Hiroshi Tanahashi comments on his new role as the president and representative director of NJPW.
On December 22, NJPW announced that Hiroshi Tanahashi had been appointed the new president and representative director of the company.
Speaking with Justin Barrasso for Sports Illustrated, Tanahashi commented on his new role.
“I am honored to be president and an active wrestler. This is a very valuable time for me since I am still an active wrestler. Being president allows me to focus on short and long-term goals for New Japan Pro-Wrestling," Tanahashi said through a translator.
Tanahashi also joked about how the members of the locker room will have the opportunity to beat up their boss. He then expressed his gratitude for their kind words of support. The new NJPW president has already made it clear that he wants to boost ticket sales and sponsorships, and he also intends to have more title matches outside of major cities. Tanahashi also stated that he wants to deliver exciting matches, starting with NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18.
“I will focus on which matches entertain and excite fans. We have exciting matches coming up, starting at Wrestle Kingdom 18 in the Tokyo Dome," he said.
Click here to see what Hiroshi Tanahashi had to say about his goals as the president of NJPW.
Tanahashi has said that he still plans to be on the road with NJPW. More information is available here.
Fightful will have live coverage of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 as it airs on January 4.
