New Japan Pro Wrestling held their 2019 NJPW Festival at Studio Coast in Tokyo on Thursday, an event that featured all of the Wrestle Kingdom 13 participants facing off.

The highlight of the show was the Chris Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito contract signing, which ended with Jericho putting Naito through a table.

The festival also provided the most intense Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi promo battle to date, as Omega promised to kick out of anything that Tanahashi hit him with, while Tanahashi promised to end their feud decisively at Wrestle Kingdom 13.

Tanahashi: I’m coming into the Tokyo Dome with all my rage, and I’m going to bring this to an end. #njwk13

— chris charlton (@reasonjp) January 3, 2019

You can see video of the Tanahashi vs. Omega segment below.

??????? ????????2019??
?9??????????????IWGP?????????? ?? @KennyOmegamanX vs ??? @tanahashi1_100 ?????????????
?????https://t.co/Tj7UBJ4PjP #njpw #njwk13 #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/xDWJcguXvJ

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 3, 2019

Also of note, Cody, with Brandi Rhodes beside him, and Juice Robinson went face-to-face ahead of their IWGP United States Championship bout on Friday.

Juice said that he should burn his gear and retire if he is unable to beat Cody, while Brandi Rhodes stated that she hated Juice’s face and his hair, and that she can’t wait to see Cody beat Juice again.

??????? ????????2019??
?5??IWGP US??????????
?? @CodyRhodes vs ??? ???????????????????????
?????https://t.co/Tj7UBJ4PjP #njpw #njwk13 #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/CdNecoeyWQ

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 3, 2019

The festival also featured three Lion’s Gate Project matches. Here are the results:

• Tiger Mask & Jushin Thunder Liger def. Yuya Uemura & Ren Narita in 11:28 when Tiger Mask pinned Uemura after a Tiger Driver.
• Manabu Nakanishi & Yuji Nagata def. Tomoaki Honma & Toa Henare in 9:34 when Nagata pinned Henare with a backdrop hold.
• Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima def. Ayato Yoshida & Shota Umino in 11:07 when Kojima pinned Umino after a lariat.

The entire show is available for free at NJPWWorld.com.

We are just days away from Wrestle Kingdom 13 inside the Tokyo Dome on January 4th. The main event of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s biggest show of the year will be Kenny Omega versus Hiroshi Tanahashi. The two took part in an official contract signing which was live-streamed on the promotion’s YouTube channel earlier today.

Omega addressed his rivalry with Tanahashi when it was his turn to speak.

“From what I’ve heard now, there are over 30% of you that are from foreign countries,” Omega said in English.

Omega has been saying his style of pro-wrestling is more appealing to an international audience than Tanahashi’s is.

“There may even be more of you that speak English,” he continued. “That’s just wonderful. That is the entire point of this main event coming up in Tokyo Dome.”

Unbelievable! Hundreds of thousands of fans have come for the live contract signing for @KennyOmegamanX vs @tanahashi1_100!!

Check it out now for FREE!

NJPW official YouTube: https://t.co/AUz6V6zous

NJPW World: https://t.co/Qr7TwyC71N#njpw #njwk13 pic.twitter.com/qX9YfRcInE

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) December 31, 2018

“On January 4th, we have our biggest show of the year, Wrestle Kingdom,” Omega continued. “If you guys aren’t going to watch it, I urge you please give it a try. Believe it or not, I’m the best in the world at doing this thing, and you may actually like it.”

NJPW commentator, Chris Charlton, provided some translations of Tanahashi’s comments.

Tanahashi ‘I’ve given it my all my entire career, but on January 4 I’ll fight harder than I ever have in my life’ #njwk13

— chris charlton (@reasonjp) December 31, 2018

You can watch the press conference in its entirety below:

https://youtu.be/mNiSh9OpMX4?t=683

Plenty of free agents are expected to be leaving their respective promotions in favor of greener pastures in 2019. One man who won’t be going anywhere, however, is seven-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi. Tanahashi recently took to Twitter and announced that he has signed a new deal with NJPW:

“Contract renewal with New Japan Wrestling. I will do my best next fiscal year too! # njpw”

??????????????????????? #njpw pic.twitter.com/8qtHGXHePQ

— ?? ?? (@tanahashi1_100) December 27, 2018

Back in August, Tanahashi won the G1 Climax 28 to earn the IWGP heavyweight title shot at Wrestle Kingdom 13. He’ll be going after his eighth heavyweight title against Kenny Omega inside the Tokyo Dome. The show goes down from Tokyo, Japan on January 4, 2019.

Check out the current card for NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 13 here:

Main Card

• IWGP Heavyweight Title Match: (C) Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
• IWGP Intercontinental Title Match: (C) Chris Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito
  Kazuchika Okada vs. Jay White
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Match: (C) KUSHIDA vs. Taiji Ishimori
• IWGP United States Title Match: (C) Cody vs. Juice Robinson
• IWGP Tag Team Title Match: (C) Guerrillas of Destiny vs. The Young Bucks vs. EVIL and SANADA
• RevPro British Heavyweight Title Match: (C) Tomohiro Ishii vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Title Match: (C) Yoshinobu Kanemaru and El Desperado vs. Roppongi 3K vs. BUSHI and Shingo Takagi
• IWGP NEVER Openweight Title Match: (C) Kota Ibushi vs. Will

Pre-Show

• Gauntlet Match to determine #1 Contenders for NEVER Six-Man Titles: Ryusuke Taguchi, Toru Yano, and Togi Makabe vs. David Finley, Jeff Cobb, and Yuji Nagata vs. Best Friends and Hirooki Goto vs. Killer Elite Squad and Minoru Suzuki vs. Marty Scurll, Adam Page, and Yujiro Takahashi

What do you think about Tanahashi re-signing with NJPW?

Kenny Omega will defend his IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 13. In many ways, the match has become about Tanahashi’s style of pro-wrestling versus a new style Omega is looking to usher in.

Omega addressed the sub-plot during a recent interview with NJPW1972.com.

