When it comes down to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), there is one man who can always be trusted to steal a show on a good night. He’s the Ace of the Universe, a once in a century talent – Hiroshi Tanahashi. One of the greatest babyfaces of all time, Tanahashi can get a crowd in tears before roaring on their feet with a comeback – and he’s been doing this for 22 years now.
October 10th, 1999 – Hiroshi Tanahashi Made His Debut
On October 10th, 1999 at NJPW Final Dome 1999 Eve, a Young Lion Hiroshi Tanahashi would make his debut. He’d face Shinya Makabe, who would later go on to be renamed as Togi Makabe – one of the most popular wrestlers in all of Japan in his own right. This went down in Korakuen Hall, a venue that Tanahashi would wrestle in 394 times since – with the latest being a loss to Chase Owens in the G1 Climax.
He would get to defend the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in that same venue, which must have felt like his career coming full circle. That was first done successfully against Yuij Nagata in 2011, though he lost the belt to Manabu Nakanishi there in 2009. Overall, no one could have expected the career that would come from this unassuming Young Lion. No one ever knows which Young Lions will be stars, which is what makes following their careers so interesting.
Fan Outpouring For ThHiroshi Tanahashiis Anniversary, and More Great Moments & Matches To Come
Taking to Twitter to thank his fans globally, he would say the following. “October 10, 1999. I made my debut as a professional wrestler at Korakuen Hall. Thank you for all the support, congratulations, and photos😊I’ll keep working hard.” Fans had showered him in love and fan art for this milestone, which has you wondering what will come when he hits 25 years in 2024.
Tanahashi is currently the IWGP United States Champion, having won it from Lance Archer, and since defended against Kota Ibushi in the main event of MetLife Dome. He’s having an okay run in this years G1 Climax, but has a heavy challenge in Jeff Cobb coming up very soon. Tanahashi also has Jon Moxley looking for a match with him – something fans are hopeful to see at one of the three Wrestle Kingdom shows in January.
What is your favorite Hiroshi Tanahashi match over his 22 year career? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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