Right now, professional wrestling legend Scott Hall is in very rough shape. At the time of writing, his family has taken him off life support following a series of heart attacks, but Hall is continuing to fight – while all around the world, fans and wrestlers share their good wishes and memories of their time with Scott Hall. This could also include NJPW legend Hiroshi Tanahashi, who met Hall very early in his career.
Hiroshi Tanahashi Wrestled Scott Hall Back In 2001
Their sole match came all the way back in 2001. Hiroshi Tanahashi was just two years into his career – and Scott Hall was finding his footing after the collapse of WCW. Having made his way to All Japan Pro Wrestling, Hall would unsuccessfully challenge Keiji Mutoh for the Triple Crown Championship – and would face a rookie in Tanahashi, getting rolled up for the finish.
Remembering the match as part of the ‘Aces High’ series on NJPW1972.com, Tanahashi would have the following to say about Scott Hall.
“Tanahash: I was really confident in myself. I wanted to show the AJPW fans the kind of young talent that NJPW could produce, and I thought I might be able to steal some fans away from them.
Interviewer: That was September 8, and the next night on September 9 in Chiba, you rolled up Scott Hall. That was a huge win for you; earlier that same year Hall had challenged for Keiji Muto’s Triple Crown Championship and here you were less than two years in with a victory over him.
Tanahashi: He was a big deal in America. I was always a fan of his, I remember watching his matches with Shawn Michaels in the WWF over and over. A classical type, had the flashiness and character where it counted, and a classical style when it came to getting it done in the ring.”
Hall Didn’t Linger In Japan
Ultimately, Scott Hall would not linger in Japan for long. He’d make his way back to the United States, working for WWE, Impact Wrestling, and more. Hall would retire from the ring in 2010. He would spend the rest of his career in a legend role – showing up at autograph signings, and to assist Sting at Wrestleamania.
Hall technically won the DDT Iron Man Heavy Metal Title from Chuck Taylor in 2016, but that wasn’t exactly a match. Right now, fans everywhere are hoping the life of Hall is far from over, and that his condition will continue to improve. What are your favorite career moments of Scott Hall? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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