Finn Balor Praises Hiroshi Tanahashi on the Eve of His Retirement from NJPW

Finn balor Pays Tribute to hiroshi Tanahashi Ahead of Retirement

In a candid interview, WWE Superstar Finn Balor shared his admiration for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) legend Hiroshi Tanahashi, who is preparing to retire. Tanahashi, a cornerstone of NJPW, is set to conclude his illustrious career at the Tokyo Dome in January 2026. Balor, who rose to prominence in NJPW as Prince Devitt, reflected on the impact Tanahashi had on his career and on the wrestling world.

Balor expressed his thankfulness for tanahashi, acknowledging his unbelievable career. He also reminisced about his time in NJPW, highlighting the camaraderie and support he received. Balor is returning to Japan next month with WWE for two live events, and he reflected on the passion of Japanese wrestling fans.

A Message of Gratitude

Balor conveyed a heartfelt message to Tanahashi, thanking him for his mentorship and kindness. “You’ve had an incredible career,” Balor stated. He specifically mentioned how Tanahashi, and other senior figures in NJPW, helped foreign wrestlers feel welcome and supported. This supportive surroundings played a key role in Balor’s rapid adaptation to the rigors of professional wrestling in a new country. He emphasized the welcoming atmosphere of NJPW, which helped him feel at home despite the challenges of a new language and culture.

The Upcoming WWE Japan Tour

Reflecting on his upcoming return to Japan,Balor expressed his excitement about performing in front of the passionate Japanese fans.”Performing in Japan is always a joy and an honor,” Balor explained. He highlighted the respect and knowledge of the Japanese wrestling audience, noting that they are quick to recognize talent.He acknowledged that his in-ring style has evolved as his NJPW days but expressed his desire to showcase the skills he honed during his time there.

Key Moments in Tanahashi’s Career

Achievement	Details
IWGP Heavyweight Championship Reigns	Held the title a record eight times.
Match of the Year Awards	Won multiple awards for his matches.
Current Role	President of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Did You Know? Hiroshi Tanahashi has been a dominant force in NJPW for over two decades, captivating audiences with his charisma and in-ring excellence.

Looking Ahead

While Tanahashi prepares to step away from the ring, he remains actively involved with NJPW as its president, a position he’s held as December 2023.His continued guidance promises to shape the future of the promotion.

Pro Tip: Always respect wrestling legends like Tanahashi by acknowledging their contributions to the sport.

Evergreen Insights: The Legacy of Tanahashi

Hiroshi Tanahashi’s career is a masterclass in longevity and excellence. His dedication and skill served as an inspiration to many wrestlers. Tanahashi’s ability to consistently deliver outstanding performances and his influence on the wrestling landscape are undeniable. His contributions extend beyond the ring, as he continues to shape the future of NJPW.

Tanahashi’s legacy is not just about championships and accolades; it’s about the impact he had on the wrestling world. His work ethic and commitment helped elevate NJPW to new heights, and his influence can be seen in the current generation of wrestlers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hiroshi tanahashi’s role in NJPW? Tanahashi is the current president of New Japan Pro-Wrestling,a role he has held since December 2023.

When is Hiroshi Tanahashi retiring? Tanahashi is scheduled to retire at the Tokyo Dome in January 2026.

Where will the upcoming WWE live events in Japan take place? The WWE shows will be held at Sumo hall in Tokyo.

What did Finn Balor say about Tanahashi’s impact on foreign wrestlers? Balor expressed gratitude for Tanahashi’s support of foreign wrestlers, highlighting the welcoming environment.

When will WWE be returning to Japan? WWE will host live events in Japan next month, October 2025.

What is Finn Balor doing in Japan? Balor will be performing in WWE live events in Japan in October 2025.

What is the Tokyo dome known for? The Tokyo Dome is a famous venue for wrestling events, including Tanahashi’s retirement match.

What are your favorite Hiroshi Tanahashi matches? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How did Finn Balor’s time in NJPW, influenced by observing Hiroshi Tanahashi, specifically impact his in-ring style and character advancement?

