Hiroshi Tanahashi Details His Ideal Professional Wrestler

Hiroshi Tanahashi is well aware that he is a one-of-a-kind professional wrestler.

Wrestle Kingdom 20 at the Tokyo Dome on January 4 earlier this year saw Hiroshi Tanahashi bring his legendary in-ring career to an end, falling to fellow former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and long-time rival Kazuchika Okada in a fitting farewell for New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Ace.

Speaking to BusinessPlus in a new interview, Hiroshi Tanahashi was asked what he envisions as the ideal professional wrestler. After jokingly naming himself, Tanahashi said that the ideal wrestler is someone with the ability to bring joy to their fans.

“That would have to be me, I suppose. I don’t think a wrestler like me will ever appear again, even 100 years from now. But let’s set that aside for now (laughs). During the COVID-19 pandemic, I felt acutely that pro wrestling only truly comes to life when the fans are watching. The fans cheer us on, and the energy of the wrestlers—fueled by that support—is then passed back to the fans. A pro-wrestling venue is like a power spot. That’s why I believe the ideal pro wrestler is someone who can turn the joy of others into their own joy. At least, that’s what I’ve always believed as I’ve worked hard. I can push through tough training and matches precisely because it brings joy to the fans. I want to pass that sentiment on to future wrestlers. Of course, I feel this applies not only to pro wrestlers but to professionals in any field.”

-Hiroshi Tanahashi

Following Takami Ohbari stepping down as New Japan Pro-Wrestling President, Hiroshi Tanahashi replaced him as both president and representative director on December 23, 2023. Now that his in-ring career has come to an end, Tanahashi’s primary focus is on leading the promotion in that role.

His role as NJPW President has seen Tanahashi remain a prominent on-screen figure across the promotion’s events and press conferences, leading to talents such as DOUKI and, more recently, Gabe Kidd taunting and even attacking him.

Hiroshi Tanahashi retired as one of the most accomplished professional wrestlers of all time, including holding the record for the most IWGP Heavyweight Championship reigns with eight. As such, his belief that the ideal professional wrestler is someone who brings joy to fans sets a lofty standard for the next generation of NJPW stars to aspire to.

All Elite Wrestling’s Gabe Kidd recently capturing the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship from Shota Umino is likely to further motivate NJPW’s current roster, although reports indicate that the title victory was originally planned to take place months earlier. You can read more about that here.

As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on Hiroshi Takahashi’s plans as NJPW President as soon as we hear more.

Translated using DeepL.