NJPW Battle In The Valley 2023: Preview & Predictions
Tonight in San Jose, California New Japan Pro-Wrestling are set to host a monumental show. It’s without doubt the most noteworthy event they’ve ran in the States considering the talent involved. With that said, let’s take a look at the card and depict how things may turn out.
KAIRI © vs. MERCEDES MONE (IWGP Women's Title)
This will go down in the history books regardless of the outcome. Depending on the quality and time given to this bout, it could truly be revolutionary for New Japan. It's unfortunate for KAIRI that she'll likely be dropping the belt before her reign has even gotten underway, but all things considered it's probably for the best. The crowd is going to be extremely pumped for this and I'm convinced these two women won't disappoint.
PREDICTION: MERCEDES MONE
KAZUCHIKA OKADA © vs. HIROSHI TANAHASHI (IWGP World Heavyweight Title)
The headliners for this show are just unbelievable, four of the very best being featured in high stakes matches. This is set to be another iconic chapter in the story between these two legendary figures of this sport. Okada has just come off a phenomenal title bout with Shingo and has showed no signs of slowing down. It'll be interesting to see what they bring to the table this time around considering it's in the States and they might have to change their usual approach to keep the crowd invested.
PREDICTION: KAZUCHIKA OKADA
ZACK SABRE JR. © vs. CLARK CONNORS (NJPW World Television Title)
Ever since winning the Television Title and taking charge of TMDK, ZSJ has finally been given an identity that he can use to elevate himself to new heights. Clark has impressed in the cameos he's had thus far and this should be a fun little showcase of this new version of ZSJ to the American audience.
PREDICTION: ZACK SABRE JR.
EDDIE KINGSTON vs. JAY WHITE (Loser Leaves NJPW)
There's a lot of speculation surrounding where Jay White may find himself after this match but we must acknowledge how much potential this bout has. Eddie is going to make this a very physical outing, so Jay will likely take on a different style compared to his more storytelling oriented approach to matches. The trash talking combined with the physicality should make this very enjoyable.
PREDICTION: EDDIE KINGSTON
FRED ROSSER © vs. KENTA (NJPW STRONG Openweight Title)
Rosser has been a very solid champion but it seems as if his reign has reached it's end. KENTA has quite the reputation in the States due to his ROH appearances so him taking the belt here wouldn't be the worst decision in the world. This won't steal the show by any means but it's exciting to see Rosser tear it up with an established Japanese talent.
PREDICTION: KENTA
MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS (ALEX SHELLEY & CHRIS SABIN) © vs. WEST COAST WRECKING CREW (JOREL NELSON & ROYCE ISAACS)
West Coast Wrecking Crew have had some pretty fun encounters on STRONG over the past year so they are fully deserving of this opportunity. It wouldn't surprise me if the aftermath involved an angle which would bring the Motor City Machine Guns to Japan in the near future for a special appearance.
PREDICTION: MOTOR CITY MACHNE GUNS
HOMICIDE vs. TOM LAWLOR (Filthy Rules Fight)
This is set to be chaotic and barbaric for all the right reasons. It’ll be interesting to see what they've got planned for this one. It's good to see Homicide competing in a New Japan ring once again and Lawlor will surely get fully involved in whatever shenanigans are put in front of him.
PREDICTION: TOM LAWLOR