Current IWGP United States champion Hiroshi Tanahashi has signed a new deal with New Japan Pro Wrestling. The “Ace of the Universe” revealed on his twitter account that he and New Japan had come to an agreement on extending his 23 year stay in the company.
Hiroshi Tanahashi is one of the biggest stars the company has ever produced. He was destined for greatness from the beginning, being dubbed the “once in a century talent” after his debut in 1999. He carried the company through the dark times of the mid 2000s as the Ace and became a huge star in Japan.
Whilst fellow “Three Musketeers” Shinsuke Nakamura and Katsuyori Shibata failed initially to become main eventers, the Ace carried the company on his back and has since reaped the rewards.
However, despite being a multi-time world champion, the Ace remains humble. Tanahashi defeated KENTA at Wrestle Kingdom 16 in a brutal hardcore match to win his second IWGP United States Championship. Despite a great showing, he tweeted “I will do my best” upon signing his new deal, showing just how humble the Ace is.
Despite being 45 years old and slowing down, Hiroshi Tanahashi shows no signs of stopping his illustrious career. He is the company’s fourth Triple Crown Champion and the second NJPW Grand Slam Champion, and has held every single current singles title in New Japan today.
Tanahashi wrestled three times during the Wrestle Kingdom week this year. He competed on night one, two and three at Wrestle Kingdom 16. On the third night, he wrestled alongside former rival Kazuchika Okada in a blockbuster tag team match against Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Keiji Mutoh and Kaito Kiyomiya. Tanahashi and Okada picked up the victory, with Tanahashi showing the world he is still the true ace of New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Hamish is a writer and podcaster and wrestling fan who is a key part of the Atletifo team.
After playing countless hours of WrestleMania X8 on the Gamecube, he discovered Rey Mysterio getting his head crushed by The Great Khali, and thus a love for professional wrestling was born.
He is also a Media Graduate, as well as writing for multiple sites about Premier League football and the culture of Wales – his home country.