“I feel like I have given my heart, my soul, all of my passion to this company, but everyone keeps telling me about how Tanahashi’s given up so much,” Omega said.

“Everyone is evolving. I’ve become an inspiration to everyone, and people are trying to follow my lead. Tana just can’t accept that. He wants to be the leader. He wants to do it in his own way.”

Kenny Omega on Hiroshi Tanahashi

Omega would continue to say that Tanahashi relies too much on reminding fans what he has done for the company in the past.

“Here’s the thing, I have this style that can’t be duplicated,” Omega continued. “It eats Tana up alive, he hates it. Tana speaks to his cult and says, ‘my style is the true style, it’s the right way!” “Do you remember 15 years ago when I saved the company? That was me! That was me! I’m going to do it again! You still believe me, right? Right? Still?’”

You can read the full interview here.

New Japan Pro Wrestling were recently featured in Japan’s largest English language newspaper publication. The Japan Times ran an article looking at the ongoing of New Japan in recent years. Several stars of the promotion were interviewed including Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Tanahashi discussed several on point topics, most notably the recent ‘defections’ to the West and WWE. The article mentions that New Japan are the ‘number 2’ promotion in the world. The article also states that NJPW “often struggles to retain its top stars. With defections to World Wrestling Entertainment an appealing option for up-and-coming wrestlers.” Tanahashi mentioned when asked about the recent moves that “If a wrestler or two leaves, there’s tons of others that are looking to fill the spots available. It’s been this way from the beginning, so there’s little point worrying about it.”

Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Hangman Page soon likely leaving the independent scene. There are huge opportunities for up and coming talent. New Japan has seen the recent rise of the likes of Juice Robinson, Jay White and the newer young lions like Shota Umino and Toa Henare. We have posted several reports this year on the success of New Japan’s move into more western territories. There are also recent reports that New Japan are looking to bring back some formerly featured stars such as Shinsuke Nakamura, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows.

Earlier this year, Hiroshi Tanahashi voiced his criticism of Kenny Omega’s in-ring style. The G1 Climax 28 winner said that only the last 5 minutes of a Kenny Omega match matter because there is no story to them.

He said Omega’s matches are “like watching a movie with no Kishotenketsu (dramatic arc of traditional Japanese narratives).”

Omega recently responded in an interview with Rolling Stone Japan. NJPW commentator, Chris Charlton, provided the translation.

Rolling Stone Japan interviewed @KennyOmegamanX about Tanahashi. https://t.co/9qjfPEifkB pic.twitter.com/g5MZO2Lu7m

— chris charlton (@reasonjp) December 18, 2018

“To suggest that mine is a style that isn’t New Japan is a big problem,” Omega said. “It’s saying Tanahashi’s style, the style that presents himself as the ace, is the only style that’s correct.”

Omega then takes a shot at his Wrestling Kingdom 13 challenger.

“I absolutely understand and respect that Tanahashi did so much to pull NJPW out of the dark ages,” Omega continued. “Recently, the ones that have brought us to this awesome level have been Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, and of course, the best bout machine, Kenny Omega.”

Kenny Omega’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship Reign

Omega defeated Kazuchika Okada to win the title in a best 2-of-3 falls, no time-limit match in Osaka, Japan on June 6th, 2018. He followed up the win at NJPW Dominion by defeating Cody in his first title defense at the G1 Special in San Francisco. Omega then defeated rival, Tomohiro Ishii, at Destruction in Hiroshima in September. In his latest defense, he defeated Cody and Kota Ibushi in a triple threat match at King of Pro Wrestling.

Tokyo Sports has named Hiroshi Tanahashi as the MVP Of The Year.

The publication released the names of the winners of their annual Tokyo Sports Puroresu Awards where Tanahashi won the MVP Award with eighteen votes. Kazuchika Okada was second in place with twelve votes and Kenny Omega in the third place with three votes.

Tanahashi gave the following statement after being selected as the winner of the MVP Award:

“It is I, 2018’s MVP Hiroshi Tanahashi. Since the final of the G1 Climax, I realized that I have once again become the center of the Wrestling world, whether it was during my fight over the challenger rights contracts or in the lead-up to WK13. I’ve been continually thinking about how to appeal to people who have never seen professional wrestling. In the past, Pro-Wrestling was more broadly known in Japanese culture. The broadcast of “World Pro-Wrestling” every Friday at 8.00pm gave the public the chance to see legends such as Mr. Inoki, Mr. Choshu and Mr. Fujinami come to local gymnasiums and has made Pro-Wrestling more famous as a result. Since I first became champion in 2006, I’ve often said the mic after headlining the main event “Thank you very much for today” or “I love you!” and performed air guitar. There have been some fans, however who have felt “Why is he saying things like that?” but I’ve always tried to reply “I will be f-ing famous!” by demonstrating my in-ring ability. This year, I think, was the first year I actually achieved that goal. Although it is still only half-way through it’s run, movie I starred in has exceeded 100 promotional events and 1,000 media spotlights. It showed the passion of professional wrestling and was able to connect with the general public nationwide. From influencers in the business world to famous people, I’ve spoken to numerous people now who have felt that “Pro-Wrestling is really fun!” I’ve always strived to achieve my goal of “It would be great if I could be famous!” I didn’t expect to win the MVP award, so I’m pleasant surprised. Thank you very much.”

Tanahashi has won the award three times before, first in 2009, then in 2011 and in 2014.

Mr. Okamoto of Tokyo Sports explained that the reason for selection of Tanahashi as the winner was his G1 Climax tournament victory, which served as a deciding factor. Another reason cited was the fact that Tanahashi is helping aleviate the image of professional wrestling in Japan by starring in movies and TV shows.

This is also the sixth straight year a wrestler from New Japan Pro-Wrestling has won the award.

Additionally, the Kazuchika Okada vs Kenny Omega match for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-Jo Hall was awarded the Best Bout Award.

“Thank you. Since I have won the this award many times, please enter me into the Hall of Fame,” said Kazuchika Okada on his match winning the prize.

