NJPW Superstar Hiroshi Tanahashi Talks Nakamura Going To WWE, Wanting The ROH Championship, Criticizes ROH’s In-Ring Style

Interviews, News

New Japan Pro Wrestling star Hiroshi Tanahashi, who will be working with Ring of Honor as part of ROH and NJPW’s new relationship, recently spoke with Justin Barasso of Sports illustrated’s Extra Mustard. Here are some highlights:

On Shinsuke Nakamura signing with WWE:

“I was very surprised he would go to WWE. I can’t replace him, and nobody can be like him. Nakamura is an original.”

On if WWE has reached out to him?:
“WWE has never reached out to me. I watch WWE sometimes. They are good–they do not move too fast. But there has been no contact. I’m happy in New Japan. I have loyalty, and I love New Japan. That is all.”

On his goal in ROH:

“I want the ROH championship. I want Jay Lethal’s title. When I get his belt, I’ll defend it in the U.S. and I’ll defend it on all the big shows in New Japan.”

Criticism of ROH’s in-ring style:

“The ROH style is too fast. Everything is too fast, too quick. This one, next one, bam. You need to give the audience time to cheer. The audience cannot think when it is too fast. I hate when the style is too fast. There’s no limit when that happens.”

I've been following wrestling for almost 30 years now, and the metal scene for even longer. And let's just say that all that head-banging has left me with some weird ideas that i will share with you from time to time. Aren't you glad?