Tetsuya Naito On Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Role As NJPW President: I Think He Realizes He’s Past His Peak
Tetsuya Naito discusses Hiroshi Tanahashi’s role as NJPW President and says his dual role will be tough.
Tetsuya Naito discusses Hiroshi Tanahashi’s role as NJPW President and says his dual role will be tough.
NJPW kicked off a new era in December by naming active star and former world champion Hiroshi Tanahashi as the new President and Representative Director. This new era continued at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18, where Tetsuya Naito beat SANADA to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
In an interview with NJPW’s website, Tetsuya Naito was asked to share his thoughts on Hiroshi Tanahashi’s new roles.
“When I was still in Hontai I heard Tanahashi say that one day he wanted to become President. So yeah, I guess the time had finally come,” Naito said.
The interviewer noted that it seemed like Naito was not surprised. He made it clear that was not the case. Naito also shared his belief that Tanahashi is “done” in the ring.
“Oh, I was definitely surprised when I actually saw the news (laughs). I mean, he said before that he wanted this and now he’s worked to get there. I’m happy for him. But I think in ring he’s done,” Naito said.
The interviewer asked to clarify whether Naito meant that he thought Tanahashi’s in-ring career was ending. He stated that he imagined being a CEO was a difficult job, and he thought Tanahashi realized he was past his peak.
“I’ve never been a CEO. But I’d imagine it’s a pretty tough job. I have been a wrestler, and I know for sure it’s a tough job, and being a top flight guy is a really tough job. NJPW isn’t some place you can get in the ring and phone it in. I think that Tanahashi realizes he’s past his peak, and he’s putting his feet in both waters for now, but I think that as a wrestler he’s done,” Naito said.
When the interviewer noted that Tanahashi has said that he would continue in both roles, Naito stated that it would be great if he could do it well. However, Naito claimed that Tanahashi had not been setting the world on fire as a wrestler, so juggling the two roles will become even harder.
“If he can be a player manager and do it well then that’s great. But he hasn’t been setting the world on fire as a dedicated wrestler recently, so I think in future that dual role will be even harder. As a Tanahashi fan back in the day, it is a little sad,” Naito said.
Naito was also asked about his past comments that he would not mind being Tanahashi’s last opponent. He highlighted how Tanahashi inspired him when he became a wrestler. Naito noted that it would be a special feat to retire the person who inspired him, and he would keep the possibility in mind.
“I was inspired by Tanahashi when I became a wrestler. I can’t go back in time and be his first opponent, but I can be his last. I was Keiji Muto’s last opponent- officially anyway. Retiring the guy that got me into wrestling as a fan, and retiring the guy that inspired me to work to be a wrestler myself, not many people can say that. In the end, who knows what happens from here on out, but it’s something to keep in mind as I head into this year… cabron,” he said.
During the interview, Naito provided an update on his eye. Check out his comments here.
Naito is set to face Jon Moxley at NJPW Windy City Riot. More information is available here.
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