“We’ve done it for the second consecutive year. Even though there is a feeling that the story of Okada and I has ended after having four matches in a year and a half, I want to do it again someday,” Kenny Omega. “These matches have pushed me to the best physical condition of my life and wee were able to accomplish special things together. I’ve been able to combine that classic New Japan style with unpredictable newness. With the upcoming ideological clash at Wrestle Kingdom, we will prove that there is a home for every type of wrestling.”

Here is the list of all the awards and their recipients:

• MVP Award
  Hiroshi Tanahashi (New Japan Pro-Wrestling)
• Best Bout Award
  Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega
  (New Japan Pro-Wrestling)
• Outstanding Performance Award
  Naomichi Marufuji (Pro Wrestling Noah)
• Fighting Spirit Award
  Kaito Kiyomiya (Pro Wrestling Noah)
• Technique Award
  Tetsuya Naito (New Japan Pro-Wrestling)
• Best Tag Team Award
  Shuji Ishikawa and Suwama (All Japan Pro Wrestling)
• Newcomer Award
  Utami Hayashishita (World Wonder Ring Stardom)
• Joshi Puroresu Grand Prize
  Tsukasa Fujimoto (Ice Ribbon)

It’s a rivalry that seemed destined to last forever as each man strove to prove they were the dominant competitor in New Japan Pro Wrestling. But now, six years into their historic feud now turned friendly competition, Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi about to team up together for the first time ever.

With both having a common enemy in new Bullet Club member, Jay White, it has led the men to a tense truce and unlikely alliance.

As part of New Japan’s current World Tag League tournament, we will get the opportunity to witness ‘The Ace’ and ‘The Rainmaker’ join forces on both the 29th and 30th of November.

?Tanahashi and Okada finally team together?

On Thursday 29th and Friday 30th, Tanahashi and Okada, the two heated rivals will finally be on the same side! Don't miss this historic match!

Watch our preview of the match here?https://t.co/Wswfx1HS49#njpw #njwtl pic.twitter.com/7rjDajWudz

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) November 27, 2018

The first match will see Okada, Tanahashi, and KUSHIDA face off against Jay White, Bad Luck Fale and Taiji Ishimori — a clash that also further developments the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight feud between the champion, KUSHIDA, and Ishimori.

The next day, the team will see Rocky Romero bolster their ranks in an eight-man tag team match as they compete against White, Fale, Ishimori, and the man who betrayed Okada, Gedo.

It was Gedo’s betrayal and Jay White’s unrelenting attack post-match at NJPW’s Destruction in Kobe event that would lead to this unlucky team coming together.

At a later New Japan show, ‘Road To Power Struggle’ on October 27th, Tanahashi would run in to save Okada from an assault at the hands of the Firing Squad, bringing the two men together in the face of a unified enemy.

Okada will eventually face Jay White at next year’s Wrestle Kingdom 13 event. Tanahashi, meanwhile, will be cashing in his G1 Climax briefcase for a shot against IWGP Heavyweight champion, Kenny Omega.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=131&v=gAJVWrF8Q6o

Next January’s Wrestle Kingdom 13 event is being pushed as an event headlined by a battle of core ideologies.

On one side, you have Hiroshi Tanahashi, who doesn’t believe that New Japan Pro Wrestling should sacrifice the very things that made them so unique. So Japanese.

The other side of the argument is fronted by The Elite’s Kenny Omega, representing an outsider who wants to help bring global recognition to the promotion by adapting its style into something new. Evolving it into something he deems suitable.

It’s been an engaging feud so far — one that flirts with real-life tensions that exist within the company over alleged concerns of rampant “Westernization” that dilutes the “Strong Style” nature of Japanese puroresu.

Now an important voice has just been added to this feud: Harold Meij.

“They’re Almost Two Extremes To Each Other”

Meij is the current NJPW CEO, and has been speculated to have caused upset within the locker room with his recent decisions to reshuffle high-ranking New Japan corporate officials.

Speaking to Uproxx about their January extravaganza, Meij ruminated on the ideological clash between Omega and Tanahashi, juxtaposing it with NJPW’s philosophical stance.

“We talked a little bit about the philosophy, and I think that’s one of the things that sets New Japan apart from a lot of other promotions, or other sports for that matter, is we emphasize more the philosophical part… Keeping that in mind, I have to say that the Tanahashi vs. Kenny is going to be something special. Because they’re almost – I almost want to say they’re almost opposites, they’re almost two extremes to each other.”

“He Is The Epitome, Really, Of The Tradition Of New Japan”

“[…] if you’ve seen any of the comments that both have given, I mean, Tanahashi, for example, on the one hand, he is the essence of New Japan. He’s almost Mr. New Japan. I mean, he started with New Japan, he was brought up as Young Lion, he was there during the bad times, he was there during the good times. I mean, he’s been taking a lot of initiatives to help the company as well. Not just inside the ring, of course, as a wrestler, but also outside the ring he did a lot of PR. He went to personally sell tickets during our darker times… he is the epitome, really, of the tradition of New Japan. It’s in his DNA…that’s who he is.”

“Now, Kenny on the other hand,” he continued, “[…] incredibly high-quality moves, incredible stamina and agility, but he’s almost self-taught. Almost. He didn’t go to the dojo, obviously, so he doesn’t have that part of him. He came from other experiences from the world. He’s wrestled and fought the world, really. So it’s almost, you know, two polar opposites. And yeah, I almost have to say that I almost don’t want to see the outcome of that.”

