KENTA emerges on top at battle in the Valley
The first of five championship matches at Battle in the Valley saw Fred Rosser and KENTA do battle over the STRONG Openweight Championship, as Rosser sought to make his eighth defence.
KENTA was reluctant to engage early, and baited the champion to the outside in order to catch him with boots back in the ring. Angered, Rosser drew his challenger outside for a wild brawling exchange, but one that did not go the champion’s way. Rosser tried to regain control with his signature apron suplex, but it was a DDT on the hardest part of the ring that kept KENTA in charge.
Rosser was unable to get going as KENTA continued to work on the head and neck, but as the challenger looked to create corner distance, Rosser powered him into the opposite side. Hip drops from Rosser would get two, and when KENTA looked to regain his advantage on the apron, this time the champ was able to land his apron suplex and drop the hips to the floor as a follow up.
Yet an attempt at the STF saw KENTA counter into Game Over, Rosser just barely making the ropes as the match continued. As Mr. No Days Off struggles to the ropes, KENTA continued Rosser’s rough day in the office, a corner boot and soaring dropkick followed by a vicious double stomp for a near two. A Go 2 Sleep almost followed, but Rosser was able to find a Crossface Chickenwing instead to reset.
Rosser and KENTA traded heavy hits until KENTA came out on top in the standup, massive overhand rights reeling the champion until Rosser came back with a forearm shiver. As the match hit the 15 minute mark, an STF attempt saw KENTA propel the champion into the referee instead; with the ref down Rosser got a visual tapout with the Chickenwing STF, but Juice Robinson suddenly appear ringside, clocking Rosser and leading to a Go2Sleep. A new, third STRONG Champion has been crowned, but under highly controversial circumstances.
Originally posted at Read More