A Legacy of Respect: Balor Reflects on Tanahashi’s Impact

As Hiroshi Tanahashi prepares to hang up his boots after nearly three decades in professional wrestling, tributes have been pouring in from across the industry. Among the most poignant is a statement from Finn Balor, who shared his deep respect and admiration for “The Ace” of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Balor’s comments, made on September 24th, 2025, highlight Tanahashi’s influence not only on NJPW but on the global wrestling landscape. The relationship between Balor and Tanahashi, forged through competition and mutual respect, is a key element in understanding the significance of this moment.

The Early Encounters: Balor & Tanahashi in NJPW

Finn Balor’s initial run in NJPW (2013-2014) coincided with Tanahashi’s reign as a dominant force. While thay didn’t clash in a major singles match during that period, Balor consistently spoke of Tanahashi as an inspiration.

* Early Impressions: Balor often referenced Tanahashi’s work ethic and in-ring storytelling as pivotal in his own development as a performer. He admired Tanahashi’s ability to connect with the audience and consistently deliver main event-level matches.

* Shared Opponents: both Balor and Tanahashi frequently faced off against similar opponents, like Shinsuke Nakamura and Tetsuya Naito, providing a shared context for their careers within NJPW.

* The IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Balor’s pursuit of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, a title Tanahashi had held multiple times, underscored the respect he had for the championship’s prestige and Tanahashi’s legacy.

Balor’s Praise: Key Quotes and Themes

Balor’s recent statement, released via social media and picked up by wrestling news outlets, focused on several key themes: Tanahashi’s resilience, his dedication to the fans, and his role in elevating NJPW to international prominence.

* Resilience and Longevity: “Hiroshi Tanahashi is the definition of resilience. To perform at the highest level for so long, to overcome so many injuries, and to consistently reinvent himself… it’s truly remarkable,” balor stated. This speaks to Tanahashi’s numerous comebacks from significant injuries throughout his career.

* Fan Connection: Balor emphasized Tanahashi’s unparalleled connection with the NJPW fanbase. “He is New Japan Pro-Wrestling to so many people. He understands the responsibility that comes with that,and he delivers every single time.”

* Global Impact: “Tanahashi-san was instrumental in bringing New Japan to a global audience. His matches,his charisma… they transcended language barriers and captivated fans worldwide.” This highlights Tanahashi’s role in NJPW’s expansion into markets like the United States and Europe.

* Influence on a Generation: balor acknowledged Tanahashi’s influence on a generation of wrestlers, including himself. “He set a standard for professionalism, in-ring performance, and dedication to the craft. Many of us aspire to reach his level.”

Tanahashi’s Influence on Balor’s Career Trajectory

While Balor ultimately found success in WWE, his time in NJPW, and the presence of Tanahashi, undeniably shaped his career.

1. In-Ring Style: Observers noted a shift in Balor’s in-ring style during his NJPW run, incorporating more strong-style elements and a greater emphasis on storytelling – traits synonymous with Tanahashi’s approach.
2. Character Development: Balor’s “Demon” persona, while originating before his NJPW stint, gained further prominence and refinement during his time in Japan, potentially influenced by the dramatic presentation often seen in Tanahashi’s matches.
3. Global Exposure: NJPW provided Balor with a platform to showcase his talents to a wider audience, ultimately leading to his signing with WWE. Tanahashi’s own international profile helped elevate the overall visibility of NJPW, benefiting all performers on the roster.

The “Tanahashi Style”: A Lasting Legacy

The term “Tanahashi Style” has become synonymous with a specific approach to professional wrestling: a blend of athleticism, dramatic storytelling, and unwavering dedication to the fans.Key characteristics include:

* High-Impact Offense: Tanahashi is known for his powerful moves, including the High Fly Flow finishing maneuver.

* Dramatic Comebacks: His matches often feature compelling comebacks from seemingly insurmountable odds.

* Emotional Storytelling: Tanahashi excels at conveying emotion and connecting with the audience on a personal level.

* Respect for Tradition: He embodies the spirit of puroresu (Japanese professional wrestling), emphasizing respect for opponents and the history of the sport.

Looking