Hiroshi Tanahashi Wants To Compete In The US On A Monthly Basis, Believes NJPW Will Continue To Expand
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Hiroshi Tanahashi wants to compete more regularly in the United States, and his status as the new IWGP United States Champion could make this goal a reality.
In an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Tanahashi explained that he hopes to work in the United States as a New Japan Pro-Wrestling representative once a month. He also shared his wish that sometimes, he’d like to wrestle in the country on a weekly basis.
“I think the IWGP U.S. heavyweight championship is truly meaningful when it is defended in the U.S.,” said Tanahashi via translation.“I have a desire to go to the U.S. once a month. Sometimes, I’d even like it to be once a week.”
Tanahashi also described his mission to help with NJPW’s growth across the globe and noted how English commentary has helped international audiences enjoy the product more than ever before.
“The language barrier was always the biggest problem when it came to overseas expansion,” said Tanahashi. “But I think people overseas are now enjoying our wrestling even more since New Japan World added the English commentary. We have some amazing wrestlers who have not wrestled overseas yet, so I strongly believe that New Japan will expand even further moving forward.”
Tanahashi worked some NJPW Strong tapings earlier this month, and it’s fair to expect that he’ll compete on the show again at some point soon.
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