Kazuchika Okada put his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW Battle in the Valley.
This bout marked Okada's second defense of the title, the first coming just one week ago when he defeated Shingo Takagi at NJPW The New Beginning In Osaka 2023. It was at that event that Okada challenged The Ace to a match at Battle in the Valley. Tanahashi quickly accepted.
At Battle in the Valley, Okada would turn away one of his greatest rivals, retaining his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. He would defeat Tanahashi by hitting a pumphandle slam followed by his signature Rainmaker.
After the bell, Okada got on the mic and said that it was time for the dream team of himself and Tanahashi to chase the IWGP World Tag Team Titles. The belts are currently held by Bishamon (Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi).
Mercedes Mone came out to close the show with Okada, leading to the two champions dancing and posing in the ring.
Okada wins! #njpw #njbitv #njpwSTRONG pic.twitter.com/f1lTmCHZsh
— InTheKliq (@inthekliq) February 19, 2023
Mercedes Monè and Okada together to close out Battle In The Valley! INCREDIBLE!! #njBITV
— ------------ (@WrestlingCovers) February 19, 2023
pic.twitter.com/tn805eOble
With his victory, Okada extends his currently 46-day title reign. He won the title last month at Wrestle Kingdom 17, defeating Switchblade Jay White.
You can watch NJPW Battle in the Valley along with the Fightful crew by clicking here. Keep track of everything happening on the show by checking out Fightful's live coverage.
