Title defended in 15 minute thriller
The NJPW World TV Championship was on the line February 18 at Battle in the Valley, as Clark Connors challenged reigning champion Zack Sabre Jr.
Sabre would try for a measured start against Connors, who responded with a barrage of strikes, finally bowling the champion over with a misdirection and shoulder tackle. The Wild Rhino would follow up with a big right hand chop, but a Cobra Twist and then a neck snap would put Sabre in punishing control.
Transitioning from hold to hold on the neck and arm with a bow and arrow and then shoulder snaps, Sabre wounded the Rhino, who bounced back with some, but not all of his Jeep Flip. Still fighting from undernearth, Connors was able to escape a front chancerie from Sabre with a Northern Lights release suplex, and then a solid boot to his opponent, but a suplex was stopped by the Briton, who again went back to the arm.
Connors would will his body to co-operate on a suplex to Sabre, and wanted a spear but got caught and stuffed by ZSJ, who trapped both arms with Clarky Cat and then a punishing half crab, the challenger reaching the ropes with five minutes left on the clock. After another flurry from Connors, ZSJ got a Dragon suplex for a near two, but was surprised with a spear and then a powerslam from the Wild Rhino, a near two garnered as the match approached the 12 minute mark.
Pushing the pace, Connors got near twos from a backslide and then a powerbomb; an attempt at the Trophy Kill was countered into a European Clutch, but that two was reversed with a sublimely timed rear naked choke. Though another Trophy Kill was countered, Connors found an Ankle Lock, but a sensational armbar would lead to an instant tap.
Sabre celebrated his victory, but was confronted by Kevin Knight, as it seems his next challenger has already made his presence felt.
