Tanahashi: The Next Muto??

[naterob2003]

I was reading some stuff on puroresufan.com and stumbled across an article about tanahashi and he all but says that he wants to be the next mutoh.

Hiroshi Tanahashi is in the process of trying to make himself a "perfect wrestler", and spoke of his plans today. Tanahashi said that although he lost in the G1 final, he gained vital experience and confidence to move him closer to the top. With upcoming singles matches against Nagata and Minoru Suzuki on days one and two of the September tour, Tanahashi has maintained his bodily condition that earned him so much G1 success, and said he would show the difference between the G1 runner-up and those who didn't make the final six (Nagata and Suzuki). His main plan remains to achieve those things he recently cited - a match with Muto, a re-challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Title, and a tag team with Fujinami. He is polishing his style, because he wants to pursue the "nature" of pro wrestling that the likes of Inoki, Fujinami, Choshu, and the 3 Musketeers acquired. He's looking to find original moves that will be equal to Inoki's Octopus hold, Choshu's Riki lariat, and Fujinami's Dragon system techniques. He's also devising a "pause" like Muto's "Puroresu LOVE" to add to his character, as well as catchphrases like his former "never giving up" one. He sees "DEVILOCK NIGHT PRO-WRESTLING" as a chance to expand his horizons as a pro wrestler, as he becomes a masked character for the first time. Tanahashi was charmed by masked men such as Black Tiger (Eddie Guerrero) and Pegasus Kid (Chris Benoit) during his high school days, and actually planned to become a masked character called Kamen Rider Kuga once upon a time. He also suggested removing his ban on the Skytwister press, which he used in second rope form a few years ago, and may pull that out when he, as Masked Devilock, does battle with BAPE STA!!'s THE APEMAN at Korakuen Hall. Expectations have increased for Tanahashi, after his G1 success, and he has pledged to work as hard as possible to become a "signboard wrestler" of New Japan, who is recognized as a top star by all, and becomes a leading figure in the industry.

This masked "gimmick" is his way of having an alterior identity to let his wilder side come out. I am not suprised about his comments either about his goals; defeat muto, get the iwgp, and make a tag team with he and fujinami. I called it though... . Oh well, this is great news for a tanahashi fan like myself. I am going to predict that this new gimmick will take off and that we will all see it again in the near future.

All credit goes to SSS at puroresufan.com... thanks for the article.

[Luds]

Tanahashi is a fantastic wrestler. He's near the top of the mountain right now, and only needs a few months, maybe a year to be a main event heavyweight. I sure hope to see him wrestle Mutoh.

[naterob2003]

I am going to predict that you are going to see tenzan win the belt and carry a fued with chono on the major stage. After that i think the title is tanahashi's. I hope at least!!

[Pheonix_Chi25]

I agree. Tenzan/Chono is going to highlight New Japan well into 2005, then somewhere in the fall of 05 Tanahashi will win the title and become the second member of the new 3M's (Nakamura being the first) to carry the IWGP title.

[edgehead1984]

He will hold the title before the end of next year...maybe it will next year he wins the G1...

[Luds]

I sure hope you guys are right!

Here's what I'd like to see happen:

- Tenzan to defeat Fujita at a Dome show
- Tenzan holds the title against Nakanishi, Nishimura, Chono, Tanahashi, Nakamura, Shibata, Nagata, Sasaki.
- Tenzan drops to Tanahashi

[Haiku Warrior]

Tanahashi is great but some time will do him good. He'll challenge for the title (early 05?) and not win but show great spirit. Hopefully he'll wrestle Muto and beat him (spring 05?), maybe he'll tag with Fujinami (summer 05??). The title will be his sooner or later. My guess is 1/4/06. (Remember I predicted Tenzen as 1/4/04 and was off by 2 months...)