A LIVING LEGACY:
TWENTY YEARS OF THE ACE
By Jasmine Olan
On October 9, 1999 a talented young lion from the town of Ogaki in Gifu prefecture made his in ring debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling. That young lion was Hiroshi Tanahashi. That day marked the beginning of a historic career for the future Ace Of The Universe. Over the next twenty years, Tanahashi would go on to become one of NJPW’s most beloved stars and come to represent everything the lion’s mark stands for. He would also become a highly respected mentor and locker room leader. During New Japan’s darkest days, Tanahashi would carry the promotion on his back and lead New Japan into a brand new era of growth and success.
His influence can be seen in the generations of wrestlers who’ve followed him from joshi icon, Io Shirai to NJPW young lion, Yota Tsuji who is currently paired with him as an assistant. Tanahashi is also revered by the Golden Star, Kota Ibushi who views him as a wrestling god. His passion for wrestling and his loyalty to New Japan have earned him the respected of fans and critics around the world.
Throughout his storied career, Tanahashi has been part of some of the greatest rivalries in New Japan history. His decade long feud with the King Of Strong Style, Shinsuke Nakamura helped bring NJPW out of its dark ages. His epic rivalry with the Rainmaker, Kazuchika Okada helped take the company into what is becoming its most successful era. He also shares a close bond with his fans and fellow wrestlers. Many of NJPW’s young lions go to Tanahashi for advice when they need it. This is largely due to his patient and understanding approach to dealing with them. He always tries his best to lead by example.
For years Tanahashi has been praised for his tenacity and fighting spirit. Through all the highs and lows he has experienced his positive outlook and perseverance have never gone away. He is renowned for that. When meeting fans, Tanahashi is always warm and sweet with a great sense of humor. When he wins a big match, his signature call of “Aishitemasu (I love you)!” echoes through the arena.
Tanahashi’s career has been built upon passion, loyalty, and love. The Ace remains a prime example of how to fight from underneath as well as what a champion should be. Even without the prestigious IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt around his waist, fans still give him that moniker out of respect. Tanahashi has not only made history, he has helped pave the way for others as well, and he did all of that before the age of forty. The twenty year bond he has created with fans will remain strong for a long time to come. In those twenty years, a living legacy has been built that will no doubt continue to grow.
