New Japan Pro Wrestling sent out the following:
Will Ospreay vs Kazuchika Okada official for Battle in the Valley!
Massive main event set for San Jose Civic
As made official at New Year Dash, a massive main event is set for Battle in the Valley January 13!
Will Ospreay first issued a challenge to Kazuchika Okada in a pre-Wrestle Kingdom interview. Though the Aerial Assassin was able to score his first clean pinfall victory over Okada in the G1 Climax, he feels that there is plenty of unfinished business with the Rainmaker. Wanting to face Okada outside of a tournament setting on a big stage, NJPW has provided just that at Battle in the Valley.
While Ospreay was fully confident that he would be heading to San Jose as the first ever IWGP Global Champion, such was not the case as David Finlay emerged victorious with the white and gold belt. His fortunes contrasted with those of the Rainmaker, who vanquished Bryan Danielson in a stunning semi main event. Can Ospreay get his year back on track, or will the Rainmaker’s momentum prove unstoppable?