Stars and thoughts: NJPW Battle in the valley 2023

 NJPW Battle In The Valley 2023

Pre-show Match
JR Kratos vs. Alex Coughlin

So as soon as I clicked on the preshow coverage the preshow match was in progress. 

There is no commentary and you can clearly hear a very nice Asher showing people to their seats!! 

Some really good stuff back-and-forth Kratos gets a near fall AC kicks out and looks like an insane Ned Flanders. 

No commentary allows us to hear the rest repeatedly tell Kratos to get off the ropes in him not listen making him sound not away ineffectual but like that the big man is somehow bullying the official by ignoring him it sounds way more like a plea then an order. That win was a bit of a surprise. I have to pay better attention to both these guys.

Pre-show Match
Bobby Fish vs. David Finlay **3/4

I have no idea why there’s no commentary. 

This was a good match with a lot of back-and-forth and a decisive victory for Finley overate international star who has been on television for years. 

Main Show!!! 

Kushida, The DKC, Kevin Knight, and Volador Jr. vs. Impact World Champion Josh Alexander, CMLL’s NWA World Historic Welterweight Champion Rocky Romero, Mascara Dorada and Adrian Quest **1/2 

Commentary is back but the sound is weird!

Kevin Knight is Hella impressive.

He jumped up and dropped the dude off another dude‘s shoulders!!  Everyone got their shit in. This is like a road to show but for different promotions … we-weird 

World we live in

*********************************

NJPW Strong Openweight Title Match
KENTA vs. Fred Rosser (c). ***3/4

At on point Rosser responded to face wash kicks in the corner with trash talk.. now that’s what I call bad ass I am a fan of the champion Fred has become!!  Rosser is a star.

Sometimes I miss early 2000s Kenta, but I have to say I’m into obnoxious heel Kenta! Kenta was throwing DDT‘s like this was a NCW match!! (yes that’s an inside joke but I guarantee you this four or five people in stitches right now)

Rosser‘s  offense is really interesting and fun. juice Robinson comes down and ruins everything as always . Pretty cool match with a  cruddy ending 

*********************************

NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Titles

Motor City Machine Guns” Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin vs. Jorel Nelson and Royce Isaacs ***

Both teams are terrific! I wanna see more of the west Coast wrecking crew. I suppose my biggest complaint is the wrecking crew did a couple spots that were cool enough but it took them forever to set up! Decisive victory I found that very charming. 

********************************

Loser Leaves NJPW match

Eddie Kingston vs. Jay White in a ****1/2

This match had a really good build. Even running angles on the observer live show. 

Awesome dramatic match. The best of what a new Japan match has to offer. The best match I’ve seen from eyes are in quite a long time. 

**********************************

No Ropes, No DQ match

Homicide vs. Tom Lawlor ***

Full disclosure.. I fucking adore both these guys! 

Both of them are similar to the wrestler I hoped to be. 

This was fun but a bit too long. It didn’t change my mind that both these guys are just hello everyone’s radar and should get more eyes on their work. 

**********************************

NJPW TV Title

Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Clark Connors ***

They say styles make matches and I was really intrigued by this clash of styles. Clark Connor‘s with flair profile was on full display throughout this match.. I never really believed that the Challenger had a chance but there was one falls finish that gave me pause. 

*********************************

IWGP Women’s Championship

Kairi vs. Mercedes Mone ****1/2

This match exceeded my expectations. Mercedes transitions were very good. I Stuff looked crisp if not a little soft. She looks smooth and confident.  

*********************************

IWGP Heavyweight Championship

Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi ***1/2

This was disappointing I feel like these guys just don’t click anymore. 

Mercedes and Okata in the ring  is surreal! 

This was a very good show and I feel like new Japan is definitely trending upwards!