Hiroshi Tanahashi is New Japan Pro Wrestling’s New President & Representative Director
Japanese wrestling great Hiroshi Tanahashi has been named the new President and Representative Director of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
Takami Ohbari has been President and Representative Director of NJPW since 2020 and will step down from the role on December 23. Another Director, Michiaki Nishizawa is also set to step down on the same date.
Along with Tanahashi’s appointment, Hitoshi Matsumoto (Chief of Business Production for TV Asahi) and Taro Okada (President & CEO of Bushiroad Fight) have been named Directors of the company. Okada will be a Director on a part time basis.
'The Ace of the Universe' has been one of the top stars of the promotion. He had captured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the first of a record, eight times in 2006 and he has been a four-time pro-wrestling MVP. He has been hailed as the ‘Ace’ of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
On Friday evening, in an announcement on NJPW website, it was announced that the eight-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion has been appointed the new President & Representative Director of New Japan Pro Wrestling. This appointment came following a meeting of NJPW’s board of directors and shareholders.
Tanahashi is set to talk about his new role at Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4. The also sent a message for the NJPW fans:
"Thank you for your ongoing support of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. On January 4 at Belc Presents Wrestle Kingdom 18 in the Tokyo Dome, Hiroshi Tanahashi will address the fans directly in his new role as President. NJPW looks forward to your continued support under the new leadership structure."
Hiroshi Tanahashi took to his Twitter and wrote:
"I have been appointed as the representative director and president of New Japan Pro Wrestling Co., Ltd. We will do our best to help you enjoy New Japan Pro Wrestling even more. You won't get tired, so don't worry 🙇*♂️"
WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura also sent out a short Tweet on the same:
"Wow"
It has been also revealed that there will be a press conference on December 26 at 1PM JST regarding the aforementioned changes.
