Hiroshi Tanahashi Comments on Hiromu Takahashi Leaving NJPW

As noted, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) recently confirmed that former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi will be leaving the company after The New Beginning in Osaka. NJPW President and former wrestler Hiroshi Tanahashi has since commented on the news via New Japan’s website.

Tanahashi explained that Takahashi has a desire for “personal growth” and testing his potential. He wrote the following:

“Today, it was announced that Hiromu Takahashi will be leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

I’m sure fans were surprised. We’ve had several discussions since the start of this year.

It was about his desire for further personal growth and testing his potential.

It’s hard to just accept it and say, ‘Oh, I see! Good luck!’ Hiromu is a popular wrestler, and I’d be happy to have him. But his feelings were very strong

What do you think is the best part of a professional wrestler’s job?

Winning. Becoming champion. Getting the crowd hyped. Making money. All correct answers, but there’s one more. It’s “challenging your own potential.” Strangely enough, I never imagined two wrestlers who debuted in 2009 would find themselves in this situation at the same time. The future really is unpredictable.

With these departures continuing, some people are starting to ask, ‘Hey! Is New Japan okay?’

He’s a popular wrestler, so there’s bound to be anxiety. Even at yesterday’s Korakuen Hall show, I saw many fans holding Hiromu merchandise and support boards.

It’s a difficult situation, but I want to be a president who can send off wrestlers who have found new goals.

There are temporary emotional ups and downs, but I imagine the current roster doesn’t appreciate excessive worry either… I certainly wouldn’t like it if I were still active.

The timing of this announcement, just before his final match in Osaka, came from Hiromu’s request to “express his gratitude to the fans.” I sincerely hope you can understand.

Go expand your dreams, Hiromu-chan. Go out there and give it your all.”

Takahashi’s final NJPW match takes place on February 11 in Osaka. He will team with Taiji Ishimori against Jakob Austin Young & Francesco Akira.