Fred Rosser shares his thoughts on the new format for NJPW STRONG.
NJPW launched NJPW STRONG in 2020 and held tapings in the United States. The brand started to grow and hold events that doubled as tapings throughout the country. These matches would air weekly on NJPW World. NJPW recently announced that NJPW STRONG will shift to a dual format, where events will air live, and they will also be available on demand, starting with NJPW Battle in the Valley on February 18.
Speaking with NJPW's website, NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion Rosser commented on the changes to NJPW STRONG. He shared his belief that the new format is the way to put more eyes on NJPW STRONG. He called the brand his "baby" and highlighted its growth over the years.
"Well, we want to put more eyes on NJPW STRONG, and I think this is the way to do that. STRONG is my baby- getting this opportunity during the pandemic was intimidating at first, and I’m not afraid to say that I wasn’t sure I could cut it in New Japan, but when the red light’s on, like Kevin Kelly said ‘very few can keep up with this engine’. I’ve amazed myself with some of what I’ve achieved and that we’ve achieved so far, and I think we can keep amazing everyone. I’m not afraid no more [laughs]," Rosser said.
NJPW Battle in the Valley will feature several high-profile matches, including the IWGP Women's Championship match between Mercedes Mone (formerly known as Sasha Banks) and KAIRI. The match will mark Mone's return to the ring for the first time since she left WWE. Rosser briefly the bout and noted that he knows Mone has been dreaming of wrestling for NJPW for a long time.
"I’m so excited, especially for Mercedes [Mone], that’s my girl, and I know this has been a dream of hers for a long, long time," Rosser said.
Rosser will work as a coach at NJPW Academy. More information is available here.
At NJPW Battle in the Valley, Rosser will defend the STRONG Openweight Championship against KENTA. Check out the updated card here.
NJPW recently announced a joint show with IMPACT Wrestling. More information is available here.
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