Hiroshi Tanahashi’s In-Ring Plans Revealed After Assuming NJPW Presidency

Hiroshi Tanahashi is undoubtedly one of the top stars in NJPW and is a living legend for many fans. As good as The Ace of NJPW was at one point, age has clearly caught up to him. He became the President of NJPW recently and now Tanahashi has confirmed his in-ring future after that fact.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling revealed a shift in its leadership, with Hiroshi Tanahashi being appointed as the new President of the promotion. This decision was reached during a meeting of NJPW’s board of directors and shareholders on December 23, 2023.

Tanahashi boasts an impressive resume in the wrestling world, holding the title of an eight-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, a three-time IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion, and a two-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion.

While speaking at a recent press conference, Hiroshi Tanahashi talked about his goals NJPW President and confirmed that he would continue his in-ring career despite his major responsibilities.

”I have several goals as president. First is to sellout the Tokyo Dome. That’s been a goal for a while and I want our wrestlers to achieve that, as well as to give our fans that experience.

I want to have more title matches in markets outside of the norm. As a wrestler our goals years ago was to first get 500 in smaller towns, then 1000, then more. If we pack those markets, then a sold out Tokyo Dome is achievable.

I’d also like to improve our partnerships with more sponsors. As an active wrestler and president I’m in the position to do more than anyone in our business and in Japan.

I’m thinking about what I have left as an active wrestler. Through that time, the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship is still my top goal.”

We will have to wait and see whether New Japan Pro-Wrestling will benefit under Hiroshi Tanahashi’s leadership. After all, Tanahashi was single-handedly responsible for bringing NJPW back from the dead during the 2010s.

What’s your view on what Hiroshi Tanahashi said? Are you glad he will still compete inside the squared circle? Let us know in the comments section below!