NJPW: NJPW World TV Title Match Set for Battle in the Valley 2025, NJPW Owner Takaaki Kidani on One ‘Regret’ with Wrestle Dynasty Event, More on Chris Charlton Suspension Over Anti-AEW Comments Incident

Jeff Cobb vs. El Phantasmo for NJPW World TV Title and Strong Survivor Matches Announced for NJPW Battle in the Valley 2025

New Japan Pro Wrestling announced two new matches for the card of their Battle in the Valley 2025 event, which takes place on January 11th at the San Jose Civic in San Jose, California.

The first new match announced was a NJPW World Television Championship match of Jeff Cobb vs. El Phantasmo (c).

The second new match announced was a Strong Survivor match of Zane Jay vs. Viento. It was also announced that this match will be taking place on the pre-show.

Current card for NJPW Battle in the Valley 2025:

• NJPW Strong Openweight Championship – Tomohiro Ishii vs. Gabe Kidd (c)
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship – Taiji Ishimori vs. El Desperado (c)
• NJPW NEVER Openweight Championship – KUSHIDA vs. Konosuke Takeshita (c)
• NJPW World Television Championship – Jeff Cobb vs. El Phantasmo (c)
• NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship – Roppongi ReVice (YOH & Rocky Romero) vs. West Coast Wrecking Crew (Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs) (c)
• Sumie Sakai Retirement Six-Person Tag Team match – Sumie Sakai & House of Torture (EVIL & SHO) vs. Hiromu Takahashi, Mayu Iwanatni, & Yuka Sakazaki
• Matt Vandagriff & Fred Rosser vs. TMDK (Shane Haste & Bad Dude Tito)
• Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Hechicero
• Pre-show: Strong Survivor match – Zane Jay vs. Viento

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NJPW Owner Takaaki Kidani Comments on His One Regret with Wrestle Dynasty Event

Tokyo Sports held a recent interview with Bushiroad CEO and NJPW owner Takaaki Kidani. One of the topics discussed included Kidani’s thoughts about his one regret about NJPW and AEW’s co-promoted Wrestle Dynasty event this past Sunday in Tokyo, Japan.

“Maybe it would have been better to do it on January 4th, when they were separated. In terms of reflection, I think we weren’t able to get the feel of a joint event, nor of a rivalry, so it ended half-heartedly. That’s something I regret.”

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More on Chris Charlton’s Suspension from NJPW Over Anti-AEW Comments Incident at Wrestle Dynasty

As noted before, NJPW English commentator Chris Charlton was recently suspended by New Japan Pro Wrestling following him being involved in a controversial incident at this past Sunday’s Wrestle Dynasty event over controversial anti-AEW comments during the Kenny Omega vs. Gabe Kidd match.

The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported in Monday’s Daily Update that one reason for Charlton’s suspension was due to Bushiroad President & CEO Takaaki Kidani was not pleased about the English commentary work for the show. Kidani reportedly made a comment about this being an issue right after the show had ended.

In regards to the length of Charlton’s suspension, Meltzer reported that those initially spoken to had stated that Charlton was on an “indefinite hiatus” from NJPW. Meltzer reported that his sources have yet to confirm it being a two months suspension that has been reported by others.

Meltzer reported that the general reaction to Charlton’s suspension was mixed with many fans being sympathetic to him while many within AEW and NJPW had a very different opinion on the matter.

Among those within AEW and NJPW who had a very negative opinion about Charlton’s comments was AEW commentator Tony Schiavone. In a now deleted tweet, Schiavone stated “Speaking for all of us in AEW, GFY. And Speaking for all of us who have been around you, take a shower once in a while.”

Tony Schiavone responded to Chris Carlton😭 https://t.co/zpjNteblQt pic.twitter.com/XkW5eLEMBA

— 🅰️🅾️ (@KXNGAO) January 6, 2025