As we reported recently, Tetsuya Naito was approached by WWE around the time of this year’s Dominion event. WWE approached Naito with a view to bringing the Japanese star Stateside. Naito, being the (astute?) business man he is turned down the offer and opted to stay with New Japan. The Los Ingobernables leader stated in a recent interview with Tokyo Sports that “I didn’t even give it thought. This New Japan ring is already the world’s No. 1 stage. The fans know this. That’s why I think we should focus on our home crowd before looking international.” There have since been humorous reports of how Naito left the restaurant and left WWE officials with the bill, but these are not yet confirmed.
Speculation

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter recently made some interesting comments on WWE’s current stance of NJPW talent. As well as Naito, WWE are reportedly looking at two other stars to bring over. There are no names given, but Dave Meltzer claims that “one would be a huge surprise and the other would be a great worker who I didn’t see flourishing in the WWE system. But [they] also probably wouldn’t have any reservations about moving to the U.S. like many of the Japanese might.”

Again, we have nothing concrete but the descriptions given lead to three names in my mind. When you look at the phrase “a great worker who I didn’t see flourishing in the WWE system” I instantly think of Tomohiro Ishii. Tomohiro is one of the most well respected and tenured stars in Japanese wrestling currently, a bastion of ‘strong style.’ It’s long since been part of the general consensus that whilst Ishii is a top star in Japan he probably wouldn’t be suited to a WWE schedule or in-ring style. Ishii is also no stranger to performing abroad however, the Rev Pro British Heavyweight Champion appears regularly for Rev Pro in the UK and OTT in Ireland.

Ishii in WWE?

Would and could Ishii move over to the US to perform for WWE? He has the credentials and legitimacy that would fit alongside the likes of Kassius Ohno, Keith Lee and Matt Riddle. Should Ishii move to WWE if the opportunity arose? In my opinion no. Ishii has a specific and ‘stiff’ style that has lit up New Japan over the past decade, the ‘Stone Pitbull’ is one of those performers who doesn’t sit at the top of the card but he can easily be brought up and used if the need arose, kind of like a ‘strong style’ Dolph Ziggler.

“One Huge Surprise”

When Meltzer claims that “one would be a huge surprise” I turn to Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi. These two men are New Japan through and through but would have very different motivations for leaving. Okada is only 31 years old, tall and has charisma in droves, if WWE aren’t looking at him as a potential signee down the road then there is something drastically wrong. The ‘Rainmaker’ however is as previously mentioned a full bore ‘company guy,’ his last stint in the United States for TNA Wrestling may well have left a sour taste in his mouth and could have skewed any potential move to North America. Should Okada go to WWE? Not yet…but if WWE are looking to truly expand globally with the likes of NXT UK and potentially NXT Germany taking off soon then for your Japanese based product you MUST have Okada.

The ‘Ace’ of WWE?

So, we move on to Hiroshi Tanahashi, the ‘Ace’ of New Japan. Tanahashi is 41 years old and has had a long, knee injury stricken career. If you look at WWE’s top tier main event talent then Tanahashi isn’t even that old, but could he cope with a WWE schedule including house shows? Possibly not. Again I look at the phrase “huge surprise” and can’t help but think of what the ‘Ace’ could bring to WWE…Shinsuke Nakamura has had an interesting stop-start career in NXT and WWE, but Nakamura has seen some incredible success; Royal Rumble winner, United States Champion and NXT Champion just part of his WWE resume. Should Tanahashi go to WWE? Yes, yes he should.

There are probably New Japan diehards reaching for their pitchforks right now. “Hiroshi Tanahashi in WWE!? They will misuse him! He’ll be jobbing in no time!” That might be the case, or WWE could position Tanahashi as a top tier main event star alongside the likes of AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Daniel Bryan et al on Smackdown. Staying in Japan for your entire career is by no means a detriment, but if the biggest stage in the world is available to you and you have the charisma and starpower of Tanahashi why wouldn’t you take the chance? Nakamura took the chance and it worked, you can’t convince me otherwise.

NJPW has recently been adding more English language content to their YouTube channel. One of the new web series entitled ‘The Wire’ has posed an intriguing question to the fans of New Japan. Will Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada form an alliance?

‘The Ace’ of New Japan Tanahashi broke up an attack by the Firing Squad on Okada at the ‘Road To’ Power Struggle event on October 27th. Tanahashi stormed the ring and attacked Jay White, Tanga Loa and Bad Luck Fale. Tama Tonga then joined in the fray and got taken down by a double back elbow by Okada and Tanahashi.

The Okada/Tanahashi feud is one of the most pivotal in New Japan’s history. The two men have had some incredible matches in the past. Okada stated in a recent backstage interview that “shaking hands (with Tanahashi) was…friendly. I guess, for the first time, Tanahashi has finally made a friend. But, that doesn’t mean we are going to team up. But, let me thank you for helping me this time.”

Tanahashi also made some interesting comments, stating that “Even I don’t know what is going to happen. Pro Wrestling is…not only about betrayal.”

With Fighting Spirit Unleashed about to take place this Sunday at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California, njpw1972.com have been running a series of interviews with some of their top stars before they arrive on American soil.

Today, NJPW has released an informative interview with New Japan’s Ace, and G1 Climax 28 winner, Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Tanahashi has been vocal recently over his lack of respect for Bullet Club leader, Kenny Omega, and has openly called out wrestlers he wants to face in the build to Wrestle Kingdom 13, including Okada, who was also recently interviewed.

This discussion is no different, with Tanahashi openly admitting frustration over New Japan’s booking decisions with their last American foray, March’s Strong Style Evolved event. That night was headlined by The Young Bucks versus Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi.

Strong Style Devolved

Looking back, Tanahashi remarked that he “recorded a podcast afterward with KUSHIDA. I think he’d had a few drinks and was mad, asked ‘Was that really a New Japan main event?!?’”

Tanahashi admits he was frustrated as well, confessing, “That was the booking that the company felt was best for the American fans. I wasn’t so much thinking ‘that’s the wrong move’, but I did think ‘maybe it’s time to reflect on where the rest of us are lacking’. We weren’t in a position where our programs were main event worthy,” he explained, “and I think the responsibility for that fell on us somewhat.”

“The Real Deal. That’s What I Want To Show Them”

He then broached an issue that seems to have been weighing on his mind – one that is as candid as it is critical:

“I really felt then that if NJPW was going to keep going to America, we needed to stop trying to alter things to try and make them more American. It should be New Japan Pro Wrestling, as is, in the States. We really need to show that ‘Made In Japan’ aspect, I think.”

