ONE FOR THE AGES:
TANAHASHI VS. NAKAMURA
By Jasmine Olan
Many of professional wrestling’s greatest stories are centered around iconic rivalries. Some of those classic feuds even go on to become an invaluable part of their promotion’s history. When it comes to wrestling rivalries, New Japan Pro Wrestling has gotten it right in a way that few others ever have with its compelling and relatable stories which involve many of the greatest wrestlers of their generations. From Mutoh vs. Chono to Okada vs. Omega, these feuds are part of what has made NJPW number one in It’s home country and number two in the entire world. One of its best rivalries ever is one that was created over the course of ten years and revolved around two performers who were being built up to carry the banner for the company as its biggest stars, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura.
The Ace Of The Universe, Hiroshi Tanahashi has been one of the biggest icons of the international wrestling scene for the better part of two decades. Throughout his legendary career, he has been part of some of the greatest rivalries of pro wrestling’s modern era. His oldest feud and one of his best was against the charismatic King Of Strong Style, Shinsuke Nakamura. It was a rivalry that began during their time as young lions in the New Japan dojo. The two along with fellow young lion, Katsuyori Shibata were dubbed the “new three musketeers” after the legendary Keiji Mutoh, Masahiro Chono, and Shinya Hashimoto. While Shibata would leave New Japan in 2005 Tanahashi and Nakamura remained and their rivalry would go on to carry the promotion through its darkest times.
In the beginning, Tanahashi and Nakamura were a tag team at one point and found success as IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions in 2003. As the two went on to find singles success, a heated feud began between them. They went to war over the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and later the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. They would each become synonymous with both titles. Their rivalry was a much needed shot in the arm for New Japan in the early to mid 2000s which were some of the darkest times for the company.
Things would begin to turn around as the Once In A Century Talent and the King Of Strong Style continued to go to war. It would be a war very reminiscent of the one between their mentors, Keiji Mutoh and Masahiro Chono with hard hitting and critically acclaimed matches. Tanahashi and Nakamura both became icons as a result of this rivalry which lasted until 2015 when the two went head to head in the finals of the prestigious G1 Climax tournament. At the heart of their war of attrition was passion. That passion was on full display in their match at G1 25. When it was over, Nakamura raised his long time rival’s hand in a show of respect essentially bringing their ten year feud to an end.
The rivalry between Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura was like no other. Together they managed to capture the hearts and imaginations of fans as they set the wrestling world on fire. Their in ring chemistry was pure magic, and fans loved every moment of every match. New Japan Pro Wrestling’s history would not be what it is now without these two. They were able to set the best possible example for future generations. That example can be seen in the current class of young lions who are hungrier than ever and ready to make their mark. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura made magic in the ring and became living legends as a result. This is further proof of the success of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s long term booking style. Decades from now fans and critics alike will still be talking about how their rivalry was one for the ages.
