NJPW has announced that Hiroshi Tanahashi will be forced to miss NJPW Sakura Genesis next month due to injury. NJPW issued the following:
Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Following further examination on an ankle injury sustained at New Beginning in Sapporo, Hiroshi Tanahashi will be absent from the New Japan Cup series, as well as Sakura Genesis on April 6 to allow for a full recovery.
His previously announced IWGP Global Championship match will be delayed until a later date to be determined.
We apologise to fans looking forward to seeing Tanahashi wrestle and appreciate your understanding.
The following changes have been made to forthcoming cards:
March 6 Ota
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii & El Desperado vs Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI–>
Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii, El Desperado & Boltin Oleg vs Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI
March 10 Hyogo
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino, YOH & El Desperado vs EVIL, SHO, Yujiro Takahashi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru–>
Shota Umino, YOH, El Desperado & Boltin Oleg vs EVIL, SHO, Yujiro Takahashi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) recently announced that Hiroshi Tanahashi, one of their top stars, will be forced to miss the upcoming NJPW Sakura Genesis event due to an ankle injury. This news has disappointed many fans who were eagerly looking forward to seeing Tanahashi in action.
The injury was sustained by Tanahashi during the New Beginning in Sapporo event. After further examination, it was determined that he needs time to fully recover, which means he will also miss the New Japan Cup series. Additionally, his previously announced IWGP Global Championship match will be postponed until a later date that is yet to be determined.
NJPW has expressed their apologies to the fans who were excited to see Tanahashi wrestle and have requested their understanding in this matter. The promotion understands the disappointment this may cause but believes that Tanahashi’s health and well-being should be prioritized.
As a result of Tanahashi’s absence, there have been some changes made to the forthcoming cards. For example, the March 6 event in Ota was originally scheduled to feature a match with Tanahashi teaming up with Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii, and El Desperado against Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi, and BUSHI. However, now Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii, El Desperado, and Boltin Oleg will take on the opposing team.
Similarly, the March 10 event in Hyogo was supposed to have Tanahashi teaming up with Shota Umino, YOH, and El Desperado against EVIL, SHO, Yujiro Takahashi, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru. However, now Shota Umino, YOH, El Desperado, and Boltin Oleg will replace Tanahashi in that match.
While it is unfortunate that Tanahashi will not be able to compete in the upcoming events, his absence provides an opportunity for other wrestlers to step up and showcase their skills. NJPW has a deep roster of talented performers, and this situation allows them to shine in Tanahashi’s absence.
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in the world of professional wrestling. The physical demands of the sport can take a toll on the performers’ bodies, and sometimes injuries are unavoidable. However, promotions like NJPW always prioritize the health and well-being of their wrestlers, ensuring that they receive the necessary time to recover and come back stronger.
Fans can still look forward to seeing Hiroshi Tanahashi back in action once he has fully recovered from his ankle injury. Until then, NJPW will continue to deliver exciting matches and storylines, showcasing the incredible talent they have on their roster.