Kazuchika Okada reportedly wanted Takami Ohbari out as NJPW President; Hiroshi Tanahashi was appointed as his successor.
As previously announced, Hiroshi Tanahashi has been appointed as the new president, as Takami Ohbari stepped down in the aftermath of a shareholder and Board of Directors meeting.
In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer addressed the situation and wrote that top stars leaving for other companies, and the failure to sell out the G1 Finals, were factors in the change, but there were also issues with staff and talent. (H/t Ian Carey of F4WOnline.com)
Meltzer wrote that Ohbari had heat with several in the company, including former world champion Kazuchika Okada. Okada reportedly wanted Ohbari out. Sources stated that Ohbari “never really understood” the wrestling business and did not respect Okada’s value.
Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated previously reported that Kazuchika Okaka will be a free agent in January. Per Barrasso, he is considering leaving NJPW.
WrestleZone will provide more information as it becomes available.
