Hiroshi Tanahashi, affectionately nicknamed the "Ace," is a prominent figure in the world of professional wrestling, having made significant contributions as a wrestler, sports executive, and podcaster. He is currently the president and representative director of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Tanahashi began his wrestling journey in 1999 after finishing his training at the NJPW Dojo and later ventured to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in the U.S. His illustrious career culminated with his final match on January 4, 2026, where he faced off against his longstanding rival, Kazuchika Okada, at Wrestle Kingdom 20.
Over the years, Tanahashi amassed an impressive collection of titles, including eight reigns as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, two as the IWGP Intercontinental Champion, and three as the IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion. He also held the NEVER Openweight Championship, the NJPW World Television Championship, and was a six-time NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Champion. His tournament accolades include victories in the prestigious G1 Climax on three occasions (2007, 2015, 2018) and the New Japan Cup twice (2005, 2008), marking him as the fourth wrestler to achieve NJPW’s Triple Crown and the second to complete its Grand Slam.
Beyond NJPW, Tanahashi's accolades extend to international titles, including the RevPro Undisputed British Heavyweight Championship and tag team championships in CMLL. He is often hailed as a key figure in NJPW's resurgence during the 2000s and early 2010s, celebrated for his exceptional in-ring talent and lasting impact on the industry, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers in history.