Juxtaposing this with a memory of watching the WWE in 2002, Tanahashi said, “I want to show that Made In Japan feel. With NJPW World there are so many fans now that watch our cards live or near live. I want to bring them what they see streaming on their devices in person right in front of them,” he said, before recalling, “It reminds me of when WWE came to Japan and I was at the show. It would have been 2002 maybe? The Rock was definitely there (March 1 2002, Yokohama Arena). They had a Japanese ring announcer translating what the English announcer said. Whenever that guy spoke he got booed.”

“They were saying ‘forget the translation, we want to see the authentic American product’ I think. I think there are American fans that want the same from NJPW. Not something rearranged for ‘American tastes’ but the real deal. That’s what I want to show them.”

You can read the full interview here.

What do you think of The Ace’s latest thoughts? Agree or disagree with his take on New Japan’s recent US booking decisions?

As the winner of the G1 Climax 28, Hiroshi Tanahashi is currently in position to challenge Kenny Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at WrestleKingdom next year. Things could change, however, as Tanahashi will have to defend the G1 briefcase against Kazuchika Okada on Sunday.

Tanahashi recently offered a negative critique of Kenny Omega’s wrestling style to the media. “Kenny’s wrestling is like watching a movie with no Kishotenketsu (dramatic arc of traditional Japanese narratives),” Tanahashi said.

Omega has since responded to Tanahashi’s comments through Twitter.

Strange accusation to make considering I’ve won more MOTY awards than Tana’s had hair transplant surgeries. Can’t wait for Tana vs Okada 71! I swear watching the same recycled match will be just as good in even slower motion! 😇 https://t.co/CQGZP54AKB

— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) September 19, 2018

“Strange accusation to make considering I’ve won more MOTY awards than Tana’s had hair transplant surgeries. Can’t wait for Tana vs Okada 71! I swear watching the same recycled match will be just as good in even slower motion!”

Rough day at the office today… All 10 of Tana’s foreign fans took to Twitter to say mean things to me. Rumor has it they even posted stuff on Reddit too…I’ll be okay guys, I swear. pic.twitter.com/xMkFKZd27Y

— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) September 19, 2018

“Rough day at the office today… All 10 of Tana’s foreign fans took to Twitter to say mean things to me. Rumor has it they even posted stuff on Reddit too…I’ll be okay guys, I swear.”

NJPW Destruction in Kobe – September 23rd, 2018

1. Yota Tsuji vs Yuya Uemura
2. Ren Narita and Shota Umino vs Sho and Yoh
3. Tiger Mask and Jushin Liger vs Desperado and Kanemaru
4. Yoshida, Taguchi, Honma, Makabe vs Nakanishi, Nagata, Kojima, and Tenzan
5. the Best Friends vs the Killer Elite Squad
6. Toa Henare, David Finlay, and Juice Robinson vs Ospreay, Yoshi-Hashi, and Jay White
7. Sanada, Evil, Naito vs Michinoku, ZSJ, and Minoru Suzuki
8. IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Semi-Final
   Kushida vs Bushi
9. G1 Climax 28 Briefcase
   Hiroshi Tanahashi (Holder) vs Kazuchika Okada

It appears that NJPW’s Ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi, may already be looking past Kazuchika Okada and Jay White. In an interview with a Japanese radio station, Tanahashi had some harsh words for his future opponent, Kenny Omega. This is assuming he can defend his G1 briefcase against both Chaos members.

Translated from Japanese, Tanahashi criticized Omega’s in-ring style. The wrestler claimed that it lacks drama because there is no narrative flow to his matches.

“Kenny’s puroresu is like watching a movie with no Kishotenketsu (dramatic arc of traditional Japanese narratives).”

Tanahashi stated that only the last 5 minutes of an Omega match matter because there’s no story being told.

.@tanahashi1_100 says “Kenny’s puroresu is like watching a movie with no Kishotenketsu (dramatic arc of traditional Japanese narratives).” He feels that the last 5 minutes of a Kenny match is all that matters, because there’s no story. – Via @sumidab local radio. #njpw #goace

— TheLionMarks (@TheLionMarks) September 15, 2018

Begrudging Respect

He admitted that he respected previous Bullet Club leaders, Prince Devitt (now wrestling as Finn Balor in the WWE) and AJ Styles, believing they were dedicated to the Bullet Club.

With Omega, however, he thinks that ‘The Best Bout Machine’ has a poor attitude – one that leads him to want to “own” everything.

Kenny has had some harsh words in the past for his potential Wrestle Kingdom opponent, calling Tanahashi a “complete egomaniac” and describing his fanbase as a “dwindling mini cult.”

G1 Vengeance

The winner of the G1 Climax tournament receives a briefcase with a contract for a title shot at Wrestle Kingdom inside. 

Tanahashi, this year’s winner, was quick to highlight two opponents he wanted to face before Wrestle Kingdom 13 on January 4th 2019.

In his post #g128 press conference now 3 time winner Hiroshi Tanahashi said there's no doubt that the G1 champion will become the center of attention in the second half of 2018. He already has an opponent in mind to whom he lost at Wrestling Dontaku and who he drew with in the G1 pic.twitter.com/YlhVyI3cV5

— STRIGGA (@STRIGGA) August 13, 2018

“Switchblade” Jay White was the only wrestler to defeat Tanahashi. Okada fought him to an epic 30-minute draw on the final night of the tournament. The Ace hasn’t forgotten.

What do you Tanahashi’s chances are of making it to the Tokyo Dome in order to claim his opportunity? And do you agree with Tanahashi’s opinion on Omega?

Hiroshi Tanahashi will be putting his Wrestle Kingdom title match in jeopardy on Sunday September 23rd. The ‘Ace’ of New Japan will step in the ring with Kazuchika Okada in an IWGP January 4th Challenge Rights match for the Destruction in Kobe show.

