NJPW Battle in the Valley 2023
NJPW returned to United States with the Battle in the Valley 2023 event on February 18, 2023. The event took place at Civic Center in San Jose, CA, and streamed live via Fite TV PPV.
Mercedes Mone’s’ first NJPW match against KAIRI for IWGP Women’s Championship the first main event or co-main event of this show. IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match was the second main event match between Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Continue reading to get all the details on NJPW Battle in the Valley 2023 event.
EVENT INFO
MATCH CARD
1(Pre-Show). Alex Coughlin vs Jr Kratos
Alex Coughlin faced Jr Kratos in a rematch after a year. Coughlin defeated Kratos when he was on trial for Young Lion status.
Winner: Alex Coughlin
2(Pre-Show). Bobby Fish vs David Finlay
In the second match on pre-show, David Finlay took on Bobby Fish. This match came through the rivalry between Team Filthy and Homicide. Fish had joined Team Filthy to help his former training partners. Homicide had recruited Finlay to his faction.
Winner: Bobby Fish
3. Josh Alexander, Rocky Romero, Adrian Quest & Mascara Dorada vs Kushida, Volador Jr., Kevin Knight & The DKC
IMPACT World Champion Josh Alexander appeared on NJPW’s show as he teamed up with Rocky Romero and others to face Kushida’s team of Kevin Knight, The DKC and Volador Jr.
Winner: Kushida, Volador Jr., Kevin Knight & The DKC
4. Fred Rosser(c) vs KENTA – NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship
KENTA became the number one contender for NJPW Strong Openweight Championship as he won the Strong Survivor match at NJPW Strong Nemesis. He got to face the champion Fred Rosser at this event.
Winner: KENTA
5. Motor City Machine Gun(Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley)(c) vs West Coast Wrecking Crew(Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson) – NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship
Motor City Machine Gun pairing of Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley faced West Coast Wrecking Crew in their defense of NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship.
Winner: Motor City Machine Gun
6. Jay White vs Eddie Kingston
Jay White responded to a challenge from Eddie Kingston for a match, but said it had to be at Battle in the Valley. Kingston agreed to the condition. Loser leaves NJPW stipulation was added to the match.
Winner: Eddie Kingston
7. Tom Lawlor vs Homicide – Filthy Rules Match
Tom Lawlor and Homicide clashed in Flithy Rules match as their rivalry continued. Tom Filthy described it as “no rules, no ropes” match.
Winner: Tom Lawlor
8. Zack Sabre Jr.(c) vs Clark Connors – NJPW World Television Championship
Zack Sabre Jr. made second defense of NJPW Television title against Clark Connors at NJPW Battle in the Valley 2023 event. This match was contested under NJPW TV title rules with a 15-minute time limit.
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr.
9. KAIRI(c) vs Mercedes Mone’ – IWGP Women’s Championship
KAIRI became the first IWGP Women’s Champion at Historic X-over event in November 2022. She defended the title against Tam Nakano at Wrestle Kingdom 17. After the match, Mercedes Mone'(Sasha Banks) made her debut in NJPW and dropped KAIRI with statement maker. She then revealed that she would challenge for the title at Battle in the Valley.
Winner: Mercedes Mone’
10. Kazuchika Okada(c) vs Hiroshi Tanahashi – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
NJPW announced that IWGP World title would be defended at Battle in the Valley 2023 event. Okada retained the title at New Beginnings at Osaka 2023 event and asked Hiroshi Tanahashi to face him and showcase NJPW to US audience at Battle in the Valley.
Winner: Kazuchika Okada
