Kazuchika Okada Vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi Set For NJPW Battle In The Valley

For the first time in five years, Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi will go one-on-one for New Japan Pro-Wrestling's top prize. 

Following his successful IWGP World Heavyweight Title defence against Shingo Takagi at The New Beginning in Osaka on Saturday, February 11, Kazuchika Okada invited his longtime rival-turned-friend Hiroshi Tanahashi to challenge him for the championship at Battle in the Valley. 

Tanahashi, minus his two front teeth because of a protein bar, accepted the invitation, setting the stage for The Ace and The Rainmaker to clash at Battle in the Valley on Saturday, February 18 in San Jose, California. 

Tanahashi and Okada had a long rivalry in NJPW, fighting over the IWGP Heavyweight Championship between 2012 and 2018, during which Okada usurped Tanahashi as the ace of New Japan. Tanahashi has held NJPW's top prize since then in 2019 but he has not been at the top since the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship was created in 2021. 

Tanahashi did note earlier this year that he wanted to be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion by 2024 and he will have the chance to make his wish come true in San Jose.