Hiroshi Tanahashi Reveals Retirement Timeline

Hiroshi Tanahashi is undoubtedly one of the top stars in NJPW and a living legend for many fans. Despite his past excellence as The Ace of NJPW, age has clearly caught up to him. Recently appointed as the President of NJPW, Tanahashi has now confirmed how long it will be until he retires.

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 with Proresu-TODAY, Hiroshi Tanahashi was asked whether he was surprised about his appointment as NJPW President. Tanahashi then made it clear he doesn’t see himself retiring for a long time.

“In terms of timing, ……, it’s 50-50. I was surprised. As a wrestler, I’ve challenged for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship once, but I lost and haven’t been crowned. I believe that as a wrestler, when you stop aiming to be the best, that’s when it’s time to retire. When I asked myself, ‘Do you want to wear that belt?’ I thought, ‘I want to wear it,’ so I think my retirement is still a long way off.”

Tanahashi emphasized that he wants to give his all, both as a wrestler and as the NJPW President. He jokingly mentioned feeling like a first-year member of society since he joined NJPW right out of college.

“My motto is to give it my all, so I want to give it my all as a wrestler and also as president. I used to think that my pride as a wrestler and ace was to feed all the other wrestlers, employees, and even their families, and I thought that being a president was a matter of course. It’s not just about wrestling. I joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling straight out of college, so now I feel like a first-year member of society. I don’t know if I’m a first-year student or not (laughs).”

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!