Hiroshi Tanahashi will miss more action.
A day after dropping the NJPW World Television Championship to Matt Riddle, New Japan Pro-Wrestling revealed that Hiroshi Tanahashi would be unable to compete at NJPW New Beginning in Sapporo show on February 24 due to an injury sustained to his right ankle. While Tanahashi was sidelined from action, he was present at the commentary desk for the event. As such, newly-minted IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion Nic Nemeth then challenged Tanahashi to face him for his title once he recovered. NJPW later confirmed Tanahashi vs. Nemeth for NJPW Sakura Genesis on April 6.
Unfortunately for Tanahashi, his injury appears to be more serious than initially thought.
Earlier today, NJPW announced that, upon further examination, Tanahashi’s ankle injury will need more time to heal. As a result, Tanahashi has been pulled from the upcoming New Japan Cup series as well as Sakura Genesis. His IWGP Global Championship match with Nemeth will also be postponed until a later date yet to be determined.
Card Changes
Tanahashi was previously announced for the March 6 and March 10 shows in the New Japan Cup series. On March 6, Tanahashi would have teamed with Tomohiro Ishii, El Desperado, and Boltin Oleg to take on Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI. With Tanahashi now out, Hirooki Goto will step up to fill in. On March 10, Tanahashi was slated to compete alongside YOH, El Desperado, and Shota Umino in another team bout. In this case, Boltin Oleg will replace him.
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