Traditionally the winner of the G1 tournament is expected to defend his title shot. Well, the G1 winner should defend against the competitors who beat him during the tournament. Interestingly Tanahashi announced that he would defend the rights against Okada even though their epic bout went to a time limit draw during this year’s G1.

Tanahashi spoke on camera following his bout at the ‘Road To’ event last night. The ‘Ace’ stated that “I know Okada far too well. Please show me the part of you that I’ve never seen before. But..just winning is not enough, because I’ve already lost and drew to him. It won’t satisfy me. Then what should I do? I’m looking for something more.”

Kazuchika Okada also appeared in a backstage interview segment, the former IWGP Heavyweight made the following comments: “It’s obvious isn’t it? Tokyo Dome and the IWGP Title…they need me. The answer is there. That’s why Tanahashi wants to beat me isn’t it? He needs to beat me in order to get to the Tokyo Dome. You’re being naive aren’t you? But the IWGP Title…The main event at Tokyo Dome is not your place. Well…we’re just getting started. There will be more preview matches. I will get everything out of Tanahashi and I will finish him in Kobe.”

Check out the full video below:

Last weekend saw Japanese wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi defeat Kota Ibushi to win the G1 Climax tournament. This should cement his place in the main event of January 4th’s Wrestle Kingdom event in the Tokyo Dome.

Tanahashi spoke to Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barrasso following his incredible bout against the ‘Golden Star.’ He discussed a variety of topics including the longevity of his career, his love of Shawn Michaels and the difference in ideologies between himself and IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega.

The ‘Ace’ of New Japan began by stating “Many times I have heard that phrase about my age, but what can I say?” My future is my future. I don’t want to let anyone close the door on my future. I survived the G1. This means I am the best in New Japan.”

Tanahashi is also reportedly a huge fan of the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels, he spoke about ‘picturing’ the WWE Hall of Famer before his G1 final match: “Before I walked to the ring tonight, I was very, very nervous, So I pictured Shawn Michaels. I love, love Shawn Michaels. He was my inspiration, and always seemed to be having fun all the time in the ring. There is pressure and injury in the ring, but I needed to remember there is joy, too. So that’s what I did.”

Tanahashi also commented on the difference of ideologies between himself and Bullet Club’s Kenny Omega: “Kenny made a new movement, created a new trend in New Japan Pro Wrestling,” said Tanahashi, alternating between English and Japanese. “He does extreme moves and people love him, but New Japan Pro Wrestling has a different ideology of pro wrestling. Kenny’s ideology is different than my ideology, and that is the biggest difference between us.”

The current IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kenny Omega, has fired a shot at Hiroshi Tanahashi. Omega referred to Tanahashi as an “egomaniac”, said he’s glad he won’t be at All In and referred to his fans as a cult.

He made his comments in a reply to the newest English broadcast team member, Chris Charlton.

What’s crazy is that his dwindling mini cult will still believe every word he says. A complete ego maniac. Sure glad he ain’t #allin

— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) August 13, 2018

“What’s crazy is that his dwindling mini cult will still believe every word he says. A complete egomaniac. Sure glad he ain’t #allin”

Omega’s comments were made in response to Tanahashi saying Ibushi would never reach his true potential while aligned with Omega.

As Omega is the IWGP Heavyweight Champion and Tanahashi the G1 Winner, the two could meet in the main event of WrestleKingdom. Omega will need to defend his title before then, however, and Tanahashi will have to defend his G1 briefcase as well.

Kenny Omega vs Hiroshi Tanahashi

In his post #g128 press conference now 3 time winner Hiroshi Tanahashi said there's no doubt that the G1 champion will become the center of attention in the second half of 2018. He already has an opponent in mind to whom he lost at Wrestling Dontaku and who he drew with in the G1 pic.twitter.com/YlhVyI3cV5

— STRIGGA (@STRIGGA) August 13, 2018

Tanahashi said he would only go on to face Omega in the Tokyo Dome if he successfully retains the G1 briefcase against Kazuchika Okada. Although Tanahashi won the B-Block in the G1 this year, he only wrestled Okada to a draw on the final night of the round-robin.

The only wrestler to defeat Tanahashi in the G1 this year was Jay White. Tanahashi will likely defend the briefcase against him as well.

??????????????????????????????100??????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????
??????????????https://t.co/m7Y4hron5W#g128 pic.twitter.com/UNZx9MLszY

— ?????????????? (@njpw1972) August 13, 2018

As for Omega, he’ll have to defend his IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Tomohiro Ishii next. He could have to defend the title against either Kota Ibushi or Toru Yano before WrestleKingdom as well.

His title match against Ishii has yet to be scheduled.

The G1 Climax 28 winner, Hiroshi Tanahashi, has stated he will defend the briefcase against Kazuchika Okada and Jay White.

The winner of NJPW’s annual G1 tournament receives a briefcase with a contract for the title shot at WrestleKingdom inside. In recent years, the G1 winner has had to defend the briefcase before advancing to the Tokyo Dome. No G1 Winner has yet to lose the briefcase before WrestleKingdom, however.

Jay White was the only wrestler to defeat Tanahashi in the tournament while Okada and Tanahashi went to a 30-minute draw on the final night of the round-robin.

His post-match press conference comments were translated by the owner of PuroLove.com:

In his post #g128 press conference now 3 time winner Hiroshi Tanahashi said there's no doubt that the G1 champion will become the center of attention in the second half of 2018. He already has an opponent in mind to whom he lost at Wrestling Dontaku and who he drew with in the G1 pic.twitter.com/YlhVyI3cV5

— STRIGGA (@STRIGGA) August 13, 2018

Tanahashi wants to go to the dome after knocking down Okada. He said he understands Okada's strengh well enough so he thinks there's a need to defend his briefcase against Okada even there is a risk of losing.

— STRIGGA (@STRIGGA) August 13, 2018

Even though he considers his G1 victory a "complete resurrection" (kanzen fukkatsu/完全復活) he thinks it's impossible to avoid Okada. When he was asked about Jay White Tanahashi also added that he would like to defend his certificate against him.

