NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi Wins World TV Title at Wrestle Kingdom 18
Hiroshi Tanahashi has ended the historic reign of Zack Sabre Jr. to become the second-ever NJPW World Television Champion.
Tanahashi and Sabre met on the second match of the main card of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18. The two held nothing back in their efforts to leave the Tokyo Dome with the gold.
Tanahashi won the gold following a series of pinfalls that were countered by both men. The Ace earned a huge response from the crowd in Tokyo.
After the match, Tanahashi shared his delight about the win and wished those watching a Happy New Year.
This win makes Tanahashi the second-ever NJPW World Television Champion. Sabre held the gold for exactly one year after becoming the first champion at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January 2023. Sabre defeated Ren Narita in the finals of a tournament to capture the gold.
This win comes mere weeks after it was announced that Tanahashi is NJPW's new President. The wrestler will also serve as the company's Representative Director. This appointment came following a meeting of NJPW’s board of directors and shareholders.
Hitoshi Matsumoto (Chief of Business Production for TV Asahi) and Taro Okada (President & CEO of Bushiroad Fight) have been named Directors of the company. Tanahashi has been with New Japan for years and is an eight-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, a record number.
