Hiroshi Tanahashi: Nothing Is Set In Stone But I Want To Take The IWGP United States Title Back To The States

Hiroshi Tanahashi wants to go back to the states. 

Hiroshi Tanahashi is one of these foremost names associated with NJPW and he does not want that to change just because he is getting older.

In 2021, Hiroshi Tanahashi made it very clear that he wants to help New Japan increase its footprint in the United States. As such, he will try to wrestle away the IWGP United States Championship from Kenta on night two of Wrestle Kingdom 16. Speaking with Sports Illustrated about his plans for the belt, he says he wants to return to the United States but nothing is set in stone.

“I want to take the IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Championship back,” Tanahashi says. “Nothing’s set in stone yet, but my goal is to bring the belt back to the states.”

In addition, Tanahashi has a number of goals he wants to accomplish in Japan. Including winning the brand new IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

“For New Japan at large, I want us to put COVID in the rearview mirror and start growing again,” Tanahashi says. “For me personally, of course, I want to be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.”

Tanahashi added, “As long as I am still active, I want to be at the very top of this business. But first I have to produce results and earn that spot.”

Of course, Tanahashi has to win the belt from Kenta to make any of this happen. We will have live coverage of the second night of Wrestle Kingdom 16 as it airs. You can check out the first night’s coverage here.