Hiroshi Tanahashi Reveals Why He Was Scolded Only Days After Becoming NJPW President

Hiroshi Tanahashi may be President of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, but that doesn’t mean the ‘Ace’ can’t be told off.

The NJPW legend took over the reins in late 2023 during a turbulent time for the historic promotion, and during a conversation with Shūkan Bunshun, Tanahashi revealed how a small gesture landed him in some hot water:

“When I became (NJPW) President, I posted a sign that said, 'Don't get tired,' but I was scolded for not acknowledging the employees' fatigue, so I took it down right away,” said Tanahashi with a laugh.

Elsewhere in the conversation, Tanahashi revealed how he is trying to manage his roster's workload whilst also generating enough cash through live events:

“Once I moved to the management side, I realised the practical reality that the company needs to schedule around 150 (shows) a year to generate revenue, and without that, we can't secure the athletes' salaries. I understand the athletes' burdens, but I also understand the company's need to secure revenue. I'm caught between a rock and a hard place (he laughed).

“When I talk to the athletes, I think, this schedule is tough, but on the other hand, when the organisers say, 'President, we want to hold this many shows this year,' I have to say, 'Let's do it!' We are currently considering a new strategy to maintain the number of shows while reducing the burden on the athletes.”

Translation via Google.

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