Hiroshi Tanahashi Discusses Wrestle Kingdom 13 Match With Kenny Omega

Hiroshi Tanahashi, The Ace of New Japan, is preparing for an epic showdown with current IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kenny Omega. Omega and Tanahashi represent polarizing philosophies of how New Japan Pro-Wrestling should be presented.

Tanahashi looks to recapture the IWGP gold and set NJPW back on a traditional path this Friday. The Ace spoke to NJPW about the rivalry with Omega for their website. Below are some quotes [roughly translated]:

Tanahashi On The Heel/Face Dynamic In This Rivalry:

If Kenny wants to go his own way, I can fire things up by saying, “I don’t like Kenny,” which puts the ire on myself. However, this may make it difficult for my fans to stand behind me. So, then, which direction should I go? What should I do? I settled on, ‘The Battle of Ideologies’.

At the same time, this may be a first for many newer fans, to see this ‘Battle of Ideologies’. It may make it uncomfortable for those who love all of what New Japan offers.

Yes, it’s putting the fans in a tough spot. That being said, I wanted to show that pro-wrestling can be enjoyed on this mature level, not just the fun and fierce side I usually aim for. If they say that babyface vs heel is old-fashioned, then I propose something new. And now the fight at the Tokyo Dome is taking shape.

Tanahashi On Main Eventing In The Tokyo Dome More Times Than Anyone Else:

It’s been 3 years since I faced Okada in the main event, in 2016. This will be my 10th time in the spotlight. Well, I’ve been in this position many times, so I shouldn’t have a problem. However, I am feeling a different kind of anxiety this time.

Tanahashi On Regretting Not Stopping Kenny Omega’s Rise:

I regret that I couldn’t put a stop to Kenny’s surge. But… Another part of me believes I was able to hold onto my persona by avoiding that ladder match at Dominion.

If I had done that ladder match, I don’t think I could have proclaimed to Kenny, “This is New Japan,” after his IWGP Heavyweight 3 way match in October. So, missing that match (at Dominion) ended up being meaning for me.

At first, I was like, ‘This should be fun,’ but as I think about it now, there may have a been a higher power that kept me out of that match (laughs). It may be the reason why we stand here now, in 2018.

If I hadn’t had that ladder match, nothing I say right now would have merit.

‘Kenny claims, “Tanahashi hasn’t changed at all,” but I want to tell him, “I’m a completely different man”’

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Tanahashi Says Omega Is Fueled By A Need For Acknowledgment:

At the core of Kenny’s frustration is a need for approval. I can sense his desire for wanting to be appreciated. ‘Why is Tanahashi still admired more than me, even though I’ve had so many amazing matches?’

But that is because Kenny only sees things from one perspective. He believes that his opinion of what makes a great match is all that matters.

‘Kenny gets irritated that he doesn’t get the acknowledgment that he wants, so he lashes out. He is fueled by the need to be recognized’

He has this chip on his shoulder, ‘If I try harder than Tanahashi, I’m better than Tanahashi’. Kenny gets irritated that he doesn’t get the acknowledgment that he wants, so he lashes out. He is fueled by the need to be recognized.

Of course, it’s important to have a thrilling match, but at the same time, that’s not all that pro-wrestling is about. It’s not only about how long you’ve been doing it. It’s not an ‘iron-man contest’. It all comes down to a pin-fall or a submission. That is why sometimes you go for a roll-up or a tap-out, depending on the situation.

It’s a thrilling interview that really ups the intensity for Friday’s main event. Who do you think will win?