Kazuchika Okada called out former-WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Matthews on Saturday. The challenge came after Okada defended his IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt, which represents his G1 Climax 31 win, and right to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title at Wrestle Kingdom.
Buddy Matthews (fka Buddy Murphy or Murphy) announced that he would debut in NJPW back at NJPW’s Philadelphia tapings, in a video that featured an umbrella, which makes much more sense now. Buddy Matthews and Kazuchika Okada will face off at NJPW Battle In The Valley in San Jose, CA.
“Next, I’ll be heading to the USA for a little bit. I’ll be leaving the fans here for a little while. The plan is to fire up the ring in America, so next stop: San Jose. Hey Buddy Matthews! I’ll see you in San Jose- bring it on, bastard.”
'Hey Buddy Matthews! See you in San Jose'
BREAKING: Kazuchika Okada officially challenges @SNM_Buddy for Battle in the Valley:https://t.co/xlqJoG9qsH#njpst #njValley pic.twitter.com/5gsa090UmE
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) November 6, 2021
NJPW Battle In The Valley will take place on November 13th at 8pm PST at San Jose Civic in San Jose, CA. It will air on NJPWWorld.com, as well as FITE TV. The last time NJPW was in San Jose was for Jushin Thunder Liger’s final match in the United States in Nov. 2019.
