Hiroshi Tanahashi Reveals Plans After Becoming NJPW President

Former IWGP Heavyweight Champion “The Ace” Hiroshi Tanahashi has revealed his plans after becoming NJPW President.

On December 23, New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that former 8-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi has been appointed President of the company.

This has led many fans to question Tanahashi’s status as a wrestler because he is still active in the ring and one third of the current NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Champions with Kazuchika Okada and Tomohiro Ishii.

During the press conference (transcription via NJPW’s website) following the announcement, Hiroshi Tanahashi was asked about his new role and status as a wrestler. He answered:

“Well, I plan on being on the road with NJPW, but when the company is in Tokyo then I plan on being in the office.”

“I do want to be heading up promotion as much as I can be, but we also have a lot of wrestlers on the roster.”

“In between tours, training and preparing for the next matches is very important, but promotion is also crucial, and I’d like our wrestlers to take up that workload, absolutely,”

When asked if his new position may potentially affect his approach to the ring, Tanahashi replied:

“I’m obviously thinking about the rest of my active career. Obviously as for everyone, within that the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship is a key goal.”

“This is probably the only business where guys can freely beat up their boss, so that might make me an even bigger target, but I hope to make all the boys angry with how hard I’m fighting (laughs),” 

Hiroshi Tanahashi is set to challenge Zack Sabre Jr. for the NJPW World TV Championship on January 4 at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18.

Want to stay up to date with all the most important Wrestling and WrestleTalk News? Join our newsletter mailing list by clicking here, and selecting your preferences!