IWGP World title to be defended at NJPW Battle in the Valley

By Ethan Renner
Published: 11 Jan 2023, 19:29

An IWGP World Heavyweight Championship defense has been added to NJPW Battle in the Valley on Saturday, February 18.

NJPW announced Wednesday that the World title holder will make a defense in San Jose at the Battle in the Valley pay-per-view. Kazuchika Okada currently holds the title, but is set to defend it against Shingo Takagi at The New Beginning in Osaka on February 11.

Already announced for Battle in the Valley is an IWGP Women’s Championship match, with KAIRI defending against Mercedes Mone.

A pair of matches have also been announced for the pre-show, with David Finlay vs. Bobby Fish, plus JR Kratos vs. Alex Coughlin set to take place on the free kickoff show.

Here is the updated lineup for the show:

NJPW Battle in the Valley, Saturday, February 18, 10 p.m. Eastern time on FITE TV PPV —

IWGP Women’s Championship: KAIRI (c) vs. Mercedes Mone
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada or Shingo Takagi will defend the title

NJPW Battle in the Valley pre-show, Saturday, February 18, 9:20 p.m. Eastern time, free on YouTube and FITE TV —

David Finlay vs. Bobby Fish
JR Kratos vs. Alex Coughlin