New Japan Pro-Wrestling has announced that Hiroshi Tanahashi has taken on a major executive role within the company.
In a press release issued earlier today, it was announced that Hiroshi Tanahashi has been appointed President and Representative Director of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, effective immediately. Tanahashi takes over from Takami Ohbari, who’s held the position since October 2020 following the resignation of Harold Meji.
Other directorial changes at the company today include Michiaki Nishizawa stepping down as Director as well as both Hitoshi Matsumoto and Taro Okada being appointed as Directors.
Okada’s appointment is particularly interesting as just last month, he became President and Representative Director of Bushiroad Fight, the parent company of NJPW. Through this position, he is also President of NJPW’s sister promotion World Wonder Ring Stardom.
The company will hold a press conference on December 26th to provide more insight into the directorial changes. Tanahashi himself will address fans regarding his new executive position at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4th.
The surprising move has garnered a big response within both the Japanese wrestling scene and the wider wrestling industry. WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura is perhaps the most notable name to react, simply tweeting “Wow” shortly after the news broke.
新日本プロレスリング株式会社、代表取締役社長に就任しました。新日本プロレスをもっともっと楽しんでいただけるように全力で頑張っていきます。疲れないので、皆さん、ご安心を🙇♂️#njpwhttps://t.co/vsTTfiXntepic.twitter.com/QjwZ7JDnKR
— 棚橋 弘至 (@tanahashi1_100) December 23, 2023
Hiroshi Tanahashi Is Still Set For Major Wrestle Kingdom 18 Match
Despite his new role as President and Representative Director of the company, it appears Hiroshi Tanahashi will be balancing his in-ring career with his executive duties for the time being.
On top of remaining one-third of the current NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team champions alongside Kazuchika Okada and Tomohiro Ishii, Tanahashi is set to challenge long-time rival Zack Sabre Jr for the NJPW World Television Championship at Wrestle Kingdom next month.
In recent news, Dave Meltzer has reported a possible reason why Hiroshi Tanahashi was appointed as NJPW president.
Ahead of Wrestle Kingdom 18, NJPW presented a new championship design.