Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson are set to challenge for the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships at NJPW Battle in the Valley against Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin).
Known as the West Coast Wrecking Crew, Isaacs and Nelson have been a staple of NJPW Strong alongside Tom Lawlor as members of Team Filthy.
Speaking to Matt & Ciaran on NJPW Bread Club, Royce previewed the bout against MCMG.
"Motor City is a legendary team, but with Strong changing its format, obviously Team Filthy wants to continue to be part of Strong and I think we've been the backbone of Strong, personally. With things changing, nothing is certain, nothing is 'for sure' moving forward, so I consider it must-win and I think there is a lot of pressure on everyone on the card, but especially us and our match because we've held it down for Strong. Anything can change tomorrow. We have to put forward our best effort. We've had a really good year thus far and a really good last year, but at the end of the day, you're only as good as your last match," he said.
NJPW Strong is undergoing changes in 2023 with NJPW Strong Live and NJPW Strong On Demand. The first NJPW Strong Live event will be Battle in the Valley, which features more than just NJPW Strong regulars as Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, KAIRI, and Mercedes Mone are in the top two matches.
Asked about the changes, Isaacs said, "The pay-per-view format will lead to some changes and everyone who was already on Strong should feel pressure in some way because it's not just a taping format. There is going to be a lot of New Japan proper talent on these pay-per-views to move numbers and push the brand. You're definitely competing against different people for less and less spots. Everyone should feel some pressure to work harder and be undeniable to where you have to be on these cards. We have to make sure it's like, we can't have a New Japan Strong show without Team Filthy. It's hard to think of it as a benefit or a hinder, I think Strong cards are going to be very deep and it's not 'you're definitely on,' you have to work your ass off to be one of these top guys. I believe in Team Filthy and there is no doubt we are the backbone. That shouldn't be thrown out and changed. There is change and we'll adapt and live regardless."
NJPW Strong On Demand will begin airing matches from NJPW Strong Live shows in March.
Fightful will have coverage of NJPW Battle in the Valley beginning at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 18. Fans can check out the lineup for the show by clicking here.
Fans can watch the full interview with Royce and the entire episode of NJPW Bread Club in the video above.
