s return got announced on Wednesday’s episode of WWE NXT. The finals will culminate at NXT TakeOver: Toronto. We already saw the team of Tye Dillinger and Bobby Roode form for the event, with a handful of other teams announced by WWE.

Kota Ibushi and Hideo Itami may be the favorites from the field, but will have to get by NXT Tag Team Champion The Revival and DIY. How far can this dream team go?

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