— STRIGGA (@STRIGGA) August 13, 2018

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kazuchika Okada

As it stands right now, Okada would have to either defeat Hiroshi Tanahashi for the G1 briefcase or Kenny Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight title in order to be in the main event of WrestleKingdom.

If Okada is not in the main event at WrestleKingdom 13 it will be the first time since WrestleKingdom 8 he hasn’t been.

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Jay White

Tanahashi’s post-match comments centered more around Okada than they did Jay White. Still, as the only person to defeat Hiroshi Tanahashi in the G1, White will likely be given a shot at the briefcase.

White and his CHAOS stablemates have not been seeing eye-to-eye as of late. It’s unclear what White’s future with the faction is.

Hiroshi Tanahashi is now a 3x G1 tournament winner. He defeated Kota Ibushi today in the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan in the finals of G1 Climax 28.

With the victory, Tanahashi earns the right to challenge the champion at WrestleKingdom 13. The G1 winner has had to defend that right before moving onto the Tokyo Dome in recent years, however. As Jay White was the only person to defeat Tanahashi in the tournament, he’s a likely candidate for Tanahashi to defend the G1 briefcase against.

How magnificent is pro-wrestling?? Congrats @tanahashi1_100 #g128
Thanks @njpw1972 @njpwglobal @njpwworld pic.twitter.com/gyF0nlOZNn

— ROCKY ROMERO?? ?? ?? ??“Chico El Luchador” (@azucarRoc) August 12, 2018

Hiroshi Tanahashi G1 Climax 28

G1 Tournament Winner Statistics

The win moves Tanahashi into a tie with Hiroyoshi Tenzan for the 3rd most tournament victories in the G1 lineage. Tenzan and Tanahashi are tied for 2nd most in the modern G1 era beginning in 1991.

• Antonio Inoki
  MSG League tournament victories: 6
  1974, 75, 78, 79, 80, 81
  International Wrestling Grand Prix victorious: 4
  1984, 86, 87, 88
• Masahiro Chono
  G1 Climax victories: 5
  1991, 92, 94, 2002, 2005
• Hiroyoshi Tenzan
  G1 Climax victories: 3
  2003, 2004, 2006
• Hiroshi Tanahashi
  G1 Climax victories: 3
  2007, 2015, 2018

Hiroshi Tanahashi Championship Statistics

Up until they were surpassed by Kazuchika Okada, Tanahashi’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship statistics were the greatest of all-time. He won the title for the first time over 12 years ago. He defeated Giant Bernard (Matt Bloom) in the finals of a tournament to crown a new champion.

• Hiroshi Tanahashi
  • Combined Title Defences: 28 (1st all-time- Okada trails by 3)
  • Combined Days as Champion: 1,358 (2nd most all-time behind Okada)
  • # of reigns: 7 (1st all-time)

New Japan Pro Wrestling’s annual G1 Climax is widely regarded as the greatest tournament in pro wrestling today. Two blocks of competitors are competing in a round robin format to determine the number 1 contender to Kenny Omega’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship at January 4th’s Wrestle Kingdom. The tournament is nearing the later stages and here are the results from Night 17:

Togi Makabe b. Michael Elgin – Makabe took the pinfall win after hitting the King Kong Knee Drop 

YOSHI-HASHI b. Hangman Page – YOSHI-HASHI took the pinfall win after hitting the Karma

Minoru Suzuki b. Bad Luck Fale – Suzuki took the DQ win after Tama Tonga interfered and hit the Gun Stun…again

EVIL b. “Switchblade” Jay White – EVIL took the pinfall win after hitting his namesake signature move

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada ended in a Time Limit Draw – Due to this result Tanahashi advances to the final on Sunday 12th August

A Block Winner – Hiroshi Tanahashi 

You can find the results for Night 1 here, Night 2 here, Night 3 here, Night 4 here, Night 5 here, Night 6 here, Night 7 here, Night 8 here, Night 9 here, Night 10 here, Night 11 here, Night 12 here, Night 13 here, Night 14 here, Night 15 here and Night 16 here.

Asuka & Nakamura Pose With Tanahashi

Here is the picture of Japanese WWE stars Asuka and Shinsuke Nakamura hanging out with NJPW star Hiroshi Tanahashi:

???????????? ??????????????????? 07.01.18 @tanahashi1_100 ? @ShinsukeN ?????? pic.twitter.com/FZGoL9kmVB

— ASUKA / ??? (@WWEAsuka) July 3, 2018

Nakamura and Tanahashi have faced each other a number of times before in New Japan Pro Wrestling, and were considered the top rivals in the company.
Both of them have main evented Wrestle Kingdom, in 2008 and 2014 for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and Intercontinental Championship respectively.

Another Match Added To Chris Jericho’s Cruise

Ring of Honor Wrestling has announced that their Sea of Honor Tournament on Chris Jericho’s upcoming Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager cruise will feature another match. “Hangman” Adam Page will go against Kazarian in singles action:

#SeaOfHonor Tournament match on the @jericho_cruise!@theAdamPage vs @FrankieKazarian

Book your cabin NOW, maaan!https://t.co/weIdUJuRJS #JerichoCruise pic.twitter.com/Og6oVBYCIK

— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) July 3, 2018

Japanese wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi recently spoke to New Japan Pro Wrestling’s English Language site NJPW1972.com on the upcoming Best of the Super Juniors tournament. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion was on hand to give his thoughts on the prestigious tournament and offer his insight on the key matches to watch.

When asked who he believed would win the tournament, he stated that Los Ingobernables’ Hiromu Takahashi would go all the way and become the eventual winner, stating that “my pick is Hiromu. When it comes to getting motivated for his matches and really making the fans happy, Hiromu is the best. There might be people that rival him on pure ability, but he has that charismatic X factor that will make him win I think.” 

Tanahashi also picked his top four bouts in the A & B Blocks, with the following bouts getting the nod out of the upcoming field:

• Will Ospreay vs ACH from May 20th
• Sho vs Takahashi from June 2nd
• El Desperado vs Takahashi from May 22nd
• Taguchi vs Marty Scurll from June 2nd

New Japan’s Best of the Super Juniors begins on May 18th and Night 1 of the tournament will be available to view for free on NJPWWorld.com

Best of the Super Juniors is here! Hiroshi Tanahashi gives his picks and chooses the biggest matches!https://t.co/zCkeLlw5zH pic.twitter.com/gSpqSui5lL

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) May 15, 2018

New Japan has announced the top matches for their upcoming ‘Wrestling Dontaku’ tour which begins on 4/23. This yearly tour usually determines the top bouts for the major Dominion show that will be taking place June 9th and will once again emanate from the historic Osaka Jo Hall.

Arguably the biggest match that will be taking place is the Day 2 main event between two of New Japan’s biggest stars: Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi. These two men have one of the most high profile rivalries in NJPW history and have faced each other on the biggest stages that Japanese wrestling has to offer, a collision between Tanahashi and arguably the man whose career he helped make in Okada could be considered a MOTYC if the stars align.

Here is the full schedule for the tour:

Road to Wrestling Dontaku (April 23)

• Six Man Tag Team Match: Tetsuya Naito, SANADA & EVIL vs. Minoru Suzuki & Killer Elite Squad
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru (c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI

Road to Wrestling Dontaku (April 24)

• Six Man Tag Team Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Kazuchika Okada, Hirooki Goto & Gedo
• IWGP US Heavyweight Championship Match: Jay White (c) vs. David Finlay

Road to Wrestling Dontaku (April 27)

• Special Tag Team Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & KUSHIDA vs. Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay
• NEVER Openweight Championship: Hirooki Goto (c) vs. Juice Robinson

Wrestling Hinokuni 2018 (April 29)

• Singles Match: BUSHI vs. El Desperado
• Singles Match: Hiromu Takahashi vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru
• IWGP Tag Team Championship: SANADA & EVIL (c) vs. Killer Elite Squad
• IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Minoru Suzuki (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito

Wrestling Dontaku 2018 Day 1 (May 3)

• NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship: Bad Luck Fale & Guerrillas of Destiny (c) vs. The Young Bucks & Marty Scurll
• Singles Match: Kota Ibushi vs. Cody
• Singles Match: Kenny Omega vs. Hangman Page

Wrestling Dontaku 2018 Day 2 (May 4)

• Bullet Club vs. Bullet Club 10-Man: Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Bad Luck Fale & Guerrillas of Destiny vs. Cody, Hangman Page, Marty Scurll & The Young Bucks
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay (c) vs. KUSHIDA
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

credit to r/njpw for the lineup

?4?24?????????????????????
?????????????vs???????????US???????????
?????????vs???????????https://t.co/HWu6JR8O7S#njdontaku #njpw pic.twitter.com/Vj3KPQoBR2

— ?????????????? (@njpw1972) April 2, 2018

The 2018 New Japan Cup finals have concluded.

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Zack Sabre Jr. fought through some stiff competition to make it to the finals, which took place inside Ao-re Nagaoka in Niigata, Japan. Going into the finals, many fans were on the fence. Would Tanahashi renew his rivalry with Kazuchika Okada or potentially get revenge on Minoru Suzuki? Would Sabre Jr. pose a new threat to the IWGP Heavyweight champion?

In the end, it was Sabre Jr. who emerged as the New Japan Cup 2018 winner. He was able to submit Tanahashi just over the 34-minute mark. After the match, Sabre Jr. said he’s going after Okada’s gold at Sakura Genesis on April 1.

Check out the rest of the results below:

Singles Match: Shota Umino def. Tetsuhiro Yagi

Singles Match: Taichi def. Tomoyuki Oka

Six-Man Tag Team Match: Bad Luck Fale, Tanga Loa, & Yujiro Takahashi def. Togi Makabe, Michael Elgin, & Toa Henare

Tag Team Match: Killer Elite Squad def. Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano

Tag Team Match: Juice Robinson & David Finlay def. Hiroki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi

Eight-Man Tag Team Match: Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, Hiromu Takahashi, & Bushi def. Minoru Suzuki, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, El Desperado, & Takashi Iizuka

Tag Team Match: Kazuchika Okada & Chuckie T. def. Kota Ibushi & Chase Owens

New Japan Cup Finals Match: Zack Sabre Jr. def. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Ring of Honor is gearing up for Supercard of Honor XII, which takes place during WrestleMania 34 weekend on Saturday night, April 7th from New Orleans, Louisiana. Catch the show on traditional PPV outlets and the FITE TV app.

The promotion has announced a new match for the upcoming event. The Briscoes will defend the ROH World Tag Team Championships against Jay Lethal & Hiroshi Tanahashi

ROH is going up against tough competition on this night as they will have to go head-to-head with NXT Takeover: New Orleans, which takes place just down the road that night. The main event of Supercard of Honor will feature a match between former Bullet Club brothers Cody Rhodes and Kenny Omega.

Also, the promotion is building Ring of Honor World Champion Dalton Castle vs. Marty Scurll as the co-main event. Here is the updated card for the event:

– ROH World Champion Dalton Castle  vs. Marty Scurll

– Kenny Omega vs. Cody

– Tomohiro Ishii vs. Punishment Martinez

– Adam Page vs. Kota Ibushi

– ROH Tag Team Champions The Briscoes vs. Jay Lethal & Hiroshi Tanahashi

Also signed to appear:

ROH WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPION KENNY KING

ROH WORLD SIX-MAN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS SOCAL UNCENSORED (CHRISTOPHER DANIELS, FRANKIE KAZARIAN, & SCORPIO SKY)

THE YOUNG BUCKS (MATT & NICK JACKSON)

SILAS YOUNG

FLIP GORDON

THE KINGDOM

THE WOMEN OF HONOR CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT SEMI-FINALS AND FINAL

PLUS MUCH MORE!