Rainmaker calls back to his roots for San Jose title bout
The main event of New Beginning in Osaka saw Kazuchika Okada retain the IWGP World Heavyweight title after an incredible bout with Shingo Takagi, but the night would end with a surprise nomination from the Rainmaker.
After Okada gave his respects to Takagi for a memorable main event, Okada reminded the world that his next title defence is just a week away in San Jose. Reminding the Osaka crowd of the Rainmaker Shock that happened in the building 11 years ago, Okada called out Hiroshi Tanahashi to face him at Battle in the Valley.
Tanahashi gladly accepted the challenge, stating that he could create a shock of his own February 18. The next chapter in a generational rivalry, Tanahashi vs Okada will take place in the United States for the first time since G1 Climax 29 in Dallas. The last championship match Tanahashi and Okada had was at Dontaku in 2018, where Okada defeated the Ace to log his record 12th defence of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Battle in the Valley takes place on February 18 from the sold out San Jose Civic. The PPV is available on FITE.
