Hiroshi Tanahashi is still aiming to perform both of his roles to the highest level in NJPW.
Towards the end of 2023, New Japan began the first stages of a major overhaul of the company. With changes going right to the top, Hiroshi Tanahashi was named the new president of the promotion, replacing Takami Ohbari with immediate effect. Aged 47 years old and looking to make the company as popular as it was before the COVID-19 pandemic greatly stunted its momentum, many were under the impression that Tanahashi would be winding down his in-ring career and only competing sporadically. However, according to The Ace of New Japan, he aims to do the opposite.
Speaking with Yahoo Japan, the World Television Champion stated that he still plans to compete at the highest level and is looking to become the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion once again. When Tanahashi feels like he is no longer capable of this, he will retire:
“The fighting spirit disappears when I no longer aim to be the best. If I feel like I can’t reach it or can’t do it anymore, I’ll retire immediately,”
“I want to aim for the throne no matter what so that people won’t think, ‘No, I don’t get tired. I’ll bring my body to its peak once again.”
Tanahashi has held the IWGP World Championship 8 times, more than anyone else in the title’s history.
Due to the surprise announcement that Kazuchika Okada would be leaving NJPW in February, multiple future matches have been changed as a result. Okada’s final match for the promotion will be against Tanahashi on February 11th at The New Beginning in Osaka.
Not Everyone Agrees With Hiroshi Tanahashi
Although the New Japan executive looks to split his responsibilities for the foreseeable future, not everyone agrees with the sentiment. Following the conclusion of the first Wrestle Kingdom under new leadership, one NJPW Champion has called for Hiroshi Tanahashi to retire.
H/t to SEScoops.