In a recent appearance on the “Inside the Ropes” podcast, NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi discussed the company’s need to build new stars.
Tanahashi stated that his goal is to make “household names” for NJPW. He said,
“This is a star-driven business, and we need to make new stars. That goes beyond success in the ring as well- mainstream awareness and name value is the key to success. I want more of our wrestlers becoming household names. The scale and scope of our events in the US lately is something we’re really happy with and we want to maintain that, but from this year, New Japan is going to put a lot of effort into our expansion in Asia and you’ll see that become an area of major growth for us in my opinion.”
In a recent appearance on the “Sports Guys Talking Wrestling” podcast, Dustin Rhodes commented on The Young Bucks’ recent heel turn in AEW.
Rhodes called The Young Bucks “pompous” and wished to face them in the ring,
He said, “They’re pompous. They’ve come in, and they’re such sweet guys, and now this change of heart, this change of attitude they’ve had. Nicholas and Matthew, what is that? The white suits and they’ve still got Sting’s blood on it, it’s crazy. They can come at me; that’s fine. I’ll be ready for them. I’ll have to find Keith Lee or somebody, and we’ll take care of business. I’ve been knocked down a thousand times, I keep getting up. That’s why I’m still here.”
NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi Discusses the Importance of Building New Stars
In a recent appearance on the “Inside the Ropes” podcast, NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi emphasized the company’s need to create new stars. Tanahashi expressed his desire to make these wrestlers “household names” for NJPW, highlighting the importance of mainstream awareness and name value in the wrestling industry.
According to Tanahashi, success in the ring is not the sole factor in building new stars. While the scale and scope of NJPW events in the US have been commendable, the company aims to expand its reach in Asia. Tanahashi believes that this region holds significant potential for growth and plans to invest a considerable amount of effort into this expansion.
The wrestling industry is undeniably star-driven, with household names like The Rock, John Cena, and Stone Cold Steve Austin becoming synonymous with success. These wrestlers not only excel in the ring but also possess a level of mainstream recognition that transcends the wrestling world. Tanahashi recognizes the value of creating such stars for NJPW and aims to replicate their success within his company.
In another podcast appearance, Dustin Rhodes, a prominent figure in AEW, shared his thoughts on The Young Bucks’ recent heel turn. Rhodes referred to them as “pompous” and expressed his desire to face them in the ring. He criticized their change in attitude and appearance, particularly mentioning their white suits stained with Sting’s blood.
Rhodes’s comments highlight the ongoing storyline and character development within AEW. The Young Bucks’ transformation from fan-favorite heroes to arrogant villains has generated intrigue and excitement among fans. Rhodes’s willingness to confront them further adds fuel to this storyline, setting the stage for a potential showdown.
The wrestling industry thrives on compelling storylines and rivalries that captivate audiences. The evolution of characters and unexpected twists keep fans engaged and invested in the product. The Young Bucks’ heel turn is a prime example of this, as it has sparked conversations and anticipation for future matches.
As NJPW aims to build new stars, it is crucial for the company to focus on both in-ring abilities and the development of captivating characters. The success of wrestlers like Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada demonstrates the significance of having well-rounded performers who can connect with audiences on multiple levels.
In conclusion, NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi’s emphasis on building new stars reflects the ever-evolving nature of the wrestling industry. Creating household names requires more than just in-ring success; it necessitates mainstream awareness and name value. As NJPW expands its presence in Asia and continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the development of compelling characters and storylines will play a pivotal role in achieving long-term success.