New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Hiroshi Tanahashi recently spoke with Justin Barrasso for Sports Illustrated Extra Mustard’s Week In Wrestling – Five Questions.
Tanahashi talks about facing Kenny Omega this month in the first-ever NJPW ladder match, his goals for the rest of the year, and more. You can read some highlights below:
Tanahashi talks about his goals for 2016:
I hope to become Ring of Honor world champion. If I get the opportunity to become champion, then I’ll come back to the United States every month and wrestle. Soon, I will also challenge [IWGP heavyweight champion] Naito. Unlike Naito, I respect the IWGP championship belt. For now, I am focused on Kenny Omega.
Tanahashi comments on facing Kenny Omega in New Japan’s first ladder match:
I’ve watched Shawn Michaels’ ladder match against Razor Ramon for inspiration. Now I fight against Omega in a ladder match in Osaka in a date for the Intercontinental title. Sometimes, Kenny Omega uses second and third members from Bullet Club. But this June, I’m going to beat all of Bullet Club. I wish I had Shawn Michaels in my corner.
Who did Tanahashi name as his favorite wrestler?
When I became a wrestler, I watched Shawn Michaels every night I could. I love Shawn Michaels’s style. Someone once called me the “Japanese Shawn Michaels,” and I was proud to hear that. I’d be too nervous to wrestle him.
Tanahashi comments on his shoulder, how he thinks he will fare in the match:
Pro wrestling is a fight. Sometimes, it is entertainment but deeper than that, it is fighting. I have fought many times, many long matches. I have even been hurt by Kenny Omega. I may be hurt, but I’ll be OK–but I’m never tired.
