With New Japan Pro Wrestling's Wrestle Grand Slam main event up in the air, one of its stars has stepped up and called their shot.
On June 24, NJPW held its Summer Struggle in Nagoya event. The show was headlined by a Hiroshi Tanahashi victory over KENTA. Following the match, Tanahashi got on the mic and declared the following:
"Though I’m sweaty, I’m not tired, and this tireless body will carry NJPW into the future. The main event at the Tokyo Dome is still uncertain. Can I make an appeal?" Calling his shot for Wrestle Grand Slam, Tanahashi left the fans with the declaration of "If I’m needed, I am ready."
Wrestle Grand Slam, which takes place on July 25, was supposed to see Kota Ibushi face Shingo Takagi for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Unfortunately, NJPW recently announced that Ibushi has been diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia and would miss all the shows leading up to the big event.
It was originally announced that Ibushi had been suffering from COVID vaccination side effects, but aspiration pneumonia has no connection to COVID vaccinations.
NJPW has stated that an update about Ibushi and the main event will be